Extension cords and power strip surge protectors
CPSC Recall #97-093 — March 30, 1997
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 97-093 |
| Recall Date | March 30, 1997 |
| Remedy Type | Dispose, Refund |
| Units Affected | Over 43,500 Trisonic extension cords and over 26,800 Trisonic power strip surge protectors. |
| Manufacturer | Eastern America Trio Products Inc. of Flushing, N.Y. |
| Importer | Eastern America Trio Products Inc. of Flushing, N.Y. |
Where It Was Sold
| Discount and hardware stores nationwide sold the cords from November 1993 through November 1995 for about $2. |
Product
Extension cords and power strip surge protectors
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), importer Eastern America Trio Products Inc. of Flushing, N.Y., is recalling over 43,500 Trisonic extension cords and over 26,800 Trisonic power strip surge protectors. The extension cords and power strip surge protectors present fire and shock hazards. CPSC and Eastern America Trio Products Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords and power strip surge protectors. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The white 12-foot extension cord (model number TS-2512W) has undersized wire, which has been incorrectly connected to the attachment plug creating reverse polarity. The following words are printed on the cord, "SPT-2 60o VW-1 16AWGX2C E135375 404803-002." A blue tag attached to the cord reads in part, "UND. LAB INC LIST CORD SET ISSUE No. BU-6684...13A...125V...1625W...GE CO." The cord was packaged in a cardboard wrapper labeled in part, "Trisonic TS-2512W 12 Ft. Household EXTENSION CORD UL LISTED NO. E109853." Discount and hardware stores nationwide sold the cords from November 1993 through November 1995 for about $2. The gray 9-foot air conditioner/appliance extension cord (model number TS-2609) has a non-polarized plug. There is no identification information on the cord. The cord was packaged in a cardboard wrapper labeled in part, "Trisonic AIR CONDITIONER/APPLIANCE EXTENSION CORD...UL GROUNDED 3 PRONGED...9FT...13A/125V...1625W." Discount and hardware stores nationwide sold the cords from July 1994 through November 1995 for about $4. The cream 8-outlet power strip surge protector (model number TS-1008) has undersized wiring, faulty soldering, and a flammable plastic body. The following words are molded into the back of the power strip, "8 OUTLET POWER STRIP (TEMPORARY POWER TAP) AC125V 15A...MADE IN CHINA." A silver label bears both the UL and CSA symbols without listed numbers. The power strip was packaged in a cardboard box labeled in part, "Trisonic TS-1008...8 OUTLET POWER STRIP SURGE PROTECTOR SAFETY CIRCUIT BREAKER." Discount and hardware stores nationwide sold the power strip surge protectors from January 1992 through September 1995 for about $7. 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 can call Eastern America Trio Products Inc. at (800) 661-7146. This recall does not extend to other models of Trisonic extension cords and power strip surge protectors.
Hazard
The extension cords and power strip surge protectors present fire and shock hazards.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and Eastern America Trio Products Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords and power strip surge protectors. 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 Dispose, 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 (Dispose, 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.