Recall: Extension Cords & Power Strip Surge Protectors Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ken Giles
March 31, 1997	(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-094

CPSC and Chandur Hasso Inc. Announce Recall of Extension Cords and Power Strip Surge Protectors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Chandur Hasso Inc. of New York, N.Y., is recalling about 2,300 extension cords and 18,000 power strip surge protectors. The extension cords and power strip surge protectors present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards.

CPSC and Chandur Hasso Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these products. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The brown 12-foot extension cord (model SS2104) has undersized wires and is made with a plastic that, once ignited, continues to burn and spread flames. The receptor end of the cord is imprinted with seven parallel ribs on each side. "125V 13A" is imprinted on the single receptor end. The cord has a plastic warning label attached to one end that reads in part, "CAUTION AVOID HAZARDS...KEEP CHILDREN AWAY...DO NOT USE DAMAGED CORD...FOR INDOOR USE ONLY." The cord was packaged in a cardboard wrapper labeled in part, "SOMITO...SS2104...12 ft. Household Extension Cord...Polarized."

Retailers in New York and Illinois., such as Hyundai Electronics, Jack's 99¢ Stores, Star Distributors, and Universal Electronics, sold these cords from February to April 1996 for about $1.

The 6-outlet power strip surge protector (model number SX-865) has undersized wires, faulty soldering, and a non-polarized plug. There is no labeling on the surge protector, but it is made of a beige-colored metal with black outlets and a red power switch. The electrical cord is white. The surge protector was packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled in part, METAL SURGE PROTECTED OUTLET CENTER...FULL 3 LINE GROUND PROTECTION...LIGHTED ON/OFF SWITCH...SOMITO MODEL# SX-865." There is a picture of the surge protector on the front of the box.

The 6-outlet power strip surge protector has undersized wires, faulty soldering, and a non-polarized plug. There is no labeling on the surge protector, but it is made of a beige-colored metal with black outlets and a red power switch. The electrical cord is black. The surge protector was packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled in part, "6-OUTLET AC SURGE PROTECTOR...CLEAN POWER SOURCE WITH SPIKE SUPPRESSOR...15 AMPS MAXIMUM CAPACITY." There is a picture of the surge protector on the front of the box, and part of the surge protector is visible through a plastic-covered cutout that is part of the picture. Discount and hardware stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio sold these surge protectors from January 1995 to October 1996 for about $5.



Consumers should stop using these extension cords and power strip surge protectors immediately, and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Chandur Hasso Inc. at (800) 451-4244. Consumers who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (212) 268-6265.