Belkin 6-outlet surge protector with rotating plug: known problems
4 sourced reports, with what to check before you buy. Each one links to the page it was reported on.
2 of these reports describe a fire, explosion or shock risk.
Costly or dangerous
Belkin 6-outlet surge protector with rotating plug reported to start fires, Amazon stopped selling
Safety risk
News 6 (KPRC/ClickOrlando) reported in September 2015 on Belkin surge protectors with rotating plugs starting fires. A family reported flames shooting from a Belkin surge protector, and Amazon reviews from 2012-2014 warned of melting and fire hazards. Amazon stopped selling the six-outlet commercial surge protector with a rotating plug.
What to check. This is a documented pattern of fire incidents with Belkin 6-outlet surge protectors with rotating plugs. Exercise caution, monitor the unit for heat or discoloration, and consider replacing it.
CPSC recall: Belkin SurgeMaster 360-degree rotating plug can crack or detach, shock hazard
The CPSC recall (October 27, 2009) covers SurgeMaster models F9G930-10, F9G930v10, F9G930-10-W and F9G930-10-SN manufactured in 2003, approximately 68,700 units. The rotating plug molding can crack or detach, posing a shock hazard. Seven consumer complaints reported, no injuries.
What to check. If you own a Belkin SurgeMaster with a rotating plug manufactured in 2003, stop using it immediately and contact Belkin for a replacement. Check the model number and date of manufacture on the underside of the unit.
Owner reports: Belkin rotating plug design can arc and melt, units caught fire
Safety risk
Amazon/Woot customer reviews document multiple failures: the rotating plug's metal ring contacts can arc and melt, one unit melted within 2 months, and another owner reported two Belkin units catching fire and setting a bed on fire.
What to check. Multiple owner reports describe melting and fire incidents with Belkin surge protectors featuring rotating plugs. The rotating plug's metal ring contact design is identified as a potential arcing point. Consider a fixed-plug surge protector instead.
ESA Canada confirms Belkin SurgeMaster recall, notes products not sold in Canada
The Electrical Safety Authority of Canada confirmed the Belkin SurgeMaster recall, noting the rotating plug molding can crack or detach. Importantly, the ESA states none of these recalled products were sold in Canada, which is relevant for the Canadian market.
What to check. For Canadian consumers, the 2003 SurgeMaster recall did not affect units sold in Canada. However, the broader fire and melting reports from US owners may still be relevant to Canadian units of similar design.
These reports come from the pages linked under each item: owner forums, repair guides and workshops. They are not a diagnosis of any one unit, and a careful check of the one you are buying still applies.
Text from the Kriko Power strips and surge protectors catalog, version 0.1.1, under the CC-BY-SA-4.0 license.
