GE Recalls 45,000 Surge Suppressors

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, General Electric Company, Warwick, Rhode Island, is recalling an estimated 45,000 GE and RCA brand Electronic Protection Center surge suppressors, sold nationally by a variety of retailers from October, 19S6 to December 4, 1987. Four GE surge suppressor models, EPC-6S, EPC6NS, EPC-4NS, and EPC-CPU and two RCA surge suppressors, models SK416 and SKF416, are being recalled.

Some of these surge suppressor- c are defective and may present a severe electric shock hazard. A defective product's metal housing and the metal housing of any 3-wire appliance connected to it could be electrified. Although neither shock incidents nor injuries have been reported, four defective units have been returned to GE after their internal circuit breakers reportedly tripped in separate incidents.

The product, which sells for about $4O-$60, resembles a power strip with four or six electrical outlets in a light gray colored metal housing. Each unit has an on/off switch, a power indicator light, a resettable circuit breaker, and a 6-foot power cord. The label on top of each unit includes (1) the GE or RCA brand and logo, (2) the words "Electronic Protection Center Surge Suppressor", "Electronic Protection Center Surge and Noise Suppressor", or "Computer Protector" and (3) one of the above-listed model numbers. The product was designed for use with personal computers, stereos, TVs and VCRs.

Owners who have a surge suppressor subject to this recall should disconnect the product from the wall outlet, without touching the metal housing, and mail it to:

     General Electric Company
     Attn: EPC Recall
     PO Box 8203
     Beaverton, OR 97076

A new product will be returned to the consumer along with reimbursement of the postage cost. For additional information, consumers may call the GE Answer Center toll free at 800-626-2000.

To report an unsafe consumer product or to receive safety information, consumers may call the CPSC toll free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Owners who have a surge suppressor subject to this recall should disconnect the product from the wall outlet, without touching the metal housing, and mail it to:

     General Electric Company
     Attn: EPC Recall
     PO Box 8203
     Beaverton, OR 97076

A new product will be returned to the consumer along with reimbursement of the postage cost.

No shock incidents nor injuries have been reported. Four defective units have been returned to GE after their internal circuit breakers reportedly tripped in separate incidents.