Power Strip Surge Protectors Recall by Howard Berger
Home product recall 97-109. Announced by CPSC on Apr 22, 1997.
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The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Apr 22, 1997. Copied from CPSC on Oct 24, 2026.
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
Electrocution/Electric Shock
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
The notice gives no remedy in a field of its own.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
Which ones are recalled?
Power Strip Surge Protectors Recall by Howard Berger NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles April 22, 1997 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-109 CPSC, Howard Berger Inc. Announce Recall of Power Strip Surge Protectors WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Howard Berger Inc. of Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling about 30,000 power strip surge protectors. The power strip surge protectors have undersized wires and loose connections, presenting fire, shock, and electrocution hazards. CPSC and Howard Berger Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these surge protectors. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The surge protector has 8 outlets. It is made of a beige-colored plastic with a red power switch and a black reset button. The power switch and reset button are located on the raised end of the surge protector, which is about 1/2 inch higher than the outlets. The electrical cord is beige. The following words are embossed on the bottom of the surge protector, “8 Outlet Power Strip...MP8...Made in China.” There is a silver label affixed to the bottom of surge protector that reads, “UL Listed 50E8.” The surge protector was packaged in a clear plastic bag with a cardboard header. Labeling on the bag reads in part, “Guard Security Hardware...Made in China.” Labeling on the cardboard header reads in part, “8 Outlet Power Center...MP8...Made in China.” Discount, variety, and hardware stores in the Northeast sold the surge protectors from January 1995 through October 1996 for about $6. Consumers should stop using the recalled surge protectors immediately and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Howard Berger Inc. at (800) 695-4827. Consumers who live in the New York metropolitan area should call (718) 272-1540. CPSC learned of this problem during joint surveillance with the U.S. Customs Service.
Guard Security Hardware power strip surge protectors.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Howard Berger.
- Made in China, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
The notice doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 24, 2026.