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Outdoor extension cords

CPSC Recall #99-068a — February 22, 1999

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-068a
Recall DateFebruary 22, 1999
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 2,760
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Discount and hardware stores in California
Illinois
Maryland
Oklahoma and Texas sold the cords from August 1998 through January 1999 for about $12 (10 foot) and $15 (50 foot).

Product

Outdoor extension cords

Description

PRODUCT: Extension Cords: Tools Exchange Inc., of Lynwood, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 2,760 outdoor extension cords. The cords are blue and are available in lengths of 10 and 50 feet. The labeling, "3/C...300V...OUTDOOR...(6)", is imprinted into the cord. The cords were packaged in black cardboard display sleeves that were labeled in part, "OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORD...MADE IN CHINA...Manufactured Exclusively for: Tools Exchange, Inc." Discount and hardware stores in California, Illinois, Maryland, Oklahoma and Texas sold the cords from August 1998 through January 1999 for about $12 (10 foot) and $15 (50 foot). PROBLEM: The cords have undersized wires, lack overcurrent protection and have reverse polarity receptacles that allow plugs to be incorrectly inserted, presenting fire, shock and electrocution hazards. INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately, and return the cords to the company for a refund, plus the cost of postage. Returns should be addressed to: Tools Exchange Inc. 11840 Alameda St., Lynwood, Calif., 90262. For additional information, consumers should contact the company collect at (310) 885-5555 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST Monday through Friday.

Hazard

The cords have undersized wires, lack overcurrent protection and have reverse polarity receptacles that allow plugs to be incorrectly inserted, presenting fire, shock and electrocution hazards.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately, and return the cords to the company for a refund, plus the cost of postage. Returns should be addressed to: Tools Exchange Inc. 11840 Alameda St., Lynwood, Calif., 90262.

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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