SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Electrical shock / short

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20160616-006BC-2147417762. Severity: Injury, Level of care not known. Product: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner NV352 (Shark Navigator Lift-Away Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner. Purple.). Incident: On 6/6 2016 I ordered a brand new shark navigator lift away vacuum, model NV352, from Home Depot. June 14, 2016 was the first time I used it. After going over the rug a few times I started getting electrical shocks! They are coming from the top part of the handle where it curves. Not the part you hold on to, but the curved part of the handle that is underneath the part you hold on to. I didn't have to actually even touch it, but it was arcing from there to my hand. This is not just small static shocks, but very strong electrical shocks, my hand and arm were tingling for about an hour after I stopped vacuuming. One was so strong that I actually let go of the vacuum handle and almost fell backwards. This is extremely dangerous. After this happened I checked on-line and found out that Shark has had other vacuums that have been recalled for a shock hazard. I contacted Shark and this was their reply to me: Dear [REDACTED], Thank you for your email. I am sorry to hear that. It is a normal occurrence and can be prevented by keeping hands moisturized, not wearing wool/polyester clothing while vacuuming. I apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. If we can be of further assistance please feel free to contact us at 1-800-798-7398, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 10:00 pm EST, as well as Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST. With regards, Customer Service Team SharkNinja Operating LLC NORMAL OCCURANCE?!! Are they crazy??!! I have been vacuuming 40+ years and this is NOT normal. I can't emphasize enough how strong these shocks were!! Plus, I moisturize my hands and I was we