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Outlet converters

CPSC Recall #98-069 — February 17, 1998

Recall Summary

Recall Number98-069
Recall DateFebruary 17, 1998
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 850
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Discount
variety and hardware stores in New Jersey
New York
Ohio and Pennsylvania sold the outlet converters from September 1997 through November 1997 for about $2.

Product

Outlet converters

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Power Cord & Cable Corp. of College Point, N.Y., is recalling about 850 outlet converters, which convert a single electrical outlet into three outlets. Plugs using these outlet converters can come partially out of the receptacles, presenting shock and electrocution hazards. In addition, even if the plugs look like they are securely plugged in, there could be a poor electrical connection, presenting a fire hazard. CPSC and Power Cord & Cable Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these products. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The orange outlet converter, measuring about 3 inches wide and 2.25 inches long, is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which looks like rubber. One end of the converter has a three-prong plug that is inserted into the outlet. The converter has 3 separate three-prong plug receptacles. "15a-125v...Made in China" is embossed on the bottom of the converter. Discount, variety and hardware stores in New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania sold the outlet converters from September 1997 through November 1997 for about $2. Consumers should stop using the recalled outlet converters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. The firm (Power Cord & Cable Corp.) is not able to be reached, and may be out of business. U.S. Customs alerted CPSC to this hazardous product.

Hazard

Plugs using these outlet converters can come partially out of the receptacles, presenting shock and electrocution hazards. In addition, even if the plugs look like they are securely plugged in, there could be a poor electrical connection, presenting a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Power Cord & Cable Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these products.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled outlet converters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. The firm (Power Cord & Cable Corp.) is not able to be reached, and may be out of business.

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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