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CPSC warned consumers March 5, 2026 to stop using CCCEI power strips with 6ft, 10ft, or 15ft cords because they lack supplementary overcurrent protection, creating fire risk when overloaded. [1] Middle Way Electronics has not agreed to an acceptable recall. [1]
Missing Overcurrent Protection
The power strips lack required supplementary overcurrent protection preventing fires when electrical loads exceed safe limits. Without circuit breakers or fuses, strips cannot shut off power when overloaded.
Excess current generates heat in wiring and components. Without protection cutting power, heat builds until materials ignite, causing fires that spread to buildings and contents.
Product Specifications
The defective strips have black metal enclosures with six receptacles made of black plastic. Individual on/off switches control each receptacle. Power cords measure 6ft, 10ft, or 15ft.
Manufacturer Refusal to Recall
Middle Way Electronics refused to implement an acceptable recall despite CPSC’s safety warning. The company’s refusal leaves defective power strips in consumer hands without remedy.
CPSC issued the public warning because voluntary recall negotiations failed. Consumers must stop using the strips immediately and dispose of them.
Amazon Distribution
Amazon.com sold the strips from April 2024 through January 2026. The 22-month distribution period placed thousands of defective units in homes and businesses before CPSC’s warning.
Design Defect Liability
Power strips lacking overcurrent protection are defectively designed. Required safety features prevent fires by cutting power when loads exceed capacity.
CCCEI strips create unreasonable fire hazards by omitting mandatory protections. Strict liability applies for design defects creating unreasonable dangers.
Violation of Safety Standards
Electrical safety standards require overcurrent protection in power strips. CCCEI’s failure to include circuit breakers or fuses violates these standards, establishing per se defects.
Negligent Manufacturing
Middle Way Electronics breached duties to manufacture safe electrical products meeting industry standards. Selling strips without overcurrent protection demonstrates negligent disregard for fire prevention requirements.
Failure to Warn
Middle Way sold defective strips for 22 months without warnings about missing overcurrent protection. Manufacturers knowing products lack safety features must warn consumers or recall products.
Refusal to Recall After Warning
Middle Way’s refusal to recall after CPSC’s warning demonstrates willful disregard for consumer safety. Companies rejecting recalls after regulatory warnings face enhanced liability and punitive damages.
The refusal permits continued use of known hazards, perpetuating fire risks. This supports punitive awards for conscious indifference to life and property.
Property Damage Claims
Owners whose CCCEI strips caused fires may recover repair costs, replacement values, diminished property values, and temporary housing expenses. Fire damage claims require documentation including investigation reports and repair estimates.
Personal Injury Claims
Individuals suffering burns or smoke inhalation from CCCEI strip fires may recover medical expenses, lost wages, permanent scarring, and pain and suffering. Smoke inhalation causes respiratory damage requiring ongoing treatment.
Wrongful Death Claims
Families of individuals killed in fires caused by CCCEI strips may pursue wrongful death litigation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and punitive damages. Fire deaths from defective products warrant maximum compensation.
Business Losses
Businesses suffering fires from CCCEI strips may claim lost revenue during closures, equipment replacement, and reputation harm. Fire damage forcing business shutdowns creates substantial economic losses.
Punitive Damages
Middle Way’s refusal to recall after CPSC’s warning supports punitive damages. Rejecting recalls after discovering serious hazards demonstrates reckless disregard warranting punitive awards to deter similar conduct.
Amazon Platform Liability
Amazon’s role distributing defective strips may create platform liability claims. E-commerce platforms facilitating sales of products violating safety standards face potential responsibility for resulting injuries.
Contact an Attorney
If you suffered property damage or injuries from a CCCEI power strip fire, contact a product liability attorney. Preserve the strip, packaging, purchase receipts, fire investigation reports, and medical records.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/2026/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Stop-Using-CCCEI-Brand-Power-Strips-Immediately-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Fire