GE Recalls 45,000 Surge Suppressors Due to Electric Shock Hazard

Plain-English summary

General Electric Company is recalling an estimated 45,000 GE and RCA brand Electronic Protection Center surge suppressors and computer protectors. The affected products were sold nationally by various retailers from October 1986 to December 4, 1987. The recall includes four GE models (EPC-6S, EPC6NS, EPC-4NS, and EPC-CPU) and two RCA models (SK416 and SKF416). These units resemble power strips with four or six outlets in a light gray metal housing.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because some of these surge suppressors are defective and may present a severe electric shock hazard. A defective product's metal housing, as well as the metal housing of any 3-wire appliance connected to it, could become electrified. While no shock incidents or injuries have been reported, four defective units were returned to GE after their internal circuit breakers reportedly tripped in separate incidents.

Owners of these products should disconnect the surge suppressor from the wall outlet without touching the metal housing. Consumers should mail the product 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.

The recalled product

Product

General Electric (GE) Electronic Protection Center Surge & Noise Suppressors, Computer Protectors

Manufacturer

General Electric

Category

Consumer Product — Electronics

Hazard

• electric-shock

Distribution

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