Power Strip Surge Protectors
CPSC Recall #97094 — March 30, 1997
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 97094 |
| Recall Date | March 30, 1997 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | About 2,300 |
Where It Was Sold
| Retailers in New York and Illinois. |
| such as Hyundai Electronics |
| Jack's 99? Stores |
| Star Distributors |
| and Universal Electronics |
| sold these cords from February to April 1996 for about $1. |
Product
Power Strip Surge Protectors
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Chandur Hasso Inc. of New York, N.Y., is recalling about 2,300 extension cords and 18,000 power strip surge protectors. The extension cords and power strip surge protectors present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards.CPSC and Chandur Hasso Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these products. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.The brown 12-foot extension cord (model SS2104) has undersized wires and is made with a plastic that, once ignited, continues to burn and spread flames. The receptor end of the cord is imprinted with seven parallel ribs on each side. "125V 13A" is imprinted on the single receptor end. The cord has a plastic warning label attached to one end that reads in part, "CAUTION AVOID HAZARDS...KEEP CHILDREN AWAY...DO NOT USE DAMAGED CORD...FOR INDOOR USE ONLY." The cord was packaged in a cardboard wrapper labeled in part, "SOMITO...SS2104...12 ft. Household Extension Cord...Polarized." Retailers in New York and Illinois., such as Hyundai Electronics, Jack's 99? Stores, Star Distributors, and Universal Electronics, sold these cords from February to April 1996 for about $1.The 6-outlet power strip surge protector (model number SX-865) has undersized wires, faulty soldering, and a non-polarized plug. There is no labeling on the surge protector, but it is made of a beige-colored metal with black outlets and a red power switch. The electrical cord is white. The surge protector was packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled in part, METAL SURGE PROTECTED OUTLET CENTER...FULL 3 LINE GROUND PROTECTION...LIGHTED ON/OFF SWITCH...SOMITO MODEL# SX-865." There is a picture of the surge protector on the front of the box.The 6-outlet power strip surge protector has undersized wires, faulty soldering, and a non-polarized plug. There is no labeling on the surge protector, but it is made of a beige-colored metal with black outlets and a red power switch. The electrical cord is black. The surge protector was packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled in part, "6-OUTLET AC SURGE PROTECTOR...CLEAN POWER SOURCE WITH SPIKE SUPPRESSOR...15 AMPS MAXIMUM CAPACITY." There is a picture of the surge protector on the front of the box, and part of the surge protector is visible through a plastic-covered cutout that is part of the picture. Discount and hardware stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio sold these surge protectors from January 1995 to October 1996 for about $5.Consumers should stop using these extension cords and power strip surge protectors immediately, and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Chandur Hasso Inc. at (800) 451-4244. Consumers who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (212) 268-6265.
Hazard
The extension cords and power strip surge protectors present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and Chandur Hasso Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these products. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these extension cords and power strip surge protectors immediately, and return them to the stores where purchased for 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.
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.