What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall notice concerning specific power strips manufactured and sold under the HEZI brand. This action, announced on January 15, 2026, targets products distributed by the seller HEZI HOME. The primary concern driving this recall is the physical construction of these devices, specifically regarding their electrical safety features. Consumers who purchased power strips from this retailer need to verify whether their units fall into the affected category to ensure they are not using a defective product.
The recalled items are identified as HEZI brand power strips featuring either a gray or a yellow metal enclosure. Each of these units is equipped with eight electrical receptacles, which are constructed from black plastic. A key visual identifier for these models is the placement of the controls: there are two distinct switches located at the end of the metal enclosure closest to where the power cord connects. One switch controls the main power supply, while the other serves as a circuit breaker. If your power strip matches this description—specifically having a metal body in one of those two colors and eight black outlets—it is likely part of this recall.
The scope of this recall is defined by the manufacturer's design flaw rather than by a specific model number or serial code in the provided records. Therefore, buyers should rely on the physical characteristics described above to identify their product. The hazard stems from the fact that the metal enclosure is ungrounded. In standard electrical safety protocols, grounding provides a safe path for electricity to travel to the earth in case of a fault, preventing the external casing from becoming energized. Without this ground connection, if an internal electrical failure occurs, the metal shell itself can become live with electricity.
These products were sold through HEZI HOME, and consumers who purchased them directly from this source are included in this notice. The recall does not currently list specific incidents of injury or death, but the potential for severe harm remains significant due to the nature of the defect. It is crucial for owners to inspect their power strips immediately against the description provided. If your device has a gray or yellow metal case with eight black receptacles and switches at the cord end, you should treat it as part of this recall until confirmed otherwise by contacting the manufacturer.
Understanding exactly what was recalled helps prevent confusion and ensures that safety measures are taken promptly. The focus here is on the structural design of the enclosure and its lack of proper grounding. By identifying your product correctly, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your household from potential electrical hazards. Please refer to the subsequent sections for detailed instructions on how to proceed with returning or refunding these items.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so serious, it helps to look at how power strips are supposed to work versus what has gone wrong with the HEZI brand units. Under normal circumstances, a standard three-prong power strip relies on a "grounding" pin—the longest of the three prongs on your plug—to provide a safe path for stray electricity. If a fault occurs inside an appliance, such as a wire coming loose and touching the metal casing, that grounding wire catches the extra current and sends it safely into the earth, triggering a breaker to cut the power. This safety feature is what prevents the metal body of a device from becoming electrified.
The HEZI power strips in question lack this critical safety mechanism. According to the CPSC, these units feature an ungrounded metal enclosure. While the internal wiring may function correctly for plugging in devices, the outer shell itself is made of conductive metal and is not connected to a ground path. This design flaw creates a hidden danger that is difficult to detect during everyday use.
The specific hazard arises when an electrical fault occurs within the strip or in one of the plugged-in devices. If internal wiring fails or insulation degrades, voltage can leak onto the metal enclosure. Because there is no grounding wire to divert this energy, the entire metal case becomes "energized," meaning it holds an active electrical charge. To a user standing on the floor, the floor acts as a ground. When you touch that charged metal box, your body completes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow through you to the ground.
This is not a minor shock; it is a severe electrocution hazard. The CPSC notes that this can result in serious injury or death. The risk is particularly insidious because the power strip may appear to be working perfectly fine. You might plug in a lamp, a computer, or a phone charger, and everything seems normal. However, if an internal short circuit occurs, the metal casing you are touching could suddenly become live. Unlike plastic-cased strips, which act as insulators and protect you from contact with internal components, the bare metal enclosure of these HEZI units offers zero protection against this type of failure. In essence, you are holding a conductive object that can deliver a lethal shock without any warning sign, such as sparking or tripping a breaker, until it is too late.
This class of hazard is well-documented in electrical safety engineering. Devices with exposed metal parts must always be grounded to prevent "touch voltage" scenarios. When that grounding is absent, the user becomes the primary path for electricity to escape the device. For anyone who has ever plugged a large appliance into one of these strips, or simply rested their hand on the side of the unit while it was in use, the potential for harm is immediate and severe upon failure.
Who is most at risk
When we discuss the risks associated with recalled electrical products like the HEZI brand power strips, it is important to look beyond the immediate mechanical failure and consider who might be most vulnerable to its consequences. The primary group at risk includes anyone who has purchased or currently uses these specific power strips, particularly those who bought them through the HEZI HOME channel on Amazon. However, within that broad category, certain individuals face a heightened level of danger due to the nature of the defect and their physical or environmental circumstances.
The most critical factor here is the ungrounded metal enclosure. In standard, safe power strips, the metal casing is grounded, meaning that if a wire inside comes loose and touches the case, the electricity flows safely into the ground rather than through you. Because these HEZI strips lack that grounding connection, the entire metal body can become "energized." This means that simply touching the side of the strip while it is plugged in could complete a circuit through your body to the ground. This risk does not discriminate by age, but it becomes particularly severe for individuals who are more likely to be in contact with grounded surfaces while using household electronics.
