October 13, 2026 — A JouleLoom TT-PS11 surge protector reportedly sparked and burst into flames in a vendor booth at a large antique mall, causing approximately $500 in property damage. The incident, which occurred rapidly after the user attempted to plug in a second lamp, highlights potential safety concerns regarding electrical products, particularly those with questionable safety certifications.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On September 23, 2026, a consumer was using a JouleLoom TT-PS11 surge protector in their vendor booth located within a busy antique mall. The surge protector had one lamp and a cell phone charger plugged in. When the consumer attempted to plug in a second lamp, the power to the first lamp immediately cut off. After unplugging the second lamp, the consumer pressed the reset button on the surge protector. Upon pressing the button, the device began to spark continuously. The consumer quickly unplugged all connected devices, but the surge protector continued to spark before bursting into flames less than 30 seconds later. Fortunately, the consumer was able to stomp out the fire, preventing further damage and ensuring no one among the several people present in the mall was injured. The incident resulted in approximately $500 in property damage. The consumer later checked the product listing on Amazon, where they purchased the surge protector, noting that it claimed to be ETL certified; however, the physical product lacked the ETL symbol. Furthermore, the consumer discovered 20 other reviews on Amazon reporting similar incidents of sparks or fire involving the same surge protector model.
Safety Concerns
This incident with the JouleLoom TT-PS11 surge protector presents severe safety concerns, including:
- Immediate Fire Hazard: The most critical risk is the potential for uncontrolled fire, as demonstrated by the rapid ignition of the device. Such an event can lead to severe burns, smoke inhalation injuries, and widespread property destruction. In a public setting like an antique mall with numerous vendors and visitors, a fire could quickly escalate, posing a significant threat to life and property.
- Electrical Shock: Malfunctioning electrical components, especially those that spark, can expose users to the risk of electric shock, which can cause serious injury or even be fatal.
- Misleading Safety Certifications: The discrepancy between the product’s advertised ETL certification on Amazon and the absence of a physical ETL symbol on the unit is deeply concerning. ETL (Intertek) certification indicates that a product meets specific safety standards. If a product claims to be certified but lacks the proper markings or does not genuinely meet the standards, it poses an unknown and potentially high risk to consumers.
- Widespread Risk: The existence of 20 other consumer reviews reporting similar sparking or fire incidents suggests that this is not an isolated malfunction but potentially a systemic defect affecting a larger batch of these surge protectors. This indicates a widespread hazard to consumers who own or may purchase this product.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond personal injury, the potential for significant property damage from electrical fires is high, as evidenced by the $500 damage in this incident. In larger settings or if a fire goes unnoticed, the damage could be catastrophic.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a JouleLoom TT-PS11 surge protector, it is crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety:
1. Immediately Cease Use: Unplug the JouleLoom TT-PS11 surge protector from the wall outlet and discontinue use immediately. Do not attempt to reset it or plug any devices into it.
2. Verify Product Identification: Check your surge protector for the model number TT-PS11. Pay close attention to any safety certification marks, such as the ETL symbol. If your product claims to be ETL certified on the packaging or product listing but does not have a visible ETL symbol on the unit itself, exercise extreme caution.
3. Proper Disposal: Safely dispose of the product according to local regulations for electronic waste. Do not simply throw it in household trash.
4. Report the Incident: If you have experienced a similar issue or own this product, report the incident to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. This helps authorities identify dangerous products and issue necessary recalls.
5. Contact the Retailer: Consider contacting Amazon to report your concerns and inquire about return or refund options.
6. Prioritize Certified Products: Always purchase surge protectors and other electrical devices from reputable brands that clearly display recognized safety certifications (e.g., UL, ETL) on the product itself, not just in online descriptions.
Manufacturer’s Response
No manufacturer response has been provided in the incident report.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.