June 12, 2026 – A consumer using a FOTING pressure washer experienced a sharp electric shock and subsequent fall on a foggy, damp day, resulting in a slow-healing bruise. The incident involved a non-GFCI pressure washer with its plug on damp concrete.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On a foggy and damp day, a consumer was using a FOTING brand pressure washer to clean a long concrete sidewalk. The pressure washer being used was not equipped with a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). During the cleaning process, the pressure washer’s electrical plug was resting on the constantly damp concrete, and moisture from the fog condensed on its metal prongs. Mid-task, the user reported feeling a sharp electric shock through both hands. The shock caused the individual to involuntarily drop the pressure washer. In the immediate aftermath, the consumer tripped over the extended power cord, falling hard onto their knee. The fall resulted in a bruise that was reported to be slow-healing.
Safety Concerns
This incident with the FOTING pressure washer underscores several critical safety hazards associated with using electrical appliances, particularly outdoors or in damp environments, without proper safety features.
- Electric Shock and Electrocution: The primary and most severe risk is electric shock, which can range from a painful jolt to severe injury or even electrocution. In this case, the combination of a non-GFCI pressure washer, a plug on damp concrete, and fog moisture created a direct pathway for electricity to flow through the user’s body. Electric shock can cause cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, severe burns, muscle contractions that prevent release from the power source, and nerve damage.
- Tripping Hazard and Falls: Dropping the machine and tripping over the power cord led to a hard fall. Falls can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises (as reported here) to sprains, fractures, concussions, and other head injuries, especially when falling onto hard surfaces like concrete.
- Lack of GFCI Protection: The absence of a GFCI on the pressure washer itself or the outlet used is a critical safety flaw. GFCIs are designed to detect imbalances in electrical current, indicating a ground fault (like current flowing through a person), and rapidly shut off power, significantly reducing the risk of severe electric shock or electrocution.
- Environmental Risks: Using electrical tools in damp or wet conditions, like fog or after rain, inherently increases the risk of electrical incidents. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, making electrical equipment much more dangerous in such environments.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone operating electrical power tools outdoors, particularly without GFCI protection, is at severe risk. This includes homeowners, landscapers, and anyone performing outdoor cleaning or maintenance tasks. Bystanders, especially children or pets, could also be at risk if they come into contact with a live power cord or a malfunctioning appliance.
- Property Damage Potential: While not directly reported in this incident, electrical malfunctions can lead to short circuits, damage to the appliance itself, or even electrical fires, posing risks to property.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a FOTING pressure washer or any outdoor electrical power tool, take the following precautions:
- Immediate Safety: If you experience an electric shock or witness an incident, immediately seek medical attention. If possible and safe to do so, disconnect the power source (e.g., flip the breaker) without touching the affected person or equipment until power is off.
- Check for GFCI Protection: Always use a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) when operating any electrical power tool outdoors or near water. Check if your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected (they will have “TEST” and “RESET” buttons). If not, consider having them installed by a qualified electrician, or use a portable GFCI adapter.
- Inspect Equipment: Before each use, thoroughly inspect the pressure washer, its power cord, and the plug for any signs of damage, cuts, fraying, or exposed wires. Do not use damaged equipment.
- Keep Connections Dry: Ensure that all electrical connections, plugs, and outlets are kept completely dry and away from puddles, damp ground, or any moisture. Avoid placing plugs directly on wet surfaces.
- Avoid Damp Conditions: Do not use electrical power tools in foggy, rainy, or excessively damp conditions. If unexpected moisture occurs, stop work immediately and safely disconnect power.
- Wear Proper Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including sturdy, non-slip footwear, to reduce the risk of falls and provide some insulation.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Maintain a clear workspace and be mindful of the power cord to prevent tripping hazards.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident or discover a potential safety defect with a FOTING pressure washer or any other consumer product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. This helps the CPSC identify and address product hazards.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the 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. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
Licensed to practice law ONLY in California.
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.