Health Canada is recalling a brand of electrical wire splices, also known as butt splice connectors, because the splice can fail to hold the wires together, posing a shock and fire hazard.

The recalled butt splices, sold in packages of 50 under Gardner Bender model number 10-126, are used to connect size 12-10 AWG electrical wires together end-to-end.

The splices are small cylinders covered with yellow vinyl insulation, about 2.5 cm long and 8 mm in diameter. "12-10" is stamped in ink on the side of the splices.

Mississauga, Ont.-based importer, Gardner Bender, has received two reports of recalled butt splices failing to hold wires together. No injuries have been reported.

About 5,000 packages of the electrical wire splices were sold in Canada at electrical distributors, hardware stores and home centres between June 2005 and April 2008.

Consumers should immediately stop using the splices.

For more information, contact Gardner Bender Customer Service toll free for free replacement splices at 800-624-4320 extension 5451 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Recall notice

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