| Office of Information and Public Affairs | Washington, DC 20207 |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| September 21, 1978 | |
| Release # 78-076 |
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 21) -- To reduce the role of power cords in tipping over electrical toys, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today amended its toy regulations to permit the future use of more flexible, lighter cords.
The changes will apply to hand-held educational and hobby-type items for children's use, such as woodburning tools.
Toys weighing one-half pound or less will require certain cord types, and toys weighing more than one-half pound will need other heavier cords.
Under the amendments, 14 different types of power cords were approved for use with the electric toys. Only one type of cord was previously specified under the rules.
The Commission also amended its regulation to clarify that cords on all electrical toys cannot be smaller than No. 18 AWG (American Wire Gauge).
The Commission hopes the new changes will reduce the probability of cords turning over the electrical hobby toys when placed on flat surfaces and burning or shocking young users. As well as offering a larger share of protection to youngsters, today's amendments will give manufacturers greater latitude in selecting power cords to accompany their products.
The changes will take effect one year after publication in the Federal Register, which is expected soon.