March 4, 2009 
Springfield Wire Inc. is recalling about 13,000 Ritchie immersion heaters. The outer cover can crack and expose the heating element to water, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
SWI has received 44 reports of covers cracking. No injuries have been reported.
This recall involves the Ritchie Immersion Heaters with model numbers 17863 (120v/250w), 17939 (240v/250w or 240v/325w), and 17940 (240v/325w). The immersion heater is designed to be submerged in a cattle trough to keep the water from freezing. The model number along with SWI is printed on one side of the heating element and a sticker reading Ritchie Specialty Products is found on the other side.
The heaters were sold by Ritchie distributors nationwide from February 2007 through November 2008 for about $60 to $70. They were made in the United States and Mexico.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled immersion heater and return it to the place of purchase for a free replacement heater.
For additional information, contact Ritchie Industries at (800) 747-0222 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, visit the firms Web site at www.springfield-wire.com or contact the dealer from which the heater was purchased.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
