Recall: Extension Cords, Portable Lights, and Fluorescent Lights Recalled by Homier Distributing Co.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2003
Release # 03-145
Homier Hotline: (800) 348-5004
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Homier Distributing Co. Announce Recall of Extension Cords, Portable Lights, and Fluorescent Work Lights

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: HDC Extension Cords, Portable Lights, and Fluorescent Work Lights

Units: 150,000, 180,000, and 54,000 respectively

Manufacturer: Homier Distributing Co. Inc., of Huntington, Ind.

Products Hazard Description
HDC Brand 50-ft. Outdoor Extension Cord (Catalog #04247)


HDC Brand 100-ft. Outdoor Extension Cord (Catalog #04521),
Undersized wiring, are not properly polarized, and do not have overcurrent protection, which causes overheating, posing a shock and fire hazard to consumers. The cords are orange and have a three-prong plug. There is no labeling on the cord but the packaging reads, "HDC HOMIER DISTRIBUTING … 04247 50 FT. HEAVY DUTY EXTENSION CORD WITH 3-WIRE GROUNDED…MANUFACTURED IN CHINA."


The cords also are orange and have a three-prong plug. The characters "65 C 16AWGX3C" are printed on the cord. The packaging reads, "HDC HOMIER DISTRIBUTING…04521 100 FT. OUTDOOR EXTENSION CORD…MANUFACTURED IN CHINA"
HDC Brand Handyman's Trouble Lights (Catalog #04299)


HDC Brand Trouble Light with 25' Cord (Catalog #04109)
Undersized wiring, are not properly polarized, have inadequate grounding, faulty electrical conections, and plastic handles that once ignited continue to burn and spread flames, posing a shock, electrocution and fire hazard to consumers. The lights have a silver metal shroud, an orange plastic handle with a three-prong receptacle for an extension cord, and a 12-ft. orange cord. The metal shroud has the following labeling stamped into it, "CAUTION AVOID HAZARD – PULL PLUG WHEN RELAMPING - USE ONLY 75 WATT OR SMALLER BULB."

The lights have a silver metal shroud, an orange plastic handle with a three-prong receptacle for an extension cord, and a 25-ft. orange cord with a three-prong plug. The metal shroud has the same words stamped into it as the 12-ft. model. The cords were manufactured in China.
HDC Brand 16-inch AC/DC Fluorescent Work Light (Catalog #04070) Lack proper grounding, have exposed live wires, faulty electrical connections, and have sharp metal edges that can damage the insulation of electrical wires, posing a shock or electrocution hazard to consumers. The work lights have a 16-inch fluorescent light bulb with a silver metal shield on one side and can be plugged into a household outlet or the cigarette lighter in a car. The metal shield is labeled in part, "3 PINS PLUG TO AC, 110V-120V CIGARETTE PLUG TO DC, 12V… MADE IN CHINA…WARNING: To Prevent Fire or Shock Do Not Expose This Appliance to Rain or Moisture. The entire light is about 20 inches long and the bulb and shield are encased in a plastic tube with yellow end caps.


Incidents/Injuries: Company has received one report of an individual who sustained an electric shock and burn injury using the fluorescent work light near his car.

Sold at: Traveling sales shows nationwide, the company;s two retail stores (in Huntington and Lafeyette, Ind.) and online at www.homier.com from January 2000 through May 2003 for between $3 and $7.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumer should stop using the product immediately and mail the to Homier Distributing Co., Customer Service Center, 100 Commerce Drive, Huntington, IN 46750 for a full refund, including the cost of shipping.

Consumer Contact: (800) 348-5004 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or email Homier at customerresponseteam@homier.com

Picture of Recalled Extension Cord


Picture of Recalled Portable Light


Picture of Recalled Fluorescent Work Light