NSW Fair Trading is warning consumers to check their household extension cords following the voluntary national recall of some HPM brand extension cords.

The cords are: R2702, R2703, R2705, R2707, R2710 and R2715 as well as piggyback extension cords type: R2601, R2602, R2604, R2606
and R2610 due to the potential risk of electric shock. All plugs are marked with CAT 100C/6 or CAT 101C, and have a date code of 2/2012, 3/2012 or 4/2012.

The extension cords were sold nationally through major retail outlets and electrical wholesalers between 1 March and 8 June 2012.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said a wiring defect during production has caused some cords to have their Active–Neutral or Active-Earth wires swapped.

If an exposed earthed metal appliance were to be plugged into a cord with an Earth-Active configuration there is a serious possibility a person would be electrocuted.

Mr Stowe said consumers should stop using the affected products immediately by switching off the extension cord at the power source and unplugging it.

Consumers should contact the HPM Legrand Australia Call Centre on 1300 369 777 (selecting option 1) between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday to arrange for the goods to be returned for testing. All goods will be tested and returned to consumers if safe. Faulty goods will be
replaced. Consumers are requested to have the product with them when they make the call.

HPM test each and all cords leaving their factory however for a period starting in February 2012 the automatic checker was not working correctly.

No other HPM branded extension leads are affected by this recall.

HPM Legrand Australia will advertise the recall in major newspapers on Saturday 16 June 2012.

Mr Stowe said under the Australian Consumer Law, a supplier must recall consumer goods as soon as they know the goods could cause injury, do not comply with a safety standard or are banned.

“When a supplier initiates a recall, they must notify the Commonwealth Minister within 48 hours of recalling the goods,” he says.