110V PIGTAILS - BAD NEWS!

[SittingElf]

To all the folks waiting for 110V Pigtails I was going to bring to the USA this upcoming week...

I received the following email from my dealer in Germany just before getting back there:

Hi Frank,

i'm sorry but now i got the information from Festool that i can't order the pigtails.
They have problems with the authorisation of the pigtails and now they don't sell it at the moment.
It's because of a new law in california. Festool is very careful and conservative in such cases.

I followed up on Friday AT my dealer, and they told me the decision to not release current stock went all the way to Festool's President.  She apparently is very concerned that if any of the pigtails ended up in California, that Festool could end up being found liable for any problem that might occur, and that they could potentially be prosecuted for releasing product where it has been prohibited.  They are holding their current stock, and evaluating the issue further.  My dealer told me that this COULD be a temporary hold on the pigtails, and he will continue to follow up and advise me the moment that they are released....if at all.  Festool has discontinued manufacture of the pigtails pending further review, but they do have available stock shipping if they can bypass whatever ridiculous California new regulation is holding up progress. (Must be something like Proposition 65's stupidity)

I will keep up with my dealer, and if they release, I'll immediately let you all know.  In the meantime, I'll be posting in the Classified section here and elsewhere of the other NAINA products that I will have in my possession when I get home to Florida on Tuesday the 10th.  These include Festool Toolies, Swiss Knives, Clocks, Safety Glasses, and Blade Bags.

Sorry that I couldn't have better news... but thanks to our friends in California... it is what it is. [mad]

 

[Deansocial]

Why would they discontinue a product just because a Californian law? We use them in the uk.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't get it either. Festool doesn't even sell them in North America. As far as I know, the 110v pigtials are for the UK market only. How could Festool be accountable if some guy decides to fly them over from the other side of the world? Hmm.....

 

[ShawnRussell]

America has some wacky laws and even crazier people who allow people to win those lawsuits.

Here a few that you read and laugh, then you just shake your head because these are true:
https://www.legalzoom.com/lawsuits-settlements/personal-injury/top-ten-frivolous-lawsuits

 

[fidelfs]

That is what I don't like festool as a company... too controlling. (nothing to do with their tools).

 

 

[sgt_rjp]

Bummer.  I understand being concerned about liability, but how is it that California has global impact for something as simple as a power cord?

 

[tjbnwi]

Bummer.  I understand being concerned about liability, but how is it that California has global impact for something as simple as a power cord?

The Festool response states "at the moment". I guessing their legal team is trying to determine the answer to this question.

Deepest pockets pay when it comes to litigation in this country.

Tom

 

[DaveZ]

America has some wacky laws and even crazier people who allow people to win those lawsuits.

Here a few that you read and laugh, then you just shake your head because these are true:
https://www.legalzoom.com/lawsuits-settlements/personal-injury/top-ten-frivolous-lawsuits

Going way off topic here, but you should google the photos from the McDonald's coffee burn case then decide if you still think it's frivolous.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled post...

 

[AlexThePalex]

Going way off topic here, but you should google the photos from the McDonald's coffee burn case then decide if you still think it's frivolous.

The lawsuit still was frivolous. Point is not that hot coffee is harmfull, the point is that coffee is supposed to be hot and you yourself are responsable for handling it with care, not somebody else.

Every time I hear about cases like this it still baffles me Americans can think that way and call that justice.

Blame is shifted away from the true culprit towards an innocent party and on top of that awarded with an exproportionate amount of money.

No wonder companies like Festool are very cautious to operate on the American market. One frivolous lawsuit could evaporate their entire profits for quite some time.

 

[Sparktrician]

Every time I hear about cases like this it still baffles me Americans can think that way and call that justice.

It's political correctness run amok, or rewarding stupid behavior.  One thing I learned a long time ago is that (at least in the US) law has only an incidental (or accidental) relationship with justice. 

 

[tjbnwi]

I recall the offer to bring some of the pigtails to the US to be distributed to members of the forum by the OP. I wonder if that post prompted the response from Festool. Could be that only the OP has been denied the order and they site California law, knowing they would be distributed in the US. Hard to deny prior knowledge when you own the forum and have a person monitoring it.

Sometimes silence is the best way to do things.

Tom

 

[peter halle]

I certainly have read warning labels on everything from caulking to mini blinds to christmas tree lights that starts out with:  "The State of California has determined..."  The pigtails were never designed and tested to meet... so it makes sense that an issue came up.

Not surprised that the hiccup has happened.  Hope things can get worked out.

Peter

 

[jimbo51]

The California issue is likely related to the concept that do it yourself modification of electrical devices should not be encouraged by the manufacturer. The idea being that someone may lack the knowledge or skill to do the job properly and create an dangerous and potentially fatal flaw. Even though an owner may claim that it is their choice, the tool could be used by someone else either by loan or by sale. That person could then suffer injury.

Festool might get out of this by simply refusing primary sale of the pigtails to North Americans. If someone in Europe sent one over privately, Festool should be able to have a legal shield. However, with the extensive discussion on this board, Festool could be seen as tacitly approving the import of the pigtails.

In the coffee case, the McDonalds had on their own heated the coffee to a higher than standard temperature thus greatly increasing the probability that any accident would have more serious consequences. Opposing sides of this issue are likely never going to agree with each other. People on this forum cannot even agree whether the Carvex 420 is a wonderful tool or a tragically missed opportunity.

 

[Scott in San Diego]

I confess, this mess is probably all my fault.  I asked Frank to send me some adapters and I live in Prop 65 California.  

But, with all of the conspiracy theory buzz here...do we have "Pigtailgate?"    ;D

 

[festnoob]

Wow...this sucks...I was going to pm for one but there goes that!