Elderly users and those with limited mobility may be at increased risk during daily activities. For example, an older adult might plug in a medical device, a lamp, or a fan into this strip while sitting on a bed, chair, or standing on a conductive floor. If they then touch the metal casing of the power strip, and simultaneously touch a grounded object like a radiator, a sink faucet, or even a wall outlet cover plate, they could suffer an electric shock. The severity of the injury depends on the path the current takes through the body, but because the enclosure is metal and large, it presents a broad surface area for accidental contact, increasing the likelihood of a dangerous connection.
Children are also a significant concern, though not necessarily because they understand electrical safety any less than adults. Rather, their behavior patterns make them vulnerable. Children often crawl on floors or rest against furniture where power strips might be located behind desks or entertainment centers. If a child touches the energized metal casing of the HEZI power strip while standing barefoot on a floor or touching another grounded object, the result can be catastrophic. Furthermore, because the defect is internal and invisible to the naked eye, no amount of caution or awareness will prevent exposure if the unit is used as intended.
Additionally, individuals using this product in damp environments—such as kitchens, bathrooms, or garages—are at a higher risk for severe electrocution. Water significantly reduces the body's resistance to electricity, meaning that even a lower voltage leak through the ungrounded metal case can cause much more severe muscle contractions and cardiac issues than it would in a dry environment. If you have this strip in a high-traffic area of your home where children play or where water sources are nearby, the urgency to remove it is doubly important.
- Users with medical devices: If you rely on life-sustaining equipment plugged into this strip, the risk of sudden power interruption or shock is critical.
- Barefoot users: Being barefoot increases conductivity between your body and the ground, facilitating a shock path if the case is energized.
- Those in wet areas: Kitchens and bathrooms present a higher risk profile due to moisture reducing electrical resistance.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you contact HEZI HOME or take any action, it is critical to confirm that your specific power strip matches the description of the recalled units. Because these items are sold under the HEZI brand and specifically by HEZI HOME, simply looking for a generic "power strip" won't be enough. You need to examine the physical characteristics of the unit you currently have at home. The recall notice provides very specific visual identifiers that will help you distinguish the affected products from safe, non-recalled models. If your power strip does not match these exact criteria, it is likely not part of this particular safety alert, though general caution with all electrical devices remains wise.
The first thing you should look for is the brand name. Ensure the product is clearly labeled as "HEZI." Next, inspect the enclosure, which is the outer shell that houses the internal wiring and outlets. The recalled units are distinct because they feature a metal enclosure rather than the more common plastic casing found in many modern power strips. Specifically, you need to check if this metal enclosure is either gray or yellow. If your unit has a plastic cover, regardless of color, it does not match the description of the recalled hazard. Furthermore, count the number of outlets. The affected power strips have exactly eight receptacles. These receptacles are made of black plastic, which contrasts with the metal body of the enclosure.
Pay close attention to the layout and switch placement, as this is a key identifier for this specific model. Look at the end of the power strip closest to where the power cord exits the device. On the recalled units, you will find two distinct switches located here: one for the main power and another for the circuit breaker. If your HEZI power strip has these two switches clustered at the end near the cord, combined with a gray or yellow metal body and eight black plastic outlets, you likely have the recalled item. It is also worth noting that while the recall facts do not specify serial numbers or model numbers to check, the combination of the brand, material, color, outlet count, and switch configuration serves as your primary verification method. If you are unsure, taking a clear photo of the device can help when you reach out for confirmation.
- Brand: HEZI
- Seller: Sold by HEZI HOME
- Enclosure Material: Metal (not plastic)
- Enclosure Color: Gray or Yellow
- Receptacles: Eight black plastic outlets
- Switches: Power and circuit breaker switches located at the end near the power cord
What to do — step by step
If you own a HEZI brand power strip, the most critical action you can take right now is to prioritize your safety over convenience. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a serious electrocution risk associated with these devices, specifically due to their ungrounded metal enclosure. Because this design flaw can energize the outer casing, touching it while plugged in could result in severe injury or even death. Therefore, your first and most immediate step is to stop using the recalled power strips entirely. Do not wait for a replacement; do not try to "test" them to see if they still work. Simply unplug the device from the wall outlet immediately. Once it is disconnected from power, you may safely handle it, but you should not plug it into another outlet or attempt to use it for any purpose.
After you have safely unplugged the device, your next step is to initiate the return process with the manufacturer. HEZI HOME has committed to providing a full refund to all affected consumers. To begin this process, you need to contact them directly through one of their designated channels. You can call their toll-free number at 602-804-6830. When calling, please note that customer service representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you may email them directly at recall_hezi@163.com. Alternatively, if you purchased the item online, you can visit amazon.com/hezi and click on the "Product Recalls" link located at the top of the page for specific instructions tailored to your order.
