Check Power Surge Protectors For Hazards

Wed., Feb. 12, 1997

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From Staff And Wire Reports

Check your power surge protectors, warns the Spokane Fire Department.

Some of them may cause a fire in your home or office.

The fire department has found several faulty protectors that create enough heat to melt the plastic casing.

That’s why they’re asking consumers to examine protectors for evidence of scorching or burning.

Also known as temporary power taps, faulty surge protectors have these common characteristics:

Beige or gray in color, six or seven outlets, an on-off switch.

Priced at $10 or less.

Sold three to five years ago at discount stores in packages of two.

No brand name on the casing.

A brown scorch mark or other discoloration is an early sign that the protector can start a fire, officials say.

For more information, call the Spokane Fire Department at 625-7000. , DataTimes

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