Tuesday, November 03, 2015

MAKITA UPDATES WARNING ON THE HAZARDS & RISKS OF USING NON-GENUINE "KNOCK-OFF" BATTERIES

New images show a burst "knock-off" Makita battery on charger

La Mirada, CA – Makita U.S.A., Inc. has issued a clear reminder on the hazards and risks of using non-genuine "knock-off" Makita Lithium-Ion batteries with images showing a non-genuine or "knock-off" battery that burst while charging on a Makita charger.

“Makita is the innovation leader in 18 volt Lithium-Ion cordless tool technology, and we are using our leadership position to communicate to users and dealers the hazards and risks of using non-genuine 'knock-off' Makita Lithium-Ion batteries," said Ken Hefley, senior vice president, marketing. “One risk is the battery bursting. These images send a clear message: use only genuine Makita batteries.”

These images are the latest in Makita's warnings to power tool users and dealers regarding the hazards and risks of using a non-genuine or "knock-off" Makita Lithium-Ion battery. By using a non-genuine or "knock-off" Makita battery, users immediately void the Makita warranty on the tool used with the "knock-off" battery.

Other possible consequences include the risk of the battery bursting that may result in fires, personal injury, or property damage. Additional risks include possible fire damage to the tool, the battery and/or the charger, as well as unknown tool performance.

Official Statement from Makita U.S.A., Inc.

Below is the Makita U.S.A. Official Statement regarding the use of non-genuine Makita Lithium-Ion batteries.

“KNOCK-OFF” MAKITA LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES MAY BURST
CAUSING FIRES, PERSONAL INJURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE

CAUTION Makita® U.S.A., Inc. notifies tool users of the hazards and risks of using non-genuine (“knock-off”) Makita Lithium-Ion batteries.

Makita Lithium-Ion batteries are manufactured to strict standards, and are engineered with internal electronic circuitry to monitor the battery conditions when in use with Makita tools and chargers. By using a non-genuine Makita “knock-off” battery or batteries that have been altered, the sophisticated electronic communication system between the battery and charger as well as between the battery and the tool may be defeated. This will result in:

• Voiding the Makita Warranty for the Makita tool and charger

• Voiding the UL/CSA Standards approval of the tool

When using non-genuine Makita batteries, there is also a risk of:

• The battery bursting that may result in personal injury and/or property damage

• Possible fire damage to the tool, the battery and/or the charger

• Unknown tool performance

Makita bears no liability for accidents, personal injury or property damage (or damage to batteries, tools or chargers) that occurs as a result of the use of “knock-off” batteries, or batteries that have been repaired or altered in any way.

Don’t be fooled! Genuine Makita batteries are black in color, have the Makita trademark logo with Lithium-Ion identification on both sides, and have the Makita trademark logo on the bottom of the battery. “Knock-off” batteries may appear to be similar to genuine Makita batteries but have no Makita branding on them. Makita only approves the use of genuine parts and accessories with Makita tools. Makita does not approve the use of non-genuine or "knock-off" Lithium-Ion batteries which are marketed and sold by third parties for use in Makita Lithium-Ion cordless tools.

If there is any question whether your battery is a genuine Makita product, or if you have a performance issue with your Makita battery, tool, or charger, contact a Makita Factory Service Center or Authorized Service Center, or call (800)4-MAKITA.

About Makita®

Makita® is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and outdoor power equipment, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita utilizes leading-edge technology and innovation to engineer tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial power and results. Makita's extensive line of cordless lithium-ion tools includes 18V LXT® Brushless Lithium-Ion, 18V Compact Lithium-Ion, and 12V max Lithium-Ion. Other best-in-class products include rotary and demolition hammers and saws equipped with Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT®), MM4® 4-Stroke engine power equipment, Super Joint System - SJS® grinders, miter saws engineered with Deep and Exact Cutting Technology (DXT®), Impact GOLD®, the New Gold Standard in Impact Driving, and more. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or go to makitatools.com. Follow Makita: facebook.com/makitatoolspage, twitter.com/makitatools, youtube.com/makitapowertools, instagram.com/makitatools. The MAKITA TEAL COLOR is the trade dress of Makita Corporation and is protected under common law and registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The Makita Black & White color combination is the trade dress of Makita Corporation and is protected under common laws and registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Makita only approves the use of genuine parts and accessories with Makita tools. Makita does not approve the use of non-genuine or "knock-off" Lithium-Ion batteries which are marketed and sold by third parties for use in Makita Lithium-Ion cordless tools.

###

DOWNLOAD:

Download press kit (this release only)

CONTACTS:

Media:

Wayne Hart
Sr. Communications Manager
Makita U.S.A., Inc.
For additonal inquiries, please use our Online Form to route your question to the appropriate department.
CONTACT US

Consumer:

(800) 4-MAKITA
makitatools.com