CPSC Warns Consumers About Faulty Extension Cords, Power
Strips and Surge Protectors
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 1999
Release # 99-069
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
CPSC Warns Consumers About Faulty Extension Cords, Power
Strips and Surge Protectors
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers about millions of
faulty extension cords, power strips and surge protectors
that pose a fire, shock and electrocution danger. Since
1994, CPSC has announced 25 recalls involving 2 million
extension cords, power strips and surge protectors because
they have undersized wires, loose connections, faulty
components or improper grounding. The defects in these
products can result in fires or pose a shock or
electrocution hazard to consumers.
Most of these substandard cords were sold at discount
stores and small retailers for about $1 to $7. Most were
made in China. Many have no identifying marks or model
numbers. Some have counterfeit Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) certification labels. Extension cords, power strips and
surge protectors must be able to handle the amount of
current required by the appliance. Defective cords fail to
meet current industry safety standards and can be overloaded
easily if they are used to plug in even small appliances.
"With computers, VCRs, and a growing number of other
appliances in our homes, more consumers are using extension
cords, power strips and surge protectors," said CPSC
Chairman Ann Brown. "Many meet current safety standards, but
the poorly constructed models recalled in recent years are a
hidden fire and electrocution hazard. You should check your
home immediately and make sure you aren't using one of these
recalled cords."
In 1997, CPSC began an investigation to monitor the
extension cords, power strips and surge protectors sold in
stores across the country. CPSC investigators inspected
products sold through discount stores, mass merchandisers,
dollar stores and hardware chains. After collecting suspect
samples from 83 locations around the country, investigators
found that 72 percent of the samples failed to meet current
safety standards. CPSC also worked with U.S. Customs to
monitor the extension cords, power strips and surge
protectors shipped to U.S. ports. Many of the recent
recalls of these cords were the result of this
investigation.
In 1996, electrical cords and plugs were involved in
about 7,100 fires resulting in 120 deaths or about 32
percent of all deaths associated with residential electrical
system fires. In 1997, more than 12,000 people were treated
in hospital emergency rooms for electrical burns and shocks
and about 2,500 people were treated for injuries associated
with extension cords.
CPSC provides these safety tips for consumers:
Look for a certification label from an independent
testing lab such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories ) or ETL
(Electrical Testing Laboratories) on the package and on the
product itself. Products with this certification label meet
current industry safety standards. For extension cords, look
for a permanently attached certification label on the cord
near the plug. For power strips and surge protectors,
inspect the underside of the casing and make certain that it
is marked with the manufacturer's name and the testing lab.
Use electrical cords, power strips and surge protectors
that have polarized plugs with one blade slightly wider the
other, or grounded three-pronged plugs. These features
reduce the risk of electric shock.
Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high
wattage appliances such as air conditioners, portable
electric heaters and freezers.
Extension cords used outside should be specifically
designed for such use to guard against shock.
Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs are
exposed when the cord is in use.
Never cover any part of an extension cord with rugs or
other objects while it is in use. If the cord is covered,
heat cannot escape, which can result in fire.
Don't overload cords with too many appliances. Change
the cord to a higher-rated one or unplug and relocate
appliances to other outlets.
Make sure cords do not dangle from the counter or table
tops where they can be pulled down or tripped over.
If a cord feels hot to the touch, stop using it and
throw it away.
Replace cracked or worn cords.
Don't use extension cords to compensate for inadequate
home wiring. Use extension cords only when necessary and
only on a temporary basis.
CPSC is working with U.S. Customs to identify shipments
of substandard cords before they reach store shelves. CPSC
investigators are continuing to monitor the cords currently
being sold in stores. The Commission also is working with
Chinese trade officials to stop exports of substandard cords
to the United States.
To view recalls on these products issued by CPSC, please go to our search engine and enter one of the following, depending on your interest, in the search box: