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"GE Heavy-Duty Grounding Triple Taps" outlet converters

CPSC Recall #98-096 — April 14, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-096
Recall DateApril 14, 1998
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 50,000
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Retail stores nationwide sold the converters from September 1997 through January 1998 for about $3 to $4.

Product

"GE Heavy-Duty Grounding Triple Taps" outlet converters

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), General Electric Co.'s GE Lighting division of Cleveland, Ohio, is recalling about 50,000 outlet converters, also known as current taps. They convert a single electrical outlet into three outlets. The ground connector receptacles are oversized and can cause loose ground contacts. Without grounding, consumers are exposed to serious shock hazards. GE has received one report of a loose ground plug. No injuries have been reported. The outlet converters were sold as "GE Heavy-Duty Grounding Triple Taps." They are made of ivory, orange or green plastic and measure about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. The GE logo is imprinted on one side of the converter and "15A-125V...CURRENT TAP...MADE IN CHINA" is imprinted on the other side of the converter. A silver UL label also appears on the converter. Retail stores nationwide sold the converters from September 1997 through January 1998 for about $3 to $4. Consumers should stop using the recalled converters immediately and call General Electric at (800) 729-4399 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday. Consumers will be instructed on how to return the product for a free replacement.

Hazard

The ground connector receptacles are oversized and can cause loose ground contacts. Without grounding, consumers are exposed to serious shock hazards.

Incidents & Injuries

GE has received one report of a loose ground plug. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled converters immediately and call General Electric at (800) 729-4399 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday. Consumers will be instructed on how to return the product 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.

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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 (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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