Unsafe Chinese power strips sold on Amazon for nearly two years pose immediate fire risks to American families, forcing a rare CPSC recall after the importer’s resistance.
Story Snapshot
- CPSC recalls 5,543 CCCEI power strips lacking overcurrent protection, risking overheating, fires, and death.
- Sold exclusively on Amazon from April 2024 to January 2026 by China-based Middle Way Electronics for $23-$30.
- Two reports of sparking and melting prompted action; no fires or injuries yet, but consumers must stop use immediately.
- Retailer initially refused cooperation, leading to a unilateral CPSC warning before a full recall on March 26, 2026.
Recall Details and Product Identification
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recall 26-346 on March 26, 2026, for approximately 5,543 CCCEI-branded power strips. These units lack supplementary overcurrent protection, allowing overloads to cause overheating, sparking, melting, and fires.
Consumers face risks of serious injury or death from burns and smoke inhalation. The products feature a black metal enclosure, six black plastic receptacles with individual switches, and cord lengths of 6ft, 10ft, or 15ft. A white label on the back warns of risks and notes “Made in China.”
Power strips sold on Amazon recalled over fire risk, consumers urged to stop using 'immediately' https://t.co/dzPDzDvNv8
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) March 30, 2026
Timeline of Events and Retailer Resistance
Middle Way Electronics, a China-based seller, offered the power strips on Amazon.com from April 2024 through January 2026 at prices between $23 and $30. The company received two consumer reports of sparking and melting prior to March 5, 2026, with no fires or injuries recorded.
CPSC issued Product Safety Warning 26-313 on March 5 because the retailer refused an acceptable recall agreement. Escalation to full recall followed after negotiations. Consumers must immediately unplug devices and email [email protected] for a full refund.
CPSC Enforcement and Broader Import Concerns
The CPSC enforced the recall to protect public safety, emphasizing the well-documented fire hazard of power strips without fuses or circuit breakers beyond basic cord protection. This defect proves common in low-cost Chinese imports, enabling rapid internal wiring overheating that ignites nearby materials.
High-draw appliances like heaters amplify dangers in homes and offices, especially dry indoor environments. Amazon delisted the products post-recall, highlighting marketplace responsibilities amid unchecked foreign sellers.
Precedents include CPSC recalls of similar ANNQUAN power strips sold on Amazon by another Chinese firm, revealing a pattern in imported electronics bypassing U.S. safety standards.
This case underscores the need for stricter vetting of China-origin goods, aligning with Trump administration priorities on American manufacturing and consumer protection from globalist supply chain risks that endanger families.
Consumer Actions and Potential Impacts
Affected buyers, estimated at 5,543 households and offices, must identify units by specific features and contact Middle Way Electronics promptly. Refunds cover the full purchase price, totaling roughly $130,000 to $165,000.
Short-term disruptions require immediate unplugging, while long-term effects include heightened CPSC scrutiny on imports and potential standards for overcurrent protection. No new incidents reported as of March 30, 2026, but vigilance prevents tragedies in vulnerable homes with children or high-power devices.
Sources:
Power strips sold on Amazon recalled over fire risk, consumers urged to stop using ‘immediately’
CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using CCCEI Power Strips Due to Fire Risk
CCCEI Power Strips Recalled Due to Fire Risk, Injury or Death
Consumer Product Safety Recall Roundup for March 26, 2026
