MASTER-TECH Extension Cord Recalled by Division Sales

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ken Giles
December 3, 1996	(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-034

CPSC and Division Sales Inc. Announce Extension Cord Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Division Sales Inc. of Itasca, Ill., is recalling approximately 21,000 extension cords. Undersized wires that cannot carry the same load as a properly constructed extension cord present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards.

CPSC and Division Sales Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The white extension cords are 6 feet long. The double-wired cords have a polarized male plug on one end and three polarized female plug-in sockets at the other end. The cords are labeled "SPT-1 18AWGX2X 80*C." The receptacle is marked in part "Rated for 125 volts. For indoor use only." The extension cords, imported from China, are packaged in red and black cardboard display sleeves that are labeled in part, "MASTER-TECH 6FT EXTENSION CORD ITEM NO. 80311 MADE IN CHINA FOR JUSTEN PRODUCTS ITASCA, IL 60143."

Retailers and other distributors sold the extension cords nationwide during the last five years for about $2.

Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Division Sales Inc. toll-free at (800) 621-8134.