The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·01036b·Announced 2000-11-21

Howard Berger Recalls Power Strips and Extension Cords for Fire Hazards

Howard Berger is recalling power strips and extension cords sold in the eastern U.S. and Puerto Rico due to fire 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 risk-of-harm products (fire and electrocution) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and The Howard Berger Co. Inc. are recalling approximately 17,500 power strips and 10,000 extension cords. These products were sold at discount stores in the eastern United States and Puerto Rico between September 1998 and September 2000. The power strips feature a 2-prong plug with a plastic base containing six outlets, while the extension cords are approximately 6 feet long with a 2-prong plug. Both product types are unlabeled and were manufactured in China.

The recall is being issued because the power strips contain undersized wires, lack over-current protection and grounding, and have flammable plastic cases. The extension cords also contain undersized wires and lack over-current protection. These defects can cause the products to overheat, presenting hazards of electrocution, shock, and fire. No injuries have been reported in connection with these products.

Consumers should stop using these products immediately. To obtain a full refund, customers should return the items to the store where they were purchased. For more information, consumers can call Howard Berger Co. Inc. at (800) 221-6895 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Power Strips and Extension Cords
Manufacturer
The Howard Berger Co. Inc., of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Accessories
Hazard
Affected units
17,500

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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