Counterfeit and non-compliant extension cords and power strips are flooding online marketplaces — and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns they are a leading cause of home fires. Unlike certified extension cords, counterfeit products use undersized wiring, lack proper insulation, and carry fake safety certification marks that make them appear safe. These products can overheat, arc, and start fires under normal household use.
Why Counterfeit Cords Are So Dangerous
A properly manufactured extension cord is rated for a specific electrical load. When a cord’s internal wiring is thinner than labeled — a common characteristic of counterfeit products — the wire heats up when current flows through it. Over time, or when loaded near its stated capacity, the insulation melts, the wires arc, and a fire starts inside the cord itself or in the wall where it is plugged in. Most extension cord fires start inside walls and inside furniture where the cord is hidden — meaning the fire is well underway before anyone smells smoke.
CPSC estimates that household extension cord misuse and defects cause approximately 4,700 fires, 40 deaths, and 180 injuries in the U.S. every year. Counterfeit cords purchased online account for a growing share of these incidents.
How to Spot a Counterfeit
- Look for an independent safety certification mark from a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL, ETL, or CSA. Be aware that counterfeit products increasingly carry fake versions of these marks.
- Check the gauge of the cord — a cord that feels unusually light or thin for its stated amperage rating may be undersized.
- Be especially cautious of extension cords from unknown sellers on Amazon, Shein, or other online marketplaces priced significantly below similar products from established brands.
Safety Rules
- Never plug a space heater, air conditioner, or refrigerator into an extension cord — these appliances must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
- Never run extension cords under rugs, carpets, or through doorways.
- Replace any extension cord that feels warm to the touch during use.
- Never use an extension cord as a permanent wiring solution.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
