SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Electrical shock / short

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20200507-D2106-2147372487. Severity: Incident, No Injury. Product: Vacmaster by Cleva VF 408 (Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner). Incident: RE: Vacmaster VF408 Wet Dry Vacuum by Cleva-na.com This concerns use of the vacuum to pick up dry items. Due to the fact that the cord is not three-prong grounded type, I have not used it to pick up liquids. Vacuum builds a static charge so large that: a) When one touches the vacuum, the discharge is strong enough to move one's arm b) The unit must be touched several times to completely discharge the built up charge. Example: If I use an alligator clip on a plastic part and touch a grounded surface, such as a cold water pipe or receptacle outlet ground prong, the spark is large and visible in daylight. The clip must be held on the grounded item for several seconds before the charge is completely dissipated. c) The charge is also evidenced by the large amount of airborne dust, hair and lint that clings to the unit. d) On one occasion, gypsum dust which was attracted to, and clung to, vacuum exploded in a small "pop". If I leave a cord clipped to the vacuum body with the other end solidly grounded, no charge builds up. Thank You for taking time to review this report. I appreciate your efforts to ensure safe products.