Black And Decker Cord Adapters Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 2) -- The Black and Decker Manufacturing Co., Towson, Md., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary recall of its no. 86-210 extension-cord adapters because of a potential shock hazard. The adapters were packaged with Black and Decker electric hedge trimmers during the spring and summer of 1978, and distributed nationwide.

According to the company, less than 1,000 of the more than 200,000 adapters produced could have exposed brass electrical contacts protruding through the molded material, a condition which could cause a serious electrical shock.

The adapters are orange and can be identified by the number "86-210" molded on the outside surface. The adapters are supplied as standard equipment with hedge trimmers, along with instructions for attaching the adapter to an extension cord.

Consumers should immediately stop using the adapters and closely examine them for any metal showing through the outside surface. Adapters showing metal should be returned for free replacement to any Black and Decker Service Center, or a Black and Decker-authorized service center listed in the yellow pages.

The company, which informed CPSC of the potential safety hazard on July 11, 1978, sent letters providing recall instructions to all consumers who mailed in the registration card packed with the hedge trimmers.

Consumers who have questions about the condition of their adapters or who need additional information can call Black and Decker collect at 301-828-2955 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. To verify the model number, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Consumers should immediately stop using the adapters and closely examine them for any metal showing through the outside surface. Adapters showing metal should be returned for free replacement to any Black and Decker Service Center, or a Black and Decker-authorized service center.