Complain about a product or service

Power Sentry

Anna of Ingram , TX June 8, 2009

I purchased several Power Sentry surge protectors from Walmart to protect house hold Electronics. During a recent lightning storm the surge protector that I had plugged into a grounded (according to electrician) perfectly electrically wired outlet, didn't work. I had a very nice TV and VCR plugged into this protector, both were burned out and no longer even turn on.

So, I tried calling the number on the Power Sentry box to tell them because the Office Workstation Box says this device has 300,000 equipment warranty. So, I've dialed the number over 900 times and all I ever get is a busy signal. At this point, finally, I think 'something is very fishy here'. So, I looked up Power Sentry on line and found lots of horror stories and complaints.

I have now called Walmart where I purchased the Power Sentry and alerted them to the possibility that these devices are defective and maybe the cause of house fires and destroying electronic equipment. I'm out 500 at least for the cost of my tv and vcr and the cost of the surge protectors unless I can get some satisfaction from Walmart or Power Sentry...but I can't even get them on the phone.

Philip of Independence, KS April 17, 2009

Philip of Independence KS (04/17/09)
In December of 2008 my wife and I purchased a surge protector/power strip for our new computer. About 4 and a half months later on Easter Sunday, our home caught fire and was a total loss. The insurance company's electical engineer found that the 4 and a half month old power strip had started the fire. My wife, my 7 year old son and I where able to get out of the house, but we have lost everything we owned.

The insurance company has indicated they will be speaking with walmart and power sentry about the fire. They have also advised me to go after them myself for product liability.

Loss of payed for home, loss of almost all physical posessions. Loss of my wifes ability to go to school online ( she attands online university ) loss of sleep. Bad dreams and waking up every hour or so scared there's a fire.

Daniel of Mazon, IL January 15, 2008

Daniel of Mazon IL (01/15/08)
the surge protector data is as follows:model 177 suppressed voltage rating:330 volts made in china id:c 15A 120 voltsAC 60HZ 1800w a silver sticker attached contains the following data:09/2M E128811 ul listed POWER TAP 31F8 also listed as TVSS while staying the night at a campground in byron ga, i plugged in my 50 amp power cord into the outside receptcle, and my wife yelled franticlly to come inside asap

i cut the outside breaker and ran inside the camper to see her stamping out the mattress pad heater which caught on fire under the covers. the pad was plugged into the surge protector as well as our tv set, which she said was buzzing.

the outcome was that it ruined our bed spread, our mattress heater 95.00, and a new surge protector 18.00. no circuit breaker or fuse ever blew, but it did fry the matress pad heater control and the surge protctor. i have kept both items as evidence with hopes of recieving some compensation.

Sonnier of Saratoga, TX November 24, 2007

Sonnier of Saratoga TX (11/24/07)
Twice, within the past two years, I have lost expensive equipment that was plugged into a Power Sentry Surge Protector, Model number RS6, inspection 01/99 E128811. Less than two years ago lightening struck and the protector did not kick off, frying my expensive PA system. Thursday, Nov. 22nd, lightening struck again, frying my new laptop and new fax/copier/printer and again the protector did not kick off. My homeowners pays very little on such items. I firmly believe this company should be held completely responsible and reimburse people like myself for the equipment lost.

John of Glenn Mills, PA September 17, 2007

John of Glenn Mills PA (09/17/07)
Surge Protector caught fire, cause damage to home and eqipment

computer equipment, smoke damage, carpet, sub floor.

William of Warren, MI June 24, 2007

JUNE 24TH 2007 POWER SENTRY CAUGHT ON FIRE LUCKLY WE WERE HOME TO UNPLUG IT. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT CAUSED IT TO SUDDENLY CATCH ON FIRE.

John of Covington, LA June 20, 2007

I purchsed several of the protectors from wal-mart about a year ago. Last night lightning struck the exterior wall which the protector was plugged in (on the inside). I was watching a video at the time. during the flash my T.V. and DVD player went out. I checked the protector and the lights indicated that it was still grounded and protecting. I plugged other items into it and they worked,however, the TV and DVD and still dead.

The TV cost 400, DVD 150 and protector about 65. I bought these items about a year ago and can't find the receipts. Total cost .. 615 THANKS Power Sentry !!!

Paige of Prattville, AL May 4, 2007

If I had not been home, I believe my house would have burned to the ground. I was outside for approximately an hour or less. When I came into my house, I immediately saw and smelled smoke. In a panic, I started searching room to room trying to identify what was on fire. When I finally found the source, I was shocked to find a surge protector, Sentry Surge, smoking. The protector had one lamp plugged into it at the time and this lamp was not turned on. The lamp was plugged into the opposite end of the protector from where it was melting.

The surge protector melted the case and burned my carpet and a throw pillow that was nearby. My house still has a burnt smell. The model number is 289, E128811 and also attached is a UL label, 03/2M 31F8. I have attached pictures that shows the location of where the protector burned and it also shows that it was not the plug but rather in the core of the protector that burned. This is very dangerous and should be looked into!

carpet burned, house smells like an electrical fire now.

Rosemary of Smithtown, NY August 31, 2006

Item # 883787 Power sentry 14 outlet computer/ home theater surge supressor. Lifetime guarentee on the power surge gaurenteed to protect cumputer however, after 7 months the surge protector didnot stand up to the manufactor warrentee. Surge burnt out and burnt out my computer.

damage to my home computer.

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