CPSC recall · Reported March 10, 2004
CPSC, Harbor Freight Tools Announce Recall of Heavy Duty Portable Industrial Cord Reel
Electric shock or fire possible because the internal grounding conductor may not be properly secured to the receptacle.
Harbor Freight Tools, of Camarillo, Calif. recalled The recalled heavy duty portable industrial cord reels are yellow with a carrying handle,….
CPSC, Harbor Freight Tools Announce Recall of Heavy Duty Portable Industrial Cord Reel was recalled by Harbor Freight Tools, of Camarillo, Calif. in March 10, 2004. Reason: Electric shock or fire possible because the internal grounding conductor may not be properly secured to the r…. Remedy: Stop using the cord and reel immediately. Consumers should call Harbor Freight Tools to o…. Verify recall #04542 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Harbor Freight Tools, of Camarillo, Calif. issued this CPSC recall-Electric shock or fire possible because the internal grounding conductor may not be properly secured to the r….
- None
- agency class
- 9K units
- affected scope
- March 10, 2004
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #04542 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,089 household products recalls on record
Product description
The recalled heavy duty portable industrial cord reels are yellow with a carrying handle, extendable/retractable extension cord and 6 electrical outlets/plugs. The units are marked "Cord Reel Portable Power" and sold as "SKU 42053." The label on the rear of the unit contains the following information: "Cord Reel, 10 Amps, 125 Volts, 1250 Watts, Caution, Disconnect all plugs inserted into the outlets on this face before winding cord reel in either direction, Made in Taiwan, R.O.C."
Reason for recall
Electric shock or fire possible because the internal grounding conductor may not be properly secured to the receptacle.
Remedy, what to do
Stop using the cord and reel immediately. Consumers should call Harbor Freight Tools to obtain a refund. Harbor Freight Tools is contacting owners of affected cord reels by direct mail, where the name is known to the firm.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 04542 |
| Date reported | March 10, 2004 |
| Date initiated | March 10, 2004 |
| Recalling firm | Harbor Freight Tools, of Camarillo, Calif. |
| Affected scope | 9,390 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Stop using the cord and reel immediately. Consumers should call Harbor Freight Tools to obtain a refund. Harbor Freight Tools is …
- Check the recall number (04542) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Why was this product recalled? ▼
What should consumers do? ▼
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
Consumer-product notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.
Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Household Products · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
Compare this recall with CCM Hockey U.S. Recalls FMHVR Hybrid Visors and ACCHVR Repl… → · All Household Products recalls
Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026