Adapter plugs
CPSC Recall #02-193 — July 1, 2002
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-193 |
| Recall Date | July 1, 2002 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 22,000 |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Catalogs and electronic stores nationwide sold the adapter plugs from November 2000 through March 2002 for about $3. |
Product
Adapter plugs
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), PM International Ltd., of Edison, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 international 2-prong adapter plugs. PM International imported the adapter plugs from a manufacturer in China. The adapter plug can separate when the plug is removed, exposing live electrical conductors, posing an electric shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.PM International received one report of a consumer who received an electric shock when he contacted the exposed conductors when he removed the plug.The 2-prong, slip-on adapter plugs are used to connect American 2- pronged electrical plugs into various foreign outlets. The adapter plugs are plastic with a white matte finish. The only marking on the plug is "6A250V", which is molded on the bottom surface between the prongs of the adapter. No other writing appears on the adapters. PM International sold the adapter plugs individually and as part of a traveling kit with voltage converters. Only adapter plugs sold individually are included in the recall.Catalogs and electronic stores nationwide sold the adapter plugs from November 2000 through March 2002 for about $3.Consumers should immediately stop using these adapters and contact the store or catalog where purchased to receive a free replacement adapter. Consumers can contact PM International at (800) 377-6332 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Hazard
The adapter plug can separate when the plug is removed, exposing live electrical conductors, posing an electric shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.
Incidents & Injuries
PM International received one report of a consumer who received an electric shock when he contacted the exposed conductors when he removed the plug.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using these adapters and contact the store or catalog where purchased to receive a free replacement adapter.
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.