Ground Fault Interrupter Extension Cord Recalled Due To Electric Shock Hazard

May 23, 1994 Release # 94-079 PRODUCT: Approximately 39,600 GF1812 Ground Fault Interrupter extension cords manufactured by Columbia Wire and Cable Corporation were sold by Consolidated Stores in 1992 from its Odd Lots/Big Lots retail outlet stores in the midwestern and southeastern United States. The extension cord is white and 12 feet long. To properly identify it, consumers should look for the red button labeled "RESET" on the top side of the white two-prong plug, along with the embossed labeling, "WARNING: To reduce the risk of shock, do not immerse, remove, or modify this plug." The bottom of the plug includes the embossed labeling, "Cat. No. 6575, E-96425." The three-hole white receptacle at the other end has the embossed labeling "JC." The cord in part may be labeled "...E90165...18AWX3C Da Tung," or "E56274...18AWG/3C Cableton." PROBLEM: The extension cord has no ground fault circuit interrupter, as advertised, but instead has a built-in immersion detection circuit interrupter (IDCI) plug. The IDCI plug will not provide protection from severe electric shock or electrocution if a short circuit or ground fault occurs. The cord may also create a shock hazard when connected to three-wire electrically grounded appliances such as metal drills or circular saws. In addition, approximately 14,000 extension cords are unaccounted for and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) believes that some of these cords may have been sold by unidentified retailers. WHAT TO DO: All consumers should stop using the GF1812 Ground Fault Interrupter extension cords. Consumers may call the Consolidated Stores Corporation at (800) 877-1253 to answer any questions. Cords purchased from Odd Lots/Big Lots stores may be returned to any Odd Lots/Big Lots store. To prevent injuries and to assist CPSC in identifying other retailers, consumers who purchased these cords from stores other than Odd Lots/Big Lots should stop using them and contact the retailers and CPSC by calling (800)