GE and RCA brand Electronic Protection Center surge suppressors
CPSC Recall #88-018 — March 20, 1988
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 88-018 |
| Recall Date | March 20, 1988 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | Estimated 45,000 |
| Manufacturer | General Electric Company, Warwick, Rhode Island and RCA |
Where It Was Sold
| Sold nationally by a variety of retailers from October |
| 1986 to December 4 |
| 1987. |
Product
GE and RCA brand Electronic Protection Center surge suppressors
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, General Electric Company, Warwick, Rhode Island, is recalling an estimated 45,000 GE and RCA brand Electronic Protection Center surge suppressors, sold nationally by a variety of retailers from October, 19S6 to December 4, 1987. Four GE surge suppressor models, EPC-6S, EPC6NS, EPC-4NS, and EPC-CPU and two RCA surge suppressors, models SK416 and SKF416, are being recalled.Some of these surge suppressor- c are defective and may present a severe electric shock hazard. A defective product's metal housing and the metal housing of any 3-wire appliance connected to it could be electrified. Although neither shock incidents nor injuries have been reported, four defective units have been returned to GE after their internal circuit breakers reportedly tripped in separate incidents.The product, which sells for about $4O-$60, resembles a power strip with four or six electrical outlets in a light gray colored metal housing. Each unit has an on/off switch, a power indicator light, a resettable circuit breaker, and a 6-foot power cord. The label on top of each unit includes (1) the GE or RCA brand and logo, (2) the words "Electronic Protection Center Surge Suppressor", "Electronic Protection Center Surge and Noise Suppressor", or "Computer Protector" and (3) one of the above-listed model numbers. The product was designed for use with personal computers, stereos, TVs and VCRs.Owners who have a surge suppressor subject to this recall should disconnect the product from the wall outlet, without touching the metal housing, and mail it to: General Electric Company Attn: EPC Recall PO Box 8203 Beaverton, OR 97076A new product will be returned to the consumer along with reimbursement of the postage cost. For additional information, consumers may call the GE Answer Center toll free at 800-626-2000.To report an unsafe consumer product or to receive safety information, consumers may call the CPSC toll free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.
Hazard
Some of these surge suppressor- c are defective and may present a severe electric shock hazard.
Incidents & Injuries
No shock incidents nor injuries have been reported. Four defective units have been returned to GE after their internal circuit breakers reportedly tripped in separate incidents.
Remedy Instructions
Owners who have a surge suppressor subject to this recall should disconnect the product from the wall outlet, without touching the metal housing, and mail it to: General Electric Company Attn: EPC Recall PO Box 8203 Beaverton, OR 97076A new product will be returned to the consumer along with reimbursement of the postage cost.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace 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 (Replace) 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.