Pocketwizard Issues PowerMC2 Safety Notice

From Pocketwizard:

South Burlington, VT - May 14, 2014 - We have identified a potentially hazardous issue with the PocketWizard PowerMC2 receiver when used in combination with the Paul C. Buff Einstein E640 flash units, especially the CE/433 MHz version sold in Europe. You may have received a previous message from Paul C. Buff, Inc. regarding this issue.

In rare circumstances, if the PowerMC2 is connected to the Einstein flash and the Einstein flash is connected to a power outlet, exposed metal components like the USB port or antenna spring on the PowerMC2 can become electrified, posing a potentially serious shock hazard. If the PowerMC2’s antenna cover is broken, removed, or in any way damaged, DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY and contact PocketWizard.

Customers in the United States may continue to safely use the Einstein flash and PowerMC2 with the power cord supplied by Paul C. Buff and a properly wired USA-style three-pronged power outlet (NEMA 5) or with the Vagabond battery pack. If a properly wired NEMA 5 power outlet is unavailable in your location, ALWAYS UNPLUG THE FLASH PRIOR TO HANDLING THE POWERMC2.

1-877-393-004 The issue has been corrected for all PowerMC2 units sold by PocketWizard’s authorized distributor in the USA after February 15, 2014. Customers owning affected units are advised to immediately contact PocketWizard Technical Support toll free 1-877-393-00451-877-393-0045 or via our inquiry page to arrange for the return of affected units for free servicing to reduce the risk of electrical shock. We urge you to contact us regardless of the condition of your PowerMC2. We greatly apologize for this inconvenience.

Affected units:

All units with the CE logo on the back, or any serial number beginning M2Cxxxxxxx are affected and correctable.

Units with the FCC logo on the back and with a serial number M2U192000 or lower are affected and correctable.

Corrected units:

Units sold by PocketWizard’s authorized distributor in the USA after February 15th, 2014, or have serial number M2U194000 and higher, already have corrective safety features and warnings installed. Identifying features are “www.pwpatents.com” on the serial number sticker, and a yellow warning label.

Thank you,

Patrick Clow
Technical Support Manager