The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·98168·Announced 1998-09-14

First Choice Recalls Power Strip Surge Protectors Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

First Choice Products is recalling about 194,200 power strip surge protectors due to wiring defects that pose fire, shock, and electrocution risks.

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 (fire, shock, electrocution) where no injuries have been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

First Choice Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling approximately 194,200 power strip surge protectors in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recalled units have undersized, cracked, or corroded wiring and misaligned plugs, which present hazards of fire, shock, and electrocution. The company and CPSC are not aware of any injuries involving these products, and the recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Two models of six-outlet power strips are affected. One model is made of cream-colored plastic, is 4 feet long, and features black outlets and a black power cord; it was sold in a striped black and silver box. The other model is also made of cream-colored plastic, is 4 feet long, and has flush, cream-colored outlets and a black power cord; it was sold in a black, blue, and orange box. Both models were labeled in part with "6-OUTLET POWER STRIP...MADE IN CHINA."

The power strips were sold from March 1995 through July 1998 for about $2 at small independent hardware, salvage, specialty, discount, and surplus stores. The model in the striped black and silver box was sold nationwide, while the model in the black, blue, and orange box was sold in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas. Consumers should stop using the power strips immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can call First Choice Products Inc. at (800) 644-8277 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PDT, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
First Choice power strip surge protectors
Manufacturer
First Choice Products
Category
Consumer Product — Electrical Safety
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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