GF1812 Ground Fault Interrupter extension cords
CPSC Recall #94-079 — May 22, 1994
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 94-079 |
| Recall Date | May 22, 1994 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | Approximately 39,600 |
Product
GF1812 Ground Fault Interrupter extension cords
Description
PRODUCT: Approximately 39,600 GF1812 Ground Fault Interrupter extension cords manufactured by Columbia Wire & Cable Corporation were sold by Consolidated Stores in 1992 from its Odd Lots/Big Lots retail outlet stores in the midwestern and southeastern United States. The extension cord is white and 12 feet long. To properly identify it, consumers should look for the red button labeled "RESET" on the top side of the white two-prong plug, along with the embossed labeling, "WARNING: To reduce the risk of shock, do not immerse, remove, or modify this plug." The bottom of the plug includes the embossed labeling, "Cat. No. 6575, E-96425." The three-hole white receptacle at the other end has the embossed labeling "JC." The cord in part may be labeled "...E90165...18AWX3C Da Tung," or "E56274...18AWG/3C Cableton." PROBLEM: The extension cord has no ground fault circuit interrupter, as advertised, but instead has a built-in immersion detection circuit interrupter (IDCI) plug. The IDCI plug will not provide protection from severe electric shock or electrocution if a short circuit or ground fault occurs. The cord may also create a shock hazard when connected to three-wire electrically grounded appliances such as metal drills or circular saws. In addition, approximately 14,000 extension cords are unaccounted for and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) believes that some of these cords may have been sold by unidentified retailers. WHAT TO DO: All consumers should stop using the GF1812 Ground Fault Interrupter extension cords. Consumers may call the Consolidated Stores Corporation at (800) 877-1253 to answer any questions. Cords purchased from Odd Lots/Big Lots stores may be returned to any Odd Lots/Big Lots store. To prevent injuries and to assist CPSC in identifying other retailers, consumers who purchased these cords from stores other than Odd Lots/Big Lots should stop using them and contact the retailers and CPSC by calling (800) 638-2772. WASHINGTON, DC -- CPSC, Columbia Wire & Cable Corporation, Brooklyn, NY is voluntarily recalling approximately 39,600 GF1812 Ground Fault Interrupter extension cords, due to a potential electric shock or electrocution hazard. The extension cords were sold in 1992 for $3.99 each by Consolidated Stores Corporation, Columbus, Ohio from its Odd Lots/Big Lots retail outlet stores in the midwestern and southeastern United States. To date, no reports of electric shock or injury have been reported to Columbia Wire & Cable or to Consolidated Stores. This extension cord has a plug with a built-in immersion detection circuit interrupter (IDCI). An IDCI is designed to detect the immersion of a connected appliance in water and to interrupt the circuit. The IDCI plug will not provide protection from severe electric shock or electrocution if a short circuit or ground fault occurs. In addition, the IDCI plug will not provide water immersion shock protection for two wire appliances such as hair dryers because the IDCI sensor wire is not connected. The product may also create a shock hazard when connected to three wire electrically grounded appliances such as metal drills or circular saws. This recalled extension cord is white and 12 feet long. To properly identify it, consumers should look for the red button labeled "RESET" on the top side of the white two prong plug, along with the embossed labeling, "WARNING: To reduce the risk of shock, do not immerse, remove, or modify this plug." The bottom of the plug includes the embossed labeling, "Cat. No. 6575, E-96425." The 3-hole white receptacle at the other end has the embossed labeling "JC." The cord in part may be labeled "E90165..18AWGX3C Da Tung," or "E56274 ..18AWG/3C Cableton." Consumers who purchased cords at Odd Lots/Big Lots stores should stop the use of the GF1812 Ground Fault Interrupter extension cords and return them to any Odd Lots/Big Lots store for a full refund. Consumers may call Consolidated Stores at (800) 877-1253 to answer any questions. Approximately 14,000 extension cords are unaccounted for and CPSC believes that some of these units may have been sold by unidentified retailers. To prevent injuries and to assist CPSC identifying other retailers, consumers who purchased these cords from stores other than Odd Lots/Big Lots should stop using them, contact the retailers and contact CPSC by calling (800) 638-2772. CPSC is announcing this recall as a part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumers products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.6 million injuries and 21,700 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.
Hazard
The extension cord has no ground fault circuit interrupter, as advertised, but instead has a built-in immersion detection circuit interrupter (IDCI) plug. The IDCI plug will not provide protection from severe electric shock or electrocution if a short circuit or ground fault occurs. The cord may also create a shock hazard when connected to three-wire electrically grounded appliances such as metal drills or circular saws.
Incidents & Injuries
To date, no reports of electric shock or injury have been reported to Columbia Wire & Cable or to Consolidated Stores.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers who purchased cords at Odd Lots/Big Lots stores should stop the use of the GF1812 Ground Fault Interrupter extension cords and return them to any Odd Lots/Big Lots store 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.