Recall of Extension Cords

ECN Shout Chat

Give a Shout Out!

ShoutChat

Who's Online Now

0 members (), 390 guests, and 14 robots.

Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod

Print Thread

Rate Thread

Recall of Extension Cords

#148195 12/23/03 05:02 PM

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,682

Likes: 3

NY, USA

Admin

OP

Administrator

Member

CPSC, Family Dollar Services Inc. Announce Recall of Extension Cords

Quote

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the distributor and importer named below, today announced voluntary recall of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Durex Procraft Outdoor Extension Cords

Units: 60,000

Distributor: Family Dollar Services, Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.

Manufacturer/Importer: Royal United Corp., of North Bergen, N.J.

Hazard: Use of these extension cords could result in an electric shock or electrocution to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: These are 25-foot Durex Procraft outdoor extension cords. These green cords are sold in blue and black packaging. An Underwriters Laboratories’ label is attached to the cord showing code “E-174825.” The item UPC number is 0 74972 01025 1, and is located on the back of the package in the lower right-hand corner.

Sold at: Family Dollar Stores nationwide from June 2003 through November 2003 for $3.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Return the recalled cords to any Family Dollar Store for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Royal United Corp. toll-free at (800) 682-0097 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Click >> CPSC Recall Notice

Arc Flash PPE Clothing, LOTO & Insulated Tools


PPE Clothing	Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Supplies	Insulated Tools

Re: Recall of Extension Cords

#148196 12/23/03 05:11 PM

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 1,691

New York City

S

SvenNYC

Member

I assume you're not supposed to use two-conductor non-grounded extension cords outdoors or could this a deeper problem: Reversed polarity, bad crimps when molding the connector ends, exposed contacts in the female connector, plugs tend to work themselves loose?

The recall notice is so vague...I wish I had one of these cords to see what the problem is exactly. I've never had the good fortune to buy a product for which a recall notice is later issued....

[This message has been edited by SvenNYC (edited 12-23-2003).]

Re: Recall of Extension Cords

#148197 12/29/03 03:49 AM

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 119

Connecticut, USA

C

ComputerWizKid Offline

Member

I had one svem. The female connector came apart. I thought those were molded. not a very good job

Theres always enough room in the junction box.You just need a bigger hammer

Re: Recall of Extension Cords

#148198 12/30/03 01:32 PM

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 1,691

New York City

S

SvenNYC

Member

Computerwizkidsaid:

Quote

The female connector came apart. I thought those were molded.

Thanks for the answer. [Linked Image]

Yeah, I've also assumed (and correctly also) that most of these extensions use sturdy molded rubber or vinyl female connectors.

However I've seen a few cordset manufacturers (like KAB Enterprise in Taiwan) that use a two-part hard plastic connector assembly. Look at this picture:

[Linked Image from kab-cable.com]

It comes in two pieces and first the metal contact terminal strips are crimped to the wires and then the two plastic halves of the shell are fitted and either welded or glued together.

They're pretty easy to crack open with a screwdriver if you're so inclined. Did so once just to see how well put together these things actually are. I wasn't impressed.

[This message has been edited by SvenNYC (edited 12-30-2003).]

Re: Recall of Extension Cords

#148199 01/08/04 12:53 AM

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 119

Connecticut, USA

C

ComputerWizKid Offline

Member

yes sven mine looken like that but white and I think it was 18Guage wire. I just bought it for the hell of it. to replace a lamp cord and get that factory molded on plug and it was only $1 I never used it as an extension cord. I only buy three prong ones

Theres always enough room in the junction box.You just need a bigger hammer

Re: Recall of Extension Cords

#148200 01/24/04 02:41 AM

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 1,691

New York City

S

SvenNYC

Member

Thanks to the "UL code" (that number that starts with E is a UL Labs file number), I was able to find out who made that extension cord:

The cord is made by JIANDE YONGHUA ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT CO LTD of Zhejiang, PRC.

Facinating thing -- here's the link to UL's search engine:
http://database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/index.htm

Click on "UL FILE NUMBER" and enter that code that starts with "E".

Moderated by dougwells, electure, gfretwell, HotLine1, Scott35, Trumpy

Link Copied to Clipboard

Featured:

Electricians
Slate Coasters

* * * * * * *

Tools for Electricians

* * * * * * *

2023 NEC + Exam Prep Study Guides Now Available!

Member Spotlight

renosteinke
Blue Collar Country

Posts: 5,445
Joined: January 2005

ECN Forum Forums Safety Discussion and News Safety News and Product Recalls Recall of Extension Cords