The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·00013a·Announced 1999-11-04

Fairlong International Recalls Household Extension Cords Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

Fairlong International is recalling over 149,600 household extension cords sold in the Midwest due to electrical defects that pose fire, shock, and electrocution risks.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (electrical fire/shock) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Fairlong International, of Addison, Ill., is recalling more than 149,600 household extension cords. The recalled cords are made of white or brown plastic, measure 6 or 9 feet long, and have 3 receptacles. They are marked with the information "SPT-2, 18AWGX2C, VW-1, 60 C." and were sold in blue and yellow cardboard wrappers. The cords were manufactured in China.

The recall is being issued because the cords have undersized wires, incorrect ratings, lack overcurrent protection, and allow polarized plugs to be incorrectly inserted into receptacles. These defects present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards to consumers. The company has not reported any injuries or illnesses associated with the product.

The cords were sold from July 1997 through October 1999 for about $1 to $2 at wholesale and discount stores in the Chicago area, as well as a few stores in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio. Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. Alternatively, consumers can return the cords directly to Fairlong International for a refund plus the cost of postage. For instructions, consumers should call Fairlong at (800) 577-8197 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Household extension cords
Manufacturer
Fairlong International, of Addison, Ill.
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Cords
Hazard
Affected units
149,600

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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