Male-to-Male Extension Cords Bought on Amazon Can Cause Electrocution, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, CSPC Warns

Plugging them into an outlet can potentially result in electrocution.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned customers never to buy electrical cords with male plugs on Amazon. The safety agency cited the risks of using these items.

CSPC Says Using These Cords is 'Unsafe'

Do NOT Attempt to Buy Male-to-Male Extension Cords on Amazon: Here's Why
Plugging them into an outlet can potentially result in electrocution. Kelly Sikkema from Unsplash

Powering our appliances and other devices at home, school, or work is now made easier thanks to the electrical extension cord. It serves as an annex that will connect the plug to an electrical outlet.

Usually, extension cords come with a male and female plug. However, some products appear to have two identical plugs. For some reason, male-to-male extension cords really exist.

NBC Chicago states in its report that this type of cord could pose extreme danger to the users. Aside from the fact that it fails to comply with the safety regulations, your life is at risk when using it.

On Thursday, Sept. 15, CPSC urged the users to avoid buying the electrical cords with a pair of male plugs on Amazon. When you search the website and type "male-to-male extension cord," you will notice a lot of products under this keyword.

"The extension cords have two male ends (a three-prong plug) and are generally used to 'back-feed' electricity to a residence during a power outage by connecting a generator to an outlet in the home. When plugged into a generator or outlet, the opposite end has live electricity posing a risk of serious shock or electrocution," CPSC wrote on its website.

The Dangers of Using Male-to-Male Extension Cord

According to Gizmodo's report, CPSC says that the electric power that flows in the opposite direction "circumvents safety features of the home's electrical system and can result in a fire."

Additionally, the risk of being poisoned through carbon monoxide is high since you have close interaction with a generator dependent on the cords. In this case, ensure your house is well-ventilated to avoid this problem.

Aside from that, you're at risk of being electrocuted/shocked since the opposite end of the plug has live electricity.

Suicide Plugs

If you pay attention to Amazon reviews about this product, you will discover why it's named "suicide cord."

Again, the male-to-male extension cord is totally unsafe to use, and you should not attempt to buy it to save some money. Do not compromise your health over this piece of wire.

When you encounter these cords on the website, their price ranges from $40 to $72.

Check if they have the following ASINs or Amazon Standard Identification Numbers for reference. To find them, go to the URL bar of the product and look for "dp." Then, head to the product details section, which you can find below "Additional Information."

  • B0953LWLDN
  • B095LHT5M5
  • B096VT4495
  • B095LRG6MH
  • B0933CJG16
  • B097TGQDQ6
  • B097BLRDTQ
  • B0953MSP65
  • B0953QGLZZ

If you have other products that you think are dangerous for human use, don't hesitate to report any anomalies at www.SaferProducts.gov.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Joseph Henry

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