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Extension cords

CPSC Recall #94-134 - September 19, 1994

Recall Summary

Recall Number94-134
Recall DateSeptember 19, 1994
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 230,000
Manufactured InChina

Product

Extension cords

Description

Washington, D.C. - CPSC, USA Maxam Inc. (also known to the public as Wholesale World and Tech Mart) of Houston, Texas, is recalling approximately 230,000 extension cords. CPSC testing found that the cords' wires are undersized and the cords' plugs were put together improperly. The cords can catch fire or shock people. The recalled extension cords were sold in the following lengths: 6 feet (item PA-1106S), 9 feet (item PA-1109S), 12 feet (item PA-1112S), 15 feet (item PA-1115S), 18 feet (item PA-1118S), and 21 feet (item PA-1121S). The cords were sold in cardboard sleeves labeled in part, "***ft. *** TECH man *** MADE IN CHINA *** Extension Cord ***125V***." The individual cords, which may be labeled "Made in China," were distributed to retail stores in New York, Florida, Georgia, California, and Indiana from June 1992 through January 12, 1994. Consumers should stop using these dangerous extension cords and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. Consumers may also return them by mail for a refund to USA Maxam Inc., 5610 Savoy, Houston, TX 77036. Neither CPSC nor USA Maxam Inc. is aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. However, a recent CPSC study estimated that in 1987, 4,600 fires involving extension cords resulted in 70 deaths, 230 injuries, and $42 million in property damage. These extension cords were discovered during routine CPSC marketplace surveillance.

Hazard

CPSC testing found that the cords' wires are undersized and the cords' plugs were put together improperly. The cords can catch fire or shock people.

Incidents & Injuries

Neither CPSC nor USA Maxam Inc. is aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. However, a recent CPSC study estimated that in 1987, 4,600 fires involving extension cords resulted in 70 deaths, 230 injuries, and $42 million in property damage.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these dangerous extension cords and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. Consumers may also return them by mail for a refund to USA Maxam Inc., 5610 Savoy, Houston, TX 77036.

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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