PM International Recalls International Adapter Plugs

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2002
Release # 02-193

PM International Recall Hotline: (800) 377-6332
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC, PM International Ltd. Announce Recall to Replace International Adapter Plugs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), PM International Ltd., of Edison, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 international 2-prong adapter plugs. PM International imported the adapter plugs from a manufacturer in China. The adapter plug can separate when the plug is removed, exposing live electrical conductors, posing an electric shock or electrocution hazard to consumers.

PM International received one report of a consumer who received an electric shock when he contacted the exposed conductors when he removed the plug.

The 2-prong, slip-on adapter plugs are used to connect American 2- pronged electrical plugs into various foreign outlets. The adapter plugs are plastic with a white matte finish. The only marking on the plug is "6A250V", which is molded on the bottom surface between the prongs of the adapter. No other writing appears on the adapters. PM International sold the adapter plugs individually and as part of a traveling kit with voltage converters. Only adapter plugs sold individually are included in the recall.

Catalogs and electronic stores nationwide sold the adapter plugs from November 2000 through March 2002 for about $3.

Consumers should immediately stop using these adapters and contact the store or catalog where purchased to receive a free replacement adapter. Consumers can contact PM International at (800) 377-6332 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.