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Outdoor extension cords sold under the Carol and Ace brand names

CPSC Recall #97-132 — May 28, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-132
Recall DateMay 28, 1997
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedMore than 2,700

Where It Was Sold

Hardware stores
home centers
and electrical distributors nationwide sold the extension cords from April 1997 through May 1997 for about $6 to $90
depending on the length and gauge of the cord.

Product

Outdoor extension cords sold under the Carol and Ace brand names

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), General Cable Corp. of Highland Heights, Ky., is recalling more than 2,700 outdoor extension cords sold under the Carol and Ace brand names. An exposed wire near the receptacle end of the cord presents a shock hazard to consumers.CPSC and General Cable Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The Carol brand extension cords have orange, yellow, green, blue, or beige cords. Plugs and receptacles either match the cord or are black. The cord has three receptacles at one end, where the markings "CAROL" and "W-8" are imprinted. The cord is available in lengths ranging from 2 to 100 feet. The cord is packaged in a cardboard wrapper that reads in part, "CAROL...POWR-CENTER ...Outdoor Cord...Made in USA." The cord is UL listed.The Ace brand extension cords have orange cords and black plugs and receptacles. The cord has three receptacles at one end, where the marking "W-8" is imprinted. "ACE" may also appear on the receptacle. The cord is available in the following lengths: 2, 10, 50, or 100 feet. The cord is packaged in a cardboard wrapper that reads in part, "ACE Outdoor 3 Outlet Power Center...Manufactured in USA for ACE." The cord is UL listed.Hardware stores, home centers, and electrical distributors nationwide sold the extension cords from April 1997 through May 1997 for about $6 to $90, depending on the length and gauge of the cord.Consumers should stop using these extension cords immediately and return them to the store where purchased to receive a full refund. Consumers can also receive a refund by calling General Cable Corp. toll-free at (888) 594-2600 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday or writing to the company at Dept. 1R, Tesseneer Drive, Highland Heights, Ky. 41076-9753.

Hazard

An exposed wire near the receptacle end of the cord presents a shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and General Cable Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these extension cords immediately and return them to the store where purchased to receive a full 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.

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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