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Extension Cords

CPSC Recall #97-034 - December 2, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-034
Recall DateDecember 2, 1996
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 21,000

Where It Was Sold

Retailers and other distributors sold the extension cords nationwide during the last five years for about $2.

Product

Extension Cords

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Division Sales Inc. of Itasca, Ill., is recalling approximately 21,000 extension cords. Undersized wires that cannot carry the same load as a properly constructed extension cord present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards. CPSC and Division Sales Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The white extension cords are 6 feet long. The double-wired cords have a polarized male plug on one end and three polarized female plug-in sockets at the other end. The cords are labeled "SPT-1 18AWGX2X 80*C." The receptacle is marked in part "Rated for 125 volts. For indoor use only." The extension cords, imported from China, are packaged in red and black cardboard display sleeves that are labeled in part, "MASTER-TECH 6FT EXTENSION CORD ITEM NO. 80311 MADE IN CHINA FOR JUSTEN PRODUCTS ITASCA, IL 60143." Retailers and other distributors sold the extension cords nationwide during the last five years for about $2. Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Division Sales Inc. toll-free at (800) 621-8134.

Hazard

Undersized wires that cannot carry the same load as a properly constructed extension cord present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Division Sales 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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