June 3, 2026 — A recent incident report details a consumer suffering an electric shock while using a LANCHEZ pressure washer. The incident involved the machine’s power cord getting pinched, exposing internal wiring, and leading to an electric shock, a scraped palm, and persistent finger tingling for three days.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On May 15, 2026, a consumer was cleaning slippery patio tiles with a LANCHEZ pressure washer following a period of heavy rainfall. The report indicates that the pressure washer lacked GFCI protection. During use, the power cord became pinched under one of the machine’s wheels, causing the insulation to break and expose the internal electrical wiring. As the cleaning continued, water from the wet patio tiles seeped into the exposed wires, creating a hazardous electrical path. The user subsequently experienced an electric shock, immediately dropping the pressure washer. The force of dropping the machine on the rough tiles resulted in a scraped palm. Alarmingly, the consumer reported experiencing constant tingling in their fingers for three full days following the incident, indicating a significant electrical exposure.
Safety Concerns
This incident underscores several serious safety concerns associated with using electrical tools, particularly high-power devices like pressure washers, in wet or damp conditions:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is a severe electric shock, which can range from painful muscle contractions and burns to cardiac arrest and even death. The user experienced a significant shock, indicated by the three days of finger tingling. Dropping a heavy machine like a pressure washer can also lead to secondary injuries such as cuts, scrapes, fractures, or concussions, as seen with the scraped palm.
- Lack of GFCI Protection: The absence of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection is a critical safety deficiency. GFCIs are designed to quickly detect ground faults – situations where electricity is escaping the circuit, often through a person – and immediately shut off power, preventing severe shocks. Without GFCI, the risk of electrocution in wet environments is dramatically increased.
- Damaged Power Cords: Exposed wiring due to a pinched or damaged power cord creates an immediate and extreme electrical hazard. Water coming into contact with exposed live wires can instantly energize surfaces or liquids, turning a routine task into a deadly situation.
- Long-Term Risks: While the immediate tingling subsided, electric shocks can sometimes lead to more prolonged or latent neurological issues, muscle damage, or cardiac irregularities. Psychological trauma from such a frightening experience is also possible.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using an electrical pressure washer, especially models without integrated GFCI protection or those with damaged cords, is at risk. This risk is amplified when operating in wet outdoor environments, which is typical for pressure washer use. Bystanders, including children or pets, could also be at risk if the machine or the surrounding area becomes energized.
- Property Damage Potential: While not explicitly mentioned in this report, an unchecked electrical fault can also lead to electrical fires or damage to the home’s electrical system.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a LANCHEZ pressure washer or any other electrical outdoor power equipment, take the following precautions:
- Immediate Steps After Incident: If you experience an electric shock, seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms seem mild. Unplug the device *only if it is safe to do so* without further risk of shock. Do not touch any wet areas around the device.
- Check for GFCI Protection: Before every use, inspect your pressure washer’s power cord. Many modern pressure washers have a GFCI device built into the plug or along the power cord. If yours does not, *always* plug it into an outlet that has GFCI protection or use a portable GFCI adapter. Never use an electrical appliance outdoors or in wet conditions without GFCI protection.
- Inspect Power Cords Regularly: Prior to each use, thoroughly inspect the entire length of the power cord for any signs of damage, including cuts, nicks, fraying, exposed wires, or pinch marks. Pay close attention to areas where the cord connects to the machine and the plug.
- Never Use Damaged Cords: If a power cord is damaged in any way, do not use the product. Either have the cord professionally repaired or replaced by a qualified technician, or discontinue use of the product entirely. Taping damaged cords is not a safe solution.
- Route Cords Safely: Always route power cords away from moving parts of the machine (like wheels), sharp edges, and areas where they could be tripped over or pinched. Use cord holders or ties if necessary.
- Keep Environment Dry: While pressure washers are designed for wet tasks, ensure your hands are dry when plugging or unplugging the device. Avoid standing in puddles when operating electrical equipment.
- Report Incidents: If you experience a similar incident with a product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
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.
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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.