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Ziotek brand extension cords

CPSC Recall #02-162 — May 15, 2002

Recall Summary

Recall Number02-162
Recall DateMay 15, 2002
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units AffectedAbout 30,000
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

"Cyberguys" catalogs and the "Cyberguys" website (www.cyberguys.com) sold the extension cords nationwide from January 2002 through March 2002 for between $2 and $3.

Product

Ziotek brand extension cords

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), E-filliate Inc., of Rancho Cordova, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 30,000 extension cords. The cords have reversed polarity, which can present electric shock and electrocution hazards to consumers.E-filliate has received one report of reverse polarity, though no one has been injured.The recalled Ziotek brand extension cords are black and about one to two feet long. The letters "MSL" are imprinted on the cord's three-pronged plug. The single-receptacle cords have the website, www.ziotek.com, printed on the cord; while the double-receptacle cords have the name "ZIO TEK" printed on the splitter. These extension cords were manufactured in China."Cyberguys" catalogs and the "Cyberguys" website (www.cyberguys.com) sold the extension cords nationwide from January 2002 through March 2002 for between $2 and $3.Consumers should unplug the cords immediately and call E-filliate at (800) 327-6703 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to receive a prepaid shipping label to return the cord and to select a free replacement or a full refund. Consumers who return the recalled product will also receive a 10 percent discount on a Cyberguys product. Consumers can visit www.cyberguys.com for information.Cords that have the letters "MSL" imprinted on the plug, but which also have a yellow "QC" label wrapped around the cord, are not included in this recall.

Hazard

The cords have reversed polarity, which can present electric shock and electrocution hazards to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

E-filliate has received one report of reverse polarity, though no one has been injured.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should unplug the cords immediately and call E-filliate at (800) 327-6703 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to receive a prepaid shipping label to return the cord and to select a free replacement or a full refund. Consumers who return the recalled product will also receive a 10 percent discount on a Cyberguys product.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, Replace 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, 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.

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