January 14, 2026 – A Tecmark SAFPAC17 air switch, designed for InSinkErator garbage disposals, has reportedly caught fire due to water infusion. This incident, documented on December 23, 2025, highlights a significant safety risk, especially as the product remains available for sale despite its apparent similarity to previously recalled items and clear indication of being unsafe.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 23, 2025, an incident report detailed a fire involving a Tecmark model SAFPAC17 air switch. This particular unit, identified with date code 3811, was installed as a component for an InSinkErator garbage disposal. The cause of the fire was attributed to water infusion, suggesting that moisture compromised the electrical components of the air switch, leading to ignition. The report notes that this incident appears to be similar to issues that have led to previous recalls of comparable products, yet the Tecmark SAFPAC17 is reportedly still being sold to consumers, despite the clear safety hazard it presents. The specific circumstances leading to the water infusion (e.g., leak source, installation environment) were not detailed in the report.
Safety Concerns
The fire incident involving the Tecmark SAFPAC17 air switch raises serious safety concerns for consumers.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is the risk of fire. Electrical fires can spread rapidly, causing extensive property damage and posing a severe threat of injury or even death to occupants. There is also a potential for electrical shock if the compromised unit is touched or if water comes into contact with other energized parts.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if an immediate fire does not occur, a compromised electrical component due to water infusion can lead to intermittent malfunctions, short circuits, or smoldering, which can ignite combustible materials over time. The inherent defect could persist, leading to future incidents.
- Who Might Be Affected: Homeowners and residents with InSinkErator garbage disposals using the Tecmark SAFPAC17 air switch are at risk. This includes anyone in the household, particularly those in the kitchen area where the disposal and switch are located. Plumbers and installers who handle these devices could also be at risk during installation or maintenance.
- Property Damage Potential: A fire originating from an appliance under a sink can quickly spread to cabinetry, plumbing, and surrounding areas, leading to significant structural damage, smoke damage, and water damage from firefighting efforts.
What Consumers Should Do
Given the serious nature of this incident, consumers who may have a Tecmark SAFPAC17 air switch should take immediate action:
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you have a Tecmark SAFPAC17 air switch, especially if it’s connected to an InSinkErator garbage disposal, stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to use the disposal or any other appliance connected to that circuit. If possible and safe to do so, unplug the garbage disposal unit from its power source or switch off the circuit breaker controlling the disposal and air switch.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product:
* Locate the air switch, typically mounted on the countertop near the sink.
* Inspect the underside of your counter or inside the cabinet to identify the specific model number of the air switch unit itself. Look for “Tecmark SAFPAC17” and check for the date code 3811.
* If you are unsure or cannot safely access the unit, consider contacting a qualified electrician or plumber for assistance.
- Prevention Measures: Ensure that there are no leaks from your sink, faucet, or garbage disposal that could allow water to drip onto electrical components. Avoid spraying water directly onto the air switch button or the area around it.
- Reporting Procedures: If you own this product and have experienced any issues, or if you believe you have this product installed, you are strongly encouraged to report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov. This helps the CPSC gather more data and potentially initiate broader investigations or recalls.
Manufacturer’s Response
No response has been provided by Tecmark Corporation regarding this incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.