Thousands of dangerous Chinese-made power strips sold on Amazon pose an immediate fire threat to American families, with a reluctant foreign retailer forcing federal regulators to issue a rare, escalated recall.
Story Highlights
- CPSC recalls 5,543 CCCEI power strips sold on Amazon from April 2024 to January 2026 due to missing overcurrent protection, risking overheating and fires.
- Chinese retailer Middle Way Electronics initially refused cooperation, prompting CPSC to escalate from warning to formal recall in March 2026.
- Consumers must stop using units immediately and email [email protected] for full refunds; no fires reported yet, but the hazard remains severe.
- Pattern of similar recalls from Chinese manufacturers highlights vulnerabilities in Amazon’s third-party sales and the need for stricter import controls.
Recall Details and Fire Hazard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced recall 26-346 on March 26, 2026, targeting 5,543 CCCEI-branded power strips sold exclusively on Amazon.com. These units lack supplementary overcurrent protection, a basic safety feature that prevents internal wiring from overheating under excessive electrical loads.
High-draw appliances like space heaters or air conditioners amplify the risk, potentially igniting nearby materials and causing burns, smoke inhalation, or death. Middle Way Electronics, the China-based retailer, sold the strips for $23 to $30 during April 2024 to January 2026.
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
Retailer Resistance Delays Safety Action
CPSC first issued Product Safety Warning 26-313 on March 5, 2026, after Middle Way Electronics declined an acceptable recall agreement. The retailer acknowledged two incidents of sparking and melting but reported no fires or injuries. This non-cooperation forced the agency to proceed with a formal recall announcement three weeks later.
Consumers now handle refunds directly through the retailer’s Outlook email, bypassing Amazon’s typical processes. The CPSC urges immediate discontinuation of use to mitigate risks in homes across America.
Consumer Steps and Refund Process
Affected households—those who purchased between April 2024 and January 2026—should unplug the power strips right away and contact Middle Way Electronics at [email protected] for a full refund. The CPSC’s SaferProducts.gov portal allows reporting of any incidents.
Products have been removed from Amazon listings, but unaware buyers remain at risk. This direct refund method underscores the challenges of holding foreign distributors accountable through U.S. platforms.
Broader Implications for American Shoppers
This recall exposes systemic issues with Chinese-manufactured electronics flooding Amazon via third-party sellers. A similar recall of ANNQUAN-brand strips confirms a pattern of absent safety features, likely from cost-cutting.
Such incidents fuel calls for tougher import standards and better vetting to protect families from shoddy foreign goods. Economic fallout includes up to $165,900 in refunds, plus potential property damage prevention. Enhanced scrutiny could restore trust in online marketplaces.
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
