Collins Company extension power strips

CPSC Recall #89-026 — March 26, 1989

Recall Summary

Recall Number89-026
Recall DateMarch 26, 1989
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 6,700
Manufactured InTaiwan

Where It Was Sold

Retailing for $10 to $20
the power strips were sold exclusively by Trak Auto Stores
Landover
Md.
Rose's Stores
Henderson
N.C.
and Colonial Pottery
Morehead City
N.C.

Product

Collins Company extension power strips

Description

WASHINGTON -- Collins Company Ltd. of Mount Olive, N.J., is recalling some 6,700 three-wire extension power strips sold in 1987 and 1988 because the receptacles may not be grounded and could pose a severe electric shock or electrocution hazard to consumers. Imported from Taiwan, the power strip is a foot-long, beige colored power bar with six receptacles, an illuminated off/on switch, a resettable circuit breaker and a six-foot, three-wire power cord. The metal base is labeled "Temporary Power Tap; Model No. WP-002B, Made in Taiwan, UL 46K7, E95914". Retailing for $10 to $20, the power strips were sold exclusively by Trak Auto Stores, Landover, Md., Rose's Stores, Henderson, N.C., and Colonial Pottery, Morehead City, N.C. While there have been no known injuries to date associated with the product, Collins Company Ltd,. said consumers who bought the power strip at Trak Auto Stores, Rose's Stores or Colonial Pottery should return the unit to the store of purchase for a refund. Consumers may also call Collins toll-free at 1-800-645-7212, extension 207, or write the Collins Company, 450 Clark Drive, Mount Olive, N.J. 07828 for instructions on returning the unit for a refund.

Hazard

The power strip receptacles may not be grounded and could pose a severe electric shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

There have been no known injuries to date associated with the product.

Remedy Instructions

Collins Company Ltd,. said consumers who bought the power strip at Trak Auto Stores, Rose's Stores or Colonial Pottery should return the unit to the store of purchase for a refund. Consumers may also call Collins toll-free at 1-800-645-7212, extension 207, or write the Collins Company, 450 Clark Drive, Mount Olive, N.J. 07828 for instructions on returning the unit for a 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.

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.