The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has successfully secured the removal of hazardous male-to-male extension cords (commonly known as “suicide cords”) from major online marketplaces including Walmart, eBay, and AliExpress, and is urgently warning consumers to stop using these products immediately. These cords feature two male ends with exposed prongs that can become energized when plugged in, creating a high risk of electrocution or fire. They are often misused for backfeeding power from a generator into a home’s electrical system—a dangerous and potentially deadly practice—and their short length encourages operating generators too close to or inside homes, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The recalled cords are typically blue, red, or yellow, have a three-prong black plug, and were manufactured in China. Specific listings removed include products sold by various China-based companies such as Shenzhen Lieniao Import & Export, Wz-Ei Co. Ltd., Ganjiang New District Yuslow Toys Sales Co. Ltd., and others on the respective platforms.

CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman emphasized that these cords have no legitimate household use and pose serious risks of fire and electrocution. The agency has warned about these hazards for years and has now taken stronger action by obtaining delisting commitments from the e-commerce platforms. The Chinese sellers have been unresponsive to CPSC’s requests for recalls or information. Walmart, eBay, and AliExpress have also committed to proactively identifying and removing similar hazardous products in the future.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the cords, unplug them carefully without touching the exposed prongs, and dispose of them. Any injuries or product defects should be reported to the CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

This action is detailed in CPSC Release Number 26-363.