Jo Gunn Enterprises Recalls Omnidirectional Cb Antennas

The CPSC is not aware of any injuries or deaths involving the Jo Gunn Omnidirectional CB Antennas. About 500 antenna-related electrocutions have been estimated to have occurred since 1976 as a result of CB antennas are being put up or taken down.

The CPSC investigation revealed that the five models of omnidirectional CB antennas fail to comply with the agency's mandatory safety standard and labeling requirements. The standard is intended to reduce the electrocution hazard if the antenna should accidentally contact a power line while being removed or installed. The standard requires labeling on the product and its packaging warning about the electrocution hazard and further requires instructions for safe installation.

Jo Gunn Enterprises distributed approximately 92 of the affected antennas nationwide. Model and company name appear on the shipping carton and instruction sheet. No labeling appears on the antenna.

Retailers who still have these antennas in stock should return them to Jo Gunn Enterprises immediately for refund. Consumers owning any of these antennas which have not been installed should return them to the dealer for a full refund. Consumers who have already installed the antennas should leave them alone. These persons can obtain a warning sticker label/hang tag to be placed in a conspicuous location on the product to warn future users about the potential hazard. The sticker label/hang tag can be obtained by calling Jo Gunn Enterprises at 205-658-2595 or writing the firm at Route 1, Box 383, Ethelsville, AL 35461. As a normal practice, individuals planning to install or take down a CB antenna should first contact their local power company for advice if overhead wires pass through the neighborhood.