Direct Connect 8 Power Strips
CPSC Recall #06-524 — January 10, 2006
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 06-524 |
| Recall Date | January 10, 2006 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 300 |
| Manufacturer | Neptune Systems, of San Jose, Calif. |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Directly from Neptune Systems and through major aquarium mail-order companies nationwide from June 2005 through November 2005 for between $90 and $175. |
Product
Direct Connect 8 Power Strips
Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Neptune Systems, of San Jose, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 300 Direct Connect 8 Power Strips. The metal enclosure on the power strip is not properly grounded, which could result in an electrical shock. Name of Product: Direct Connect 8 Power StripsUnits: About 300Manufacturer/Distributor: Neptune Systems, of San Jose, Calif.Hazard: The metal enclosure on the power strip is not properly grounded, which could result in an electrical shock.Incidents/Injuries: There have been no reported injuries.Description: The Direct Connect 8 (DC8) power strip is sold for use to control aquarium equipment with a computer. The power strip has a black aluminum enclosure with eight outlets, and a black extension cord. The serial number is printed on the white label on the side of the unit. The serial numbers are between DC81000 through DC81633. "Direct Connect 8" is written on the side of the unit.Sold at: Directly from Neptune Systems and through major aquarium mail-order companies nationwide from June 2005 through November 2005 for between $90 and $175.Manufactured In: United StatesRemedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these power strips and contact the firm for a free replacement.Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Neptune Systems toll-free at (866) 214-8728 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email the firm at [email protected], or visit their Web site at www.neptunesys.com/recall.
Hazard
The metal enclosure on the power strip is not properly grounded, which could result in an electrical shock.
Incidents & Injuries
There have been no reported injuries.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using these power strips and contact the firm for a free replacement.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
No — you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.