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CPSC, General Cable Corp. Announce Recall of Extension Cords

  • Carol Brand Extension Cord
  • Ace Brand Extension Cord
Name of Product:
Outdoor extension cords sold under the Carol and Ace brand names
Hazard:

An exposed wire near the receptacle end of the cord presents a shock hazard to consumers.

Remedy:
Refund
Recall Date:
May 29, 1997
Units:

More than 2,700

Consumer Contact

Consumers can also receive a refund by calling General Cable Corp. toll-free at (888) 594-2600 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday or writing to the company at Dept. 1R, Tesseneer Drive, Highland Heights, Ky. 41076-9753.

Recall Details

Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), General Cable Corp. of Highland Heights, Ky., is recalling more than 2,700 outdoor extension cords sold under the Carol and Ace brand names. An exposed wire near the receptacle end of the cord presents a shock hazard to consumers.

CPSC and General Cable Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The Carol brand extension cords have orange, yellow, green, blue, or beige cords. Plugs and receptacles either match the cord or are black. The cord has three receptacles at one end, where the markings "CAROL" and "W-8" are imprinted. The cord is available in lengths ranging from 2 to 100 feet. The cord is packaged in a cardboard wrapper that reads in part, "CAROL...POWR-CENTER ...Outdoor Cord...Made in USA." The cord is UL listed.

The Ace brand extension cords have orange cords and black plugs and receptacles. The cord has three receptacles at one end, where the marking "W-8" is imprinted. "ACE" may also appear on the receptacle. The cord is available in the following lengths: 2, 10, 50, or 100 feet. The cord is packaged in a cardboard wrapper that reads in part, "ACE Outdoor 3 Outlet Power Center...Manufactured in USA for ACE." The cord is UL listed.

Hardware stores, home centers, and electrical distributors nationwide sold the extension cords from April 1997 through May 1997 for about $6 to $90, depending on the length and gauge of the cord.

Consumers should stop using these extension cords immediately and return them to the store where purchased to receive a full refund. Consumers can also receive a refund by calling General Cable Corp. toll-free at (888) 594-2600 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday or writing to the company at Dept. 1R, Tesseneer Drive, Highland Heights, Ky. 41076-9753.

Remedy:

Consumers should stop using these extension cords immediately and return them to the store where purchased to receive a full refund.

Incidents/Injuries:

CPSC and General Cable Corp. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Sold At:
Hardware stores, home centers, and electrical distributors nationwide sold the extension cords from April 1997 through May 1997 for about $6 to $90, depending on the length and gauge of the cord.
Recall number:
97-132

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

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