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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 their
search engine and enter one of the
following, depending on your interest, in the search box:
- extension cord
- power strip
- surge protector
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