Guide · Router lifts
The 2014 Porter-Cable 7518/7519 recall and router lifts
What the 2014 CPSC recall of Porter-Cable 7518 and 7519 fixed-base routers covers, the remedy it states, and how it relates to the 7518 in a lift.
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Short answer
In July 2014 the CPSC announced a recall of Porter-Cable fixed-base production routers (models 7518, 7519, 7519EC and 22-7519-60) and the 75361 router base, because the base handles were not insulated. The recall covers listed units made from 1990 to April 2014 by date code, so check yours rather than assuming every unit is covered.
What the notice says
On July 2, 2014, the CPSC announced recall number 14-221 for Porter-Cable fixed-base production routers, models 7518, 7519, 7519EC and 22-7519-60, and the 75361 router base.[1] The notice states the hazard: the router base handles are not insulated, posing an electric shock hazard.[1]
The notice ties the recall to the listed models made from 1990 to April 2014, and explains a date-code format (YYYY WW-XX) to check.[1] It reports no incidents, and about 100,000 units in the US and about 7,800 in Canada.[1]
The remedy as stated in 2014
The notice tells owners to stop using the products, unplug the routers and contact Porter-Cable for a free replacement router base with insulated handles.[1] That is the remedy as stated in 2014; we did not check whether the replacement base is still available. Mounting the motor in a lift is not a remedy the notice names.
Why it matters on a router table
The 7518 is a common lift motor. JessEm's Mast-R-Lift II manual lists the Porter-Cable 7518 at clamp setting A1 for a 4.2 in motor.[2] JessEm's product page includes it in the 4.2 in group.[3] INCRA's imperial Mast-R-Lift II list includes it.[4] A Kreg Q&A answer confirms it for the PRS5000 lift.[5]
A lift listing says the motor fits the lift. It says nothing about whether a particular unit is recalled. If you bought a used 7518 for a lift, check its date code against the notice. The notice names the 75361 base too, so a covered base sitting in a drawer counts.
How to look it up
The CPSC recalls page lets you filter records by date range, hazard type, product category and country of manufacture.[6] It does not clearly offer a model-number search, so set the date range to July 2014 and look for recall 14-221. Compare your router's date code with the notice.
Canada
The CPSC notice counts about 7,800 units in Canada. We did not find a separate Health Canada notice for this recall. If you are in Canada, use the CPSC notice and contact Porter-Cable.
What we do not cover
We give no repair, wiring or handle-modification advice. If your router is covered, follow the notice; if you are unsure whether it is covered, ask Porter-Cable.
Next
Questions
Is my Porter-Cable 7518 recalled?
Only if it matches the notice: the 2014 CPSC recall covers listed models made from 1990 to April 2014, identified by date code. Check your router's date code against recall 14-221.[1]
Does the recall apply to the motor in my lift?
The notice covers the listed router models and the 75361 base, and its hazard is the uninsulated base handles. A lift is not a remedy the notice names; if your unit is covered, follow the notice.[1]
What do I do if mine is covered?
The 2014 notice says to stop using it, unplug it and contact Porter-Cable for a free replacement base with insulated handles. We did not check whether that base is still available.[1]
Was the recall announced in Canada?
The CPSC notice counts about 7,800 units in Canada, but we did not find a separate Health Canada notice.[1]