CPSC, MCM International Announce Recall of Electric Pressure Washers
Source: CPSC Recall #02086
Recall Date
2002-01-23
Manufacturer
MCM International, of Eden Prairie, Minn.
Units Affected
About 50,000
Products Involved
Black Cat™ Electric Pressure Washers
Hazard
MCM International imported the pressure washers from a manufacturer in China, who installed counterfeit ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plugs on some of the units, without MCM's approval. All of the plugs are labeled "WELLONG"; however, the pressure washers with counterfeit "WELLONG" GFCI plugs appear virtually identical to those with genuine "WELLONG" GFCIs. It will require a professional inspection to identify the counterfeit GFCIs. GFCIs are important safety devices that are intended
Remedy
Consumers should stop using these pressure washers and discard the product. A remedy is no longer available.
Reported Injuries
CPSC and MCM International have not received any reports of incidents in which the GFCI plugs failed to operate. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
Sold At
Target and Menard's stores nationwide sold these pressure washers, from August 2001 to September 2001, for between $85 and $100.
Manufactured In
China
Full Recall Description
The recalled Black Cat™ pressure washers have a sticker with a cat and the words "Black-Cat" on each side of the unit. The model numbers - either BC-2000 or TW-1750 - can be found on a label on the right side of the power station. The label also reads in part, "Made in China," "High Pressure Cleaning Machines," and the "Production Date" (which should fall between March 2001 and July 2001). The GFCI plugs have a green "Reset" button and a blue "Test" button - some plugs also have a label that reads "CONNECT TO INDIVIDUAL BRANCH CIRCUIT ONLY." On the back of the GFCI plug near the electrical prongs are the words "WELLONG" and "Rainproof." CPSC reminds consumers that any electrical product that is used near water should contain a GFCI, in the plug or outlet. Prior to the implementation of the voluntary standard calling for the inclusion of GFCI plugs with high-pressure cleaning machines, there were several electrocution deaths and injuries. These incidents did not involve the Black Cat pressure washer.
Data source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via SaferProducts.gov.
For the most current recall information, check directly with CPSC or the manufacturer.
Last verified: 2026-03-28