Health Canada has issued a recall for more than 37,000 Benchmark electric snow throwers sold through Home Hardware. the units pose a significant shock risk because their power cables can snap when exposed to severe winter temperatures.
The 37,667 units posing a shock risk
The recall specifically targets the Benchmark-branded 22-inch, 15 amp electric snow thrower,identified by model number YF6022. According to the Health Canada advisory, these units were sold across Canada between November 2020 and May 2026. The affected machines are easily identifiable by their red and black base and wheels, a black handle, and the "BENCHMARK" branding on the side.
The primary danger stems from the power cable's inability to withstand extreme cold, which can lead to the cord breaking during operation. As reported by Health Canada, such a failure creates a potential electric shock injury for the operator, making the equipment dangerous to use in the very conditions it was designed for.
Suzhou Murray Electronics and the Jiangsu supply chain
The manufacturing of these snow throwers was handled by Suzhou Murray Electronics and Machinery Co., Ltd., with Sumec Hardware and Tools acting as the supplier. Both of these entities are based in Jiangsu, China. This highlights a recurring challenge for Canadian retailers like Home Hardware: ensuring that overseas manufacturing specifications account for the unique, brutal temperature swings of the Canadian climate.
When hardware is sourced from regions with different environmental norms, material fatigue in plastics and rubber—such as those used in power cables—can become a critical failure point.. This incident echoes broader industry struggles where components that pass standard quality tests in temperate climates fail when subjected to the deep freezes common in Ontario and the Prairies.
19 reports of broken cords but zero injuries
As of October 5 , 2026, the Ontario-based retailer Home Hardware has received 19 reports of broken power cords in Canada. While the number of failures is relatively low compared to the total volume of units sold, the report emphasizes that no injuries have been recorded thus far. The absence of injuries to date does not diminish the severity of the shock hazard posed by exposed wiring.
To prevent further risk, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act now prohibits these recalled Benchmark units from being redistributed, sold, or even given away. This legal restriction ensures that defective units do not enter the second-hand market, where new owners might be unaware of the cable vulnerability.
The missing data on YF6022 temperature thresholds
While the recall notice is clear about the risk, several specific details remain unknown. The Health Canada advisory does not specify the exact temperature threshold at which the YF6022 power cables begin to fail, leaving consumers unsure if the risk is limited to extreme arctic blasts or occurs during standard winter temperatures.
Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the cable failure is due to a specific batch of low-quality rubber or a fundamental design flaw in the 15 amp cable's insulation. The source material provides the manufacturer's name but does not include a statement from Suzhou Murray Electronics regarding how they intend to rectify the manufacturing process for future models.
Home Hardware's refund and destruction mandate
Home Hardware is instructing all owners of the Model YF6022 to immediately stop using the product. To receive a refund, customers must contact Home Hardware Stores Limited at 1-877-940-5081 or via email at [email protected] to receive instructions on how to properly destroy the product.
By requiring the destruction of the snow throwers in exchange for a refund , Home Hardware is attempting to eliminate the risk of these machines remaining in circulation. Consumers are also encouraged to use the Consumer Product Incident Report Form to notify authorities of any safety incidents related to the Benchmark equipment.
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