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Extension Cords

CPSC Recall #97-185 - September 3, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-185
Recall DateSeptember 3, 1997
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedOver 14,600
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Discount stores sold the extension cords throughout Puerto Rico from January 1996 through June 1997 for about $2 or $3.

Product

Extension Cords

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), In-Mar Trading Inc. of Levittown, Puerto Rico is recalling over 14,600 extension cords. The cords have undersized wires that cannot carry the advertised load, plugs that are not polarized properly, poor strain relief and lack of overcurrent protection presenting fire, shock and electrocution hazards.CPSC and In-Mar Trading Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The recalled extension cords are white, brown or green. The white or brown cords each have double wires, three female plugs and one male plug, and are available in the following lengths: 6, 9, 15 and 20 feet. The green cords have double wires, 9 female plugs and one male plug, and a power switch. The green cord is available in a length of 12 feet. There is no labeling on the cords.The cords are packaged in red, white and black cardboard display sleeves that are labeled in part, "SUPER POWER EXTENSION CORD...MADE IN CHINA." The last 5 digits of the UPC code range from 70027 through 70037.Discount stores sold the extension cords throughout Puerto Rico from January 1996 through June 1997 for about $2 or $3.Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. If consumers have questions about this recall, they should call In-Mar Trading Inc. at (787) 796-1519.Consumer inquiries in Spanish can be directed to CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772. Media inquiries in Spanish can be directed to Jésus Chaírez, CPSC, at (214) 827-6239.

Hazard

The cords have undersized wires that cannot carry the advertised load, plugs that are not polarized properly, poor strain relief and lack of overcurrent protection presenting fire, shock and electrocution hazards.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and In-Mar Trading Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately and return them 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.

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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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