Recall: Surge Protectors Recall by Price Master

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ken Giles
MARCH 5, 1997	(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-078

CPSC, Price Master Corp. Recall Surge Protectors

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Price Master Corp. of New York, N.Y., is recalling about 6,000 surge protectors in the United States. The surge protectors have undersized wires, loose connections and improper grounding, which present fire, shock and electrocution hazards.

CPSC and Price Master Corp. 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 six outlets. There is no labeling on the surge protector itself, but it is made of beige-colored metal with a red power switch and black outlets. The electrical cord is also black. The surge protector is packaged in a blue cardboard box labeled in part, "6 OUTLET AC SURGE PROTECTOR...CLEAN POWER SOURCE WITH SPIKE SUPPRESSOR...BUILT IN SAFETY CIRCUIT BREAKER...MASTER SWITCH WITH PILOT LIGHT...UL...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. There is no model number associated with this product.

Neighborhood discount variety stores sold the surge protectors in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts from July 1995 through August 1996 for about $4 to $5.

Consumers should stop using the recalled surge protectors immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Price Master Corp. at (800) 538-3873. Consumers who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (212) 366-7290.