Power Strip Surge Protectors Recall by Howard Berger
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ken Giles
April 22, 1997
(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-109
CPSC, Howard Berger Inc. Announce Recall of Power Strip
Surge Protectors
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Howard Berger Inc. of
Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling about 30,000 power strip surge
protectors. The power strip surge protectors have undersized
wires and loose connections, presenting fire, shock, and
electrocution hazards.
CPSC and Howard Berger Inc. are not aware of any
injuries involving these surge protectors. This recall is
being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
The surge protector has 8 outlets. It is made of a
beige-colored plastic with a red power switch and a black
reset button. The power switch and reset button are located
on the raised end of the surge protector, which is about 1/2
inch higher than the outlets. The electrical cord is beige.
The following words are embossed on the bottom of the surge
protector, "8 Outlet Power Strip...MP8...Made in China."
There is a silver label affixed to the bottom of surge
protector that reads, "UL Listed 50E8." The surge protector
was packaged in a clear plastic bag with a cardboard header.
Labeling on the bag reads in part, "Guard Security
Hardware...Made in China." Labeling on the cardboard header
reads in part, "8 Outlet Power Center...MP8...Made in
China."
Discount, variety, and hardware stores in the Northeast
sold the surge protectors from January 1995 through October
1996 for about $6.
Consumers should stop using the recalled surge
protectors immediately and return them to the stores where
purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers
should call Howard Berger Inc. at (800) 695-4827. Consumers
who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (718)
272-1540.
CPSC learned of this problem during joint surveillance
with the U.S. Customs Service.