RECEIVED FROM VENCO ON 22/8 WITH FOLLOW UP ON 25/8:

Further to our last email, we are very sorry to have to inform you that we are in the position of having to issue another product recall, this time pertaining to the Direct Drive, and also possibly the No.7 electronic wheel.This is as a result of investigations following an incident that occurred recently which may cause an electric shock where a wire is loose or broken within the foot pedal.

Following advice, we would recommend that you instruct all customers in the manner you best see fit, with the knowledge that we are looking at a time period of 15-20 years.

We advise that they do not use the machines until they are inspected.

We advise that with power off, the pedal is visually inspected, and check that the nut is tight, all three wires attached to the potentiometer, and wires not twisted. Also, that they inspect the plastic casing and ensure no cracks or breakage,and that the seal in intact with no signs of moisture present inside the pedal. We suggest that you advise all customers that they are responsible for the care of their pedals, and that they are regularly tagged and tested if required for their purpose, and that RCD’s are present in all buildings.

We are devising a solution quickly but this may take 4-6 weeks. As we are again going through the correct processes we will require documentation of customers to whom a kit will be posted to. 

In the interim, we have halted sales.

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Further to our last email regarding the recall, could you all please ensure that it is specified in the notice to customers that Mains Power is switched off, and cord unplugged, BEFORE inspecting the pedal.

Individual organisations will have their own individual policies and procedures to follow regarding electrical safety.

Further Email from Venco dated 27 August 2019

RECALL- Direct Drive and No.7 pottery wheels.

A fault has been identified in the above wheels, whereby an electric shock can be sustained through the foot pedal. This can occur if the wiring INSIDE the pedal becomes detached from the potentiometer or corroded as a result of moisture ingress AND then touches on the metal rod at the top of the pedal.

The most common cause of disruption to the internal wiring is through damage, usually sustained through pedals being dropped/misused. This can cause detachment of wires, break the plastic casing and seal, allowing moisture ingress and corrosion. Wires can also twist and potentially break if the nut at the back of the pedal becomes loose.

We advise a visual inspection of the pedal AFTER turning mains power off, and unplugging machine from wall/power board.

WAIT FOR RED “STAND BY” light to go off. THIS COULD TAKE UP TO 15 SECONDS.

1. Inspect the outer casing, ensuring there are no cracks, and that there are no signs of moisture inside the pedal.

2. Inspect the wires and ensure they are not detached from the potentiometer (small grey or blue plastic device), broken or twisted in any way.

3. Ensure nut at back of pedal is tightly fastened. If satisfied with the above, ongoing use is at the owners, discretion. General care of the equipment is important, and if a commercial operation or educational institution, wheels should be regularly tagged and tested.

RCD’s also need to be present in all buildings.

We are devising a remedy and will notify when it is available Apologies to all our loyal customers