The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·98096·Announced 1998-04-15

General Electric Recalls Heavy-Duty Grounding Triple Tap Outlet Converters

General Electric is recalling about 50,000 outlet converters with oversized ground connectors that can cause loose contacts and shock hazards.

What this means for you

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 shock) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

General Electric Co.'s GE Lighting division is recalling approximately 50,000 outlet converters, also known as current taps, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These products, sold as "GE Heavy-Duty Grounding Triple Taps," convert a single electrical outlet into three outlets. The recall is due to oversized ground connector receptacles that can cause loose ground contacts, exposing consumers to serious shock hazards without proper grounding.

The affected converters are made of ivory, orange, or green plastic and measure about 4 inches long and 1 inch wide. They feature the GE logo on one side and the text "15A-125V...CURRENT TAP...MADE IN CHINA" on the other, along with a silver UL label. Retail stores nationwide sold these units from September 1997 through January 1998 for approximately $3 to $4. GE has received one report of a loose ground plug, but no injuries have been reported.

Consumers should stop using the recalled converters immediately and call General Electric at (800) 729-4399 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday, for instructions on how to return the product for a free replacement.

The recalled product

Product
GE Heavy-Duty Grounding Triple Taps outlet converters/current taps
Manufacturer
General Electric
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Outlets & Accessories
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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