WARNING
Counterfeit Power Strips
and Surge Protectors

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has issued a warning that certain power strips and surge protectors manufactured in China may present a shock or fire hazard and do not comply with UL's Standards for Safety. These products have a counterfeit UL Mark on them or their packaging.

UL's evaluation of certain market samples has revealed the following problems: the ground circuit is not connected properly; the ground circuit may open under certain overload conditions; and internal live parts are loose or may come loose. These problems can cause either a shock hazard, fire hazard, or intermittent operation of appliances plugged into the power strip.

All of the products involved have a metal enclosure, multiple outlets, plug into the wall with a power cord, and can be identified by the markings: CH-865, Somito Model SX-865, Trisonic Model TS-1008, or TeleMaster Model AC-63. In addition, one similar power strip has no manufacturer's name or model number on the packaging or the product.

The market samples were purchased in and around New York City, but these power strips may be sold in other major cities, and UL is expanding its investigation around the country.

UL recommends that use of these products be discontinued immediately and that they be returned to the place of purchase.

ADDITIONAL WARNING:

There have been several instances where a QVS Model No. PT-09 surge protector servicing various electronic devices (including computers) have failed at the ON/OFF switch assembly. These failures result in arcing, sparking, smoke and/or tripping of the facility circuit breaker. The cause appears to be improper securing of the power cord at the switch end which causes internal wiring to short.

If you discover that you have any of these power strips, do not use it and call Hugh Bundy in Electrical Safety at 845-9806.