Homerygardens, distributed by Sales BSD of Brooklyn, NY, has recalled the above-shown extension cord splitter.
It has been determined that the wires are not of sufficient size to properly handle the appropriate amp load.” The extension cord is also said to “lack protective features.” The recall is due because under certain conditions, the extension cord presents a fire hazard.
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Basically, the wires are too thin, and in consumer applications they could overheat and create a fire. The lack of protective features refers to the cord not having a fuse or circuit breaker to limit current draw to a level it can safely handle.
No injuries or incidents were reported.
The extension cord was sold at Amazon and Walmart between March 2019 and August 2020 for between $11 and $23.
If you have one of these, discard use immediately and contact Sales BSD for a full refund.
Contact Sales BSD toll-free at 866-966-0606 from 9 am to 5 pm ET Monday through Friday, or email at [email protected] for more information.
CPSC Recall Number: 21-703
If You Need a Splitter…
I don’t like using cord splitters, and instead prefer to use surge protectors or power strips that have built-in surge protectors, but I do have a Yellow Jacket 3-way splitter that I’ve had good experiences with. It has 12 gauge wires and is rated to 15A.
Also, it’s UL-listed. It’s important to look for UL or other safety lab certification.
I have no experience with one-piece splitters, but Yellow Jacket and other brands offer them.
Mr. Certainly says
As much as I hate to say it, assume everything consumer-grade is not up to spec. If it’s X amperage, assume it can handle just 60% of that safely. Maybe.
I’ve seen so many horror stories, so everything gets a trial run in a safe environment before being used in the field. That way if Sparky the Blue Smoke Monster decides to rear his ugly, blazened head — I can give him room to cool off.
aerodawg says
I swear that thing looks like its made out of 16awg. I swore off anything smaller than 12 a long time ago, both for extension cords and in wall wiring…
fred says
Might even be smaller than that (e.g. 18ga.).
Might be OK for something like strings of LED lights
At the other end of the spectrum is this – only a single outlet – but 8ga.:
https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Cable-19178806-Welder-Cord/dp/B002IZ99G6
aerodawg says
yep. looks like thats set up for a welding machine based on the outlets..
fred says
Looking at an old inventories- we had a batch of these in our remodeling business:
https://www.kirbyrisk.com/products/528723/
but had these in the plumbing business:
https://www.amazon.com/TOWER-MFG-In-Line-GFCI-Tripl/dp/B002EI7B8U
Flotsam says
I would have only bought an item like that for handling a bundle of “wall warts”. None of those really have much of a current draw.
The internal current rating probably doesn’t meet what the full capacity might be, but for what i would use it for , it would probably be fine.
Stuart says
The thing is, the average consumer doesn’t know, and they have to be protected from such ignorance.
We don’t know the conditions under which this could fail, but it’s significant enough to prompt a full recall.
SteveP says
I was recently surprised by an Amazon-sold light dimmer product that sports a two-prong plug but offers a three prong “grounded” outlet. Must be Chinese Magic?