When you contact HEZI HOME, be prepared to provide details about your purchase to verify eligibility. While the recall facts do not specify exactly what documentation is required, it is standard practice to have your proof of purchase ready, such as a receipt or order confirmation number. This will help expedite your refund process. It is important to understand that you are not expected to pay for return shipping or incur any costs associated with this remedy. The company is absorbing all expenses related to this recall. By following these steps—stopping use immediately and contacting the manufacturer—you ensure that you are protected from the electrocution hazard without financial burden. Please do not delay, as even untested units may pose a risk if they were previously energized in a way that compromised their safety integrity.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that the power strip in your home matches the description of the recalled HEZI brand unit, the good news is that the remedy for this safety issue is straightforward and consumer-friendly. Because the defect involves a critical structural failure—the ungrounded metal enclosure that can energize the outer shell—there is no simple fix or repair kit available to make the device safe again. The manufacturer, HEZI HOME, has issued a clear directive: you must stop using the unit immediately and contact them directly to receive a full refund. This approach prioritizes your safety over product retention, ensuring that no amount of money is spent on a device that poses a lethal risk.
To initiate this process, you have three convenient channels available to you. You can call their dedicated toll-free number at 602-804-6830. Their customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or wish to keep a digital record of your interaction, you may send an email directly to recall_hezi@163.com. For those who purchased the item online, there is also a dedicated pathway on Amazon. You can visit amazon.com/hezi and click on the "Product Recalls" link located at the top of the page for specific instructions tailored to your order history.
When you contact HEZI HOME, whether by phone, email, or through their online portal, be prepared to provide specific details about your unit to help them verify the recall. The official description notes that the recalled power strips feature either a gray or yellow metal enclosure with eight receptacles made of black plastic. Additionally, the switches for power and the circuit breaker are located at the end of the metal enclosure closest to the power cord. Having this information ready will help expedite your claim. While the recall notice does not specify whether you need to return the physical unit before receiving your refund, it is standard practice for manufacturers to require the return of defective electrical equipment for safe disposal and analysis. Therefore, expect that they may provide a prepaid shipping label or specific instructions on how to dispose of the hazardous item locally.
The "full refund" remedy means you should not be out of pocket for this purchase. The company is absorbing the cost of the defect entirely. This is important because attempting to replace just the plug or modifying the grounding yourself would be extremely dangerous and voids any consumer protections. By accepting the refund, you are effectively removing a potential electrocution hazard from your home without financial penalty. Once your claim is processed, you will receive your money back, allowing you to purchase a new, properly grounded power strip from a reputable source that meets current safety standards.
In summary, your options are limited to one path: cessation of use and refund acquisition. There is no repair option because the core issue is the enclosure design itself. Do not attempt to modify the device by adding a ground pin or wrapping it in tape; these actions do not address the internal wiring hazard that energizes the metal case. Your only safe and financially sound move is to reach out to HEZI HOME through one of the channels listed above, follow their instructions for the refund, and replace the unit with a certified alternative.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a familiar power strip. Perhaps it is plugged into a difficult-to-reach outlet, or maybe you simply do not want the inconvenience of unpacking a new device and reorganizing your cables. However, with the HEZI brand power strips currently under recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), that hesitation carries a risk far beyond mere annoyance. The core issue is not that the strip might fail to deliver power; it is that the enclosure itself can become electrified. Because these units feature an ungrounded metal housing, there is no safe pathway for stray electricity to escape if an internal fault occurs. Ignoring this defect means living with a device that can turn your own body into a conductor.
The specific hazard here is electrocution, a term that describes the severe physiological trauma caused by electric current passing through the human body. In a properly grounded power strip, if a live wire inside comes loose and touches the metal casing, the grounding wire immediately carries that electricity away to the ground, usually tripping the circuit breaker in your home’s panel and cutting off the power. This is a built-in safety net. The HEZI power strips lack this critical grounding connection. Consequently, if an internal malfunction energizes the gray or yellow metal enclosure, that entire outer shell becomes "live." The next time you touch the strip to plug in a device, unplug a cord, or even just brush against it, your body may complete the circuit to the ground.
The consequences of such an event are not trivial. Electrocution can cause immediate and involuntary muscle contractions, which might lock your hand onto the energized surface, preventing you from letting go. This prolongs the exposure to current, increasing the severity of internal burns, cardiac arrest, and nerve damage. While the CPSC notes that no incidents have been reported to date for these specific HEZI models, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means we have been lucky so far. Relying on luck with electrical safety is a dangerous gamble because the threshold for fatal current is lower than many people realize.
Furthermore, an energized metal enclosure poses a secondary danger to others in your household. Children or pets who might touch the strip without expecting it to be dangerous are particularly vulnerable. They may not anticipate that a piece of plastic-and-metal hardware could shock them. By continuing to use the recalled unit, you are essentially leaving a hidden trap in your home that activates unpredictably during normal daily activities. The potential outcome is not just a minor tingle; it is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical intervention and could result in permanent disability or death.
Please do not wait for a spark to appear before acting. These internal faults can be intermittent or hidden, meaning the device may look and feel completely normal right up until the moment it becomes lethal. The only way to eliminate this risk is to remove the hazard entirely from your environment. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones are worth the few minutes it takes to contact HEZI HOME and arrange for that full refund.