Recall #01-006 · Published October 10, 2000

Woods Industries Extension cords and cord reels

CPSC, Woods Industries Announce Recall of Extension Cords and Cord Reels

CPSC published a recall notice for Extension cords and cord reels from Woods Industries on October 10, 2000. CPSC identifies this hazard: The extension cords and cord reels are equipped with a locking plug, which is designed to keep tools plugged in. The plastic housing of the locking plug can separate or break, exposing consumers to live wires and posing shock and electrocution hazards. The official remedy states: Consumers should stop using the extension cords and cord reels immediately and call Woods Industries to receive a replacement extension cord or cord reel.

Recalled Yellow Jacket extension cord
Recalled Yellow Jacket extension cord
Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.

The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.

Which products are included?

The recalled extension cords and cord reels are equipped with a LockJaw™ locking plug. The LockJaw™ plug has the following words embedded on the red, green or yellow locking button, located on the side of the plug, "LOCK, WOODS®, OPEN" or "LOCK, OPEN". The extension cords were sold under the "Woods LockJaw™" and "Yellow Jacket® LockJaw™" brand names in various wire gauges, lengths and colors. The cord reels are 30 feet long, and were sold under the "Woods' ACDelco" and "LumaPro" brand names in various wire gauges and colors. Some of the extension cords and cord reels have two-prong plugs and some have three- prong plugs. Some have the brand name on the cord. They are UL listed, assembled in the United States or Malaysia with a LockJaw™ plug made in China.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The extension cords and cord reels are equipped with a locking plug, which is designed to keep tools plugged in. The plastic housing of the locking plug can separate or break, exposing consumers to live wires and posing shock and electrocution hazards.

Incidents and injuries

Woods Industries has received three reports of the plug housing separating or breaking. No injuries have been reported.

Official remedy

Consumers should stop using the extension cords and cord reels immediately and call Woods Industries to receive a replacement extension cord or cord reel.

Product and sales details

Manufacturer
Woods Industries Inc., of Carmel, Ind.
Recall number
01-006
Units
About 500,000
Manufactured in
United States, Malaysia, China
Sold at / sales period
Home and hardware stores nationwide sold the extension cords and cord reels, from January 1996 through July 2000, for between $12 to $35.

Extension cords and cord reels

CPSC product type: Extension Cords/Power Strips/Surge Protectors

Recall contact information

Consumers may call Woods Industries toll-free at (888) 755-6535 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. EST.

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

Related recalls

Selected by shared brand or household-product category.

No. 01036bElectrical

Power Strips and Extension Cords Recalled by Howard Berger

The Howard Berger

Hazard: The power strips have undersized wires, lack over-current protection and grounding, and the plastic case is flammable. The extension cords have undersized wires and lack over-current protection. Both the power strips and the extension cords can overheat, presenting electrocution, shock and fire hazards.