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Extension cords and power strip surge protectors

CPSC Recall #98-160 — August 30, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-160
Recall DateAugust 30, 1998
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 6,600
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Discount stores in Florida sold the extension cords and power strips from March 1995 through January 1998 for about $1 to $9
depending on which specific product was purchased.

Product

Extension cords and power strip surge protectors

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Okura USA Inc. of Miami, Fla., is recalling about 6,600 extension cords and power strip surge protectors. The extension cords and power strips have undersized wires that cannot carry the advertised load, plugs that are not polarized properly and no overcurrent protection, presenting fire, electrocution and shock hazards to consumers. Okura USA Inc. is not aware of any injuries involving these electrical products. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. There are 600 extension cords being recalled. The cords for household use are white and have 3 outlets. The cords for outdoor use are orange and have one outlet. "China" is embossed on each cord's plug or receptor. The cords are available in the following lengths.   Length Type 9 feet Household 12 feet Household 15 feet Household 20 feet Household 25 feet Outdoor 50 feet Outdoor 100 feet Outdoor   The cords are packaged in cardboard wrappers. Labeling on the packaging reads in part, "NIPPON AMERICA...MADE IN CHINA." There are 6,000 power strip surge protectors being recalled. The power strips have six black outlets. They are made of beige metal with a black cord and red power light. A silver sticker on the bottom of the strip reads in part, "AC SURGE PROTECTOR...125v/125AMP." The power strip is sold in a cardboard box. Labeling on the packaging reads in part, "AC SURGE PROTECTOR...NIPPON AMERICA...MODEL NO. 14-515." Discount stores in Florida sold the extension cords and power strips from March 1995 through January 1998 for about $1 to $9, depending on which specific product was purchased. Consumers should stop using these extension cords and power strips immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should call Okura USA Inc. at (800) 327-7522 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday from everywhere but Florida. The foll-free number from Florida is 888-327-7522.

Hazard

The extension cords and power strips have undersized wires that cannot carry the advertised load, plugs that are not polarized properly and no overcurrent protection, presenting fire, electrocution and shock hazards to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

Okura USA Inc. is not aware of any injuries involving these electrical products.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these extension cords and power strips immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund.

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.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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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