Unsafe Chinese power strips sold on Amazon for nearly two years pose deadly fire risks to American families, exposing dangerous gaps in e-commerce oversight under unchecked globalist import policies.
Story Snapshot
- CPSC recalls 5,543 CCCEI power strips lacking overcurrent protection, urging immediate stop-use to prevent fires, injuries, or death.
- Sold exclusively on Amazon by China-based Middle Way Electronics from April 2024 to January 2026 for $23-$30.
- Two reported incidents of sparking and melting, no fires or injuries yet, but risks are highest with high-draw appliances like heaters.
- Initial CPSC warning on March 5 after retailer resistance; full recall announced March 26 following cooperation.
- Consumers must unplug immediately and email [email protected] for full refunds; report issues at SaferProducts.gov.
Recall Details and Fire Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recall 26-346 on March 26, 2026, targeting approximately 5,543 CCCEI-brand relocatable power taps. These units feature a black metal enclosure, six black plastic receptacles with individual switches, and cord lengths of 6, 10, or 15 feet.
Lacking supplementary overcurrent protection like a fuse or circuit breaker, they overheat rapidly under overload, igniting nearby flammables. Risks escalate with devices such as space heaters, posing threats of smoke inhalation, burns, or death to households.
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
Sales History and Initial Resistance
Middle Way Electronics, a China-based seller, offered these power strips on Amazon.com from April 2024 through January 2026 at prices between $23 and $30. Post-sale testing confirmed the absence of required safety features.
The retailer received two consumer reports of sparking and melting, prompting CPSC investigation. Middle Way initially refused an acceptable recall, forcing CPSC to issue safety warning 26-313 on March 5, 2026. Cooperation followed, enabling the full recall announcement three weeks later.
Product Identification and Consumer Actions
Consumers identify affected units by the white label stating “Relocatable Power Taps… Made in China.” CPSC directs immediate unplugging to avert hazards. Contact Middle Way Electronics at [email protected] for a full refund; no receipt required. Report incidents or submit photos to SaferProducts.gov.
Amazon hosted sales but defers compliance to third-party sellers, highlighting vulnerabilities in its marketplace model for budget imports lacking UL certification.
Broader Context of Import Risks
This recall underscores persistent dangers from unregulated Chinese electronics flooding U.S. e-commerce. Similar CPSC actions targeted ANNQUAN power strips for identical defects.
Amid Trump Administration efforts to bolster American energy dominance and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, such incidents frustrate families facing high energy costs from past mismanagement. They erode trust in platforms prioritizing cheap globalist imports over safety, burdening working households with disruptions and refund hassles.
Short-term effects include setup disruptions for 5,543 buyers, mostly low-income users of affordable strips. Long-term, expect heightened scrutiny on Amazon sellers, potential UL mandates, and faster CPSC oversight of imports.
Economic impact totals $130,000-$165,000 in refunds, minor for sellers but signaling patterns in power accessory recalls. No new incidents reported as of March 30, 2026; vigilance protects conservative values of family safety and self-reliance against government overreach and failures in borderless trade.
Sources:
CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using CCCEI Power Strips Due to Fire Risk
Power strips sold on Amazon recalled over fire risk, consumers urged to stop using ‘immediately’
CCCEI Power Strips Recalled Due to Fire Risk, Injury or Death
ANNQUAN Brand Power Strips Recalled Due Risk Serious Injury or Death Fire Sold Amazon
