The Red Dragon II Controllable DC Pump Royal Exclusiv and Proline Aquatics have issued a voluntary recall on the Red Dragon II DC Pumps in 240w and 350w sizes. It is important to note that only 110v/60hz models are effected limiting it to most North American users. The 230v/50hz models have not experienced these problems. [...]
The Red Dragon II Controllable DC Pump
Royal Exclusiv and Proline Aquatics have issued a voluntary recall on the Red Dragon II DC Pumps in 240w and 350w sizes. It is important to note that only 110v/60hz models are effected limiting it to most North American users. The 230v/50hz models have not experienced these problems.
The main RD2 DC problems noted have been around electromagnetic interference, controller failure, and shaft / impeller failure. Proline has the serial numbers to all pumps sold and refunds or replacements for the 240w and 350w (110v/60hz) will be given. Although product failures are never good, how they are solved shows the true colors of supporting companies. Hats off to Proline for handling this swiftly and with professionalism.
The official voluntary recall information from Proline can be found below:
___________________________________________
Due to Quality concerns, unacceptable low life time and performance, there is a voluntary recall on the Red Dragon II (2) Controllable DC pumps in 110V / 60Hz with US-Plugs sold in United States and Canada. This will apply to all the following models but not to the RED DRAGON II 170 W sold as circulation pump and or Skimmer pumps;
- Red Dragon II / DC pumps Model 240W (110V, 60Hz)
- Red Dragon II / DC pumps Model 350W (110V, 60Hz)
Problems were mainly isolated to the 110V, 60Hz version that was manufactured for the North American market and not to what has been manufactured in 230V, 50Hz and Euro-plugs.
These problems were not experienced with the 170W model manufactured in smaller quantity.
Multiple problems such as defective fuse, major program errors, Low quality material used for shaft, Lack of proper amount and type of epoxy around stator, improper Magnet cover , improper Electrical Cord, unacceptable EMI, excessive wattage draw other than advertised and failing controllers were detected.
To add to the above list the pumps were not user friendly as far as operating program or maintenance disassembly.
Although they were designed by Royal-Exclusiv of Germany the manufacturing of components were outsourced to other firms in Netherland and China. Despite receiving proper working samples most of the production pumps were of poor quality materials used that was not up to Royal-Exclusiv’s standard, however was not detectable upon initial inspection for quality control.
Most problems arose after continuous use in Salt water and approximately within 12 to 18 months. To name a few; Cracked wire cover, rusted magnet, Cracked epoxy due to use of non-saltwater safe epoxy and increased EMI.
This is a voluntary recall; we feel that our customers deserve the best and the quality of these pumps were not up to ours or standards and not what we have been known to provide to our clients.
All the Serial numbers of the pumps sold are recorded and a refund or replacement will be offered to all customers that have purchased these pumps from any of our dealers.
Furthermore please note that we will not be responsible for replacement, refund and or liability for the pumps sold by any other entity since the original manufacturer in Netherland and China have decided to continue manufacturing and marketing the pumps .
Please contact your dealer for an RMA number, all pumps must be shipped back to the vendor they were purchased from and a credit or refund will be issued upon receipt of the recalled items.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and look forward to serving you in the near future.
Best Regards,
Royal-Exclusiv / Proline Aquatics
