Recall: Foreign Travel Electric Converters Recalled by Chandur Hasso

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 23,1998 Release # 98-086

Company Phone Number: (800) 451-4244 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Chandur Hasso Inc. Announce Recall of Foreign Travel Electric Converters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Chandur Hasso Inc., of New York, N.Y., is recalling 2,400 foreign travel electric converters. These converters could short circuit, presenting fire, shock and thermal burn hazards to consumers.

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

This model CH-1600 electric converter is intended for use by U.S. travelers overseas. It converts international 220/440 volt electricity to 110/120 volts and is rated for 50 to 1,600 watts. The body is plastic on three sides and metal on the other three sides, and has "1600 WATT FOREIGN TRAVEL CONVERTER" imprinted on the front plastic panel. It was sold in a box labeled in part, "SOMITO," "1600 WATTS FOREIGN TRAVEL CONVERTER," "Model CH-1600" and "MADE IN CHINA."

Small discount and electronic stores in Chicago and the New York metropolitan area sold the converters from May 1997 through June 1997 for about $3.

Consumers should stop using these converters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should call Chandur Hasso Inc. at (800) 451-4244 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Consumers who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (212)268-6265.

U.S. Customs alerted CPSC to this hazard.