February 24, 2026 — A recent incident report highlights a significant safety concern regarding the Meross MSS110HK smart plug, widely sold for household use in the U.S. on Amazon. The report indicates that when the smart plug is switched to the “off” state, it improperly interrupts only the neutral electrical conductor instead of the hot conductor, leaving connected appliances potentially energized and creating a foreseeable electric shock hazard.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The safety concern was brought to light through an incident reported on January 29, 2026. A consumer reported that during personal testing of a Meross MSS110HK smart plug, it was discovered that the device’s switching mechanism only interrupted the neutral wire when turned off. Crucially, the hot (live) wire remained continuously energized, even though the smart plug indicated an “off” state. This behavior is considered a serious design flaw as it creates a deceptive and dangerous condition for users. While the report states that no injury has occurred from this specific incident, the inherent risk of electric shock during normal and expected product use is clearly identified.
Safety Concerns
The improper switching of the neutral conductor instead of the hot conductor in the Meross MSS110HK smart plug presents several critical safety concerns:
- Immediate Electric Shock Hazard: The primary danger is the risk of electric shock. If the device only switches the neutral wire, any appliance plugged into the smart plug will remain connected to the live electrical current, even when the smart plug’s indicator or app shows it is “off.” This means that parts of an appliance that are typically de-energized when switched off, such as the metal socket shell of a lamp, could remain live.
- Risk During Maintenance/Interaction: This hazard is particularly acute when consumers interact directly with appliances or their components. For example, a common scenario where this poses a significant risk is during the replacement of light bulbs in a lamp connected to the smart plug. A user, believing the power to be off, might touch the energized socket shell and receive an electric shock.
- Deceptive Safety: The smart plug’s “off” indication provides a false sense of security, leading users to believe that the connected appliance is safe to handle or service. This deception significantly elevates the risk, as users are not aware of the latent electrical hazard.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using the Meross MSS110HK smart plug with common household appliances, especially those that involve direct contact with electrical components during use or maintenance (e.g., lamps, small appliances with exposed heating elements or user-serviceable parts), is at risk. Children and individuals unfamiliar with electrical hazards may be particularly vulnerable.
- Property Damage Potential: While the primary concern is personal injury, sustained energization of an appliance could, in rare circumstances, contribute to overheating or component stress, potentially leading to property damage or fire, especially if the appliance itself has internal faults.
What Consumers Should Do
Given the reported safety concern, consumers who own a Meross MSS110HK smart plug should take immediate action:
- Discontinue Use Immediately: If you own a Meross MSS110HK smart plug, stop using it immediately. Unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect any devices plugged into it.
- How to Identify the Product: Check your smart plugs for the “Meross” brand and the “MSS110HK” model number, which is typically found on the device itself or its packaging.
- Use Caution with Connected Appliances: If you have used this smart plug, be aware that any appliances previously connected to it might have been deceptively energized. Exercise extreme caution when handling such appliances, especially if they involve light bulbs or other components that might be touched.
- Report Incidents: If you or someone you know has experienced any issues or electric shocks related to this product, please report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
- Consider Professional Advice: If you are unsure about the electrical safety of your home or appliances after using such a device, consider consulting a qualified electrician.
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.