CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using Male-to-Male Extension Cords, Secures Delisting Commitments from e-Commerce Platforms
CPSC Warns Consumers to Stop Using Male-to-Male Extension Cords, Secures Delisting Commitments from e-Commerce Platforms
PR Newswire
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2026
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has secured the removal of hazardous male-to-male extension cord listings from major e-commerce platforms, including Walmart, eBay and AliExpress, and is warning consumers to stop using these products immediately. These cords have exposed prongs that can become energized when plugged into a power source, creating a serious risk of electrocution or fire. These products should never be used under any circumstances.
The cords are often used to supply power from a generator to a residential electrical system, a dangerous practice known as backfeeding that that can result in serious injury or death from electrocution or fire. Their short length also increases the likelihood that generators will be operated in enclosed spaces or too close to homes, creating a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
CPSC urges consumers to stop using and dispose of these cords immediately. Consumers should unplug them carefully and avoid touching exposed prongs.
The blue, red or yellow extension cords have two male ends with a three-prong black plug and were manufactured in China.
CPSC is taking this action to prevent these hazardous products from continuing to reach U.S. consumers through online marketplaces.
“Male-to-male extension cords, often referred to as ‘suicide cords,’ pose a serious risk of fire and electrocution and have no legitimate household use,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman. “CPSC has warned consumers about these hazards for years. We are now taking the next step by securing delisting commitments from e-commerce platforms to remove these dangerous products from the marketplace.”
The China-based sellers have been unresponsive to CPSC requests for a recall or information about these products.
Nevertheless, CPSC has secured the removal of these listings from the e-commerce platforms where they were sold. In addition, Walmart, eBay, and AliExpress have committed to identifying and delisting similar hazardous products.
Report any incidents involving injury or product defects to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
– Visit CPSC.gov.
– Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.
– Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky, Threads, LinkedIn and Truth Social.
– Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.
– Call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
– Contact a media specialist.
Release Number: 26-FINAL
SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may
include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such
third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and
is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar.
Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the
accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party
content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in
third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not
necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees.
Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays
in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent
financial advice before making any decisions based on such content.
The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with
Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any
form of partnership, agency, or endorsement.
