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Volt Master Extension Cords

CPSC Recall #02-217 — July 29, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-217
Recall DateJuly 29, 2002
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 190,000
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Discount stores sold the extension cords nationwide from October 1998 to March 2002 for about $1.

Product

Volt Master Extension Cords

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), STK International Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 190,000 extension cords. The cords have undersized wires, presenting a shock hazard to consumers.CPSC and STK International have not received any reports of incidents or injuries involving these extension cords. The recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.The recalled extension cords were sold in brown (model EC-222) or white (model EC-221) and are approximately 5 feet by 3 inches long. The model numbers are printed in the upper right corner of the packaging. The cords were packaged in a mustard and orange color sleeve with the words, "5 Household Extension Cords" and "Made in China" printed on the front. The "Volt Master" logo is printed in the left corner of the packaging. "YWC-981 8 CHINA E157848" is printed on the cord.Discount stores sold the extension cords nationwide from October 1998 to March 2002 for about $1.Consumers should stop using and unplug these extension cords immediately and return them to STK International for a refund, including postage. Consumers should mail their extension cords to the attention of EC-221/ EC-222 Recall, STK International, Inc., 5500 East Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90022. For more information, call STK International at (800) 536-7855 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Hazard

The cords have undersized wires, presenting a shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and STK International have not received any reports of incidents or injuries involving these extension cords.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using and unplug these extension cords immediately and return them to STK International for a refund, including postage. Consumers should mail their extension cords to the attention of EC-221/ EC-222 Recall, STK International, Inc., 5500 East Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90022.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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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 (Refund) 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.

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