Home Improvement Book Recall: Contain Wiring Instructions Errors

Nearly a million home improvement books, including books put out under the Lowe’s label, have been recalled due to faulty wiring instructions and technical diagram errors that could cause people to incorrectly install or repair electrical wiring. If the instructions are followed, it could lead to electrical shocks or fires.

The home improvement book recall was announced on January 8 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), involving a series of books published by Oxmoor House, Inc. The books were sold at home improvement stores nationwide, including Lowe’s Complete Home Improvement and Repair and Lowe’s Complete Home Wiring.

Although no injuries have been reported in connection with the books, the CPSC warns that consumers should immediately stop using the books and contact Oxmoor House to request a full refund. Some of the books have been used by consumers for years, dating back as far as 1975, while others were published last year.

Nine home improvement titles are being recalled, which the CPSC estimates affects 951,000 books. The home improvement book recall includes the following titles:

• AmeriSpec Home Repair Handbook, published January 2006.
• Lowe’s Complete Home Improvement and Repair, published September 2005 and December 1999.
• Lowe’s Complete Home Wiring, published May 2008.
• Sunset Basic Home Repairs, published February 1995 and January 1975.
• Sunset Complete Patio Book, published January 2006, January 1998, and April 1990.
• Sunset Home Repair Handbook, published October 1998 and February 1985.
• Sunset Water Gardens, published January 2004.
• Sunset You Can Build – Wiring, published January 2009.