CPSC recall 01036b, announced November 21, 2000, covers The Howard Berger Power Strips and Extension Cords (about 17,500 units). The power strips have undersized wires, lack over-current protection and grounding, and the plastic case is flammable. The notice reports no incidents. Consumers should stop using these products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Recall contact: call (800) 221-6895.
Advertisements
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 power strips have a 2-prong plug with a plastic base containing 6 outlets and are not labeled. The extension cords are about 6 feet long with a 2-prong plug and are not labeled. The extension cords sold for less than $1 and the power strips sold for about $2. Both were made in China.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
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.
Incidents and injuries
None reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using these products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Call (800) 221-6895.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
Advertisements
Product and sales details
- Brand
- The Howard Berger
- Product type
- Extension cords, Power strips
- Recall number
- 01036b
- Units
- About 17,500 power strips and about 10,000 extension cords
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Discount stores in the eastern United States and Puerto Rico sold these products, from September 1998 to September 2000.
- Importer
- The Howard Berger Co. Inc., of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Power Strips and Extension Cords
CPSC product type: Extension Cords/Power Strips/Surge Protectors
This recall in context
Compared with the 41 extension cord recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 17,500 units: the 12th-largest of 21 extension cord recalls that state a unit count. The median is 30,000 units.
- Hazards
- Fire: named in 18 of 41 extension cord recalls. Electric shock: named in 33 of 41 extension cord recalls, the most common hazard among them.
- Time on sale
- About 2 years. Recalled 2 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
For more information, call Howard Berger Co. Inc. at (800) 221-6895 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
Advertisements
