AC converters
CPSC Recall #00-090b — April 3, 2000
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 00-090b |
| Recall Date | April 3, 2000 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | About 18,000 |
| Manufactured In | Taiwan |
Where It Was Sold
| Small electronic stores in California |
| Colorado |
| Missouri |
| Ohio |
| Oklahoma |
| Oregon and Texas sold the product for $25 to $30. |
Product
AC converters
Description
PRODUCT: AC Converters - Coast Electronics Supply, of Cerritos, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 18,000 AC converters that are used to convert overseas consumer products that run on 220 volts to American household current at 110 volts and vice-versa. The converter is available in nine different watts varying from 100 watts to 3000 watts. It is labeled in part, "UP/DOWN AC-CONVERTER...220V...110V...TAIWAN." Small electronic stores in California, Colorado, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas sold the product for $25 to $30. PROBLEM: The product presents an electrical shock hazard because the unplugged end of the cord is energized when the other end is plugged in. INCIDENTS/INJURIES: A 4-year-old boy was shocked when he grasped the end of the cord. WHAT TO DO: Stop using the product immediately and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, contact Coast Electronics Supply at (800) 262-7818 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.
Hazard
The product presents an electrical shock hazard because the unplugged end of the cord is energized when the other end is plugged in.
Incidents & Injuries
A 4-year-old boy was shocked when he grasped the end of the cord.
Remedy Instructions
Stop using the product immediately and return it to the store 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.
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.