(WNY News Now) – JAMESTOWN – Just weeks after making headlines for reimagining the traditional three-prong plug, local startup B.IR.T. Technology has opened public pre-orders for its first Tool-Free Ground Repair Extension Cord — a device aimed at solving one of the most persistent electrical hazards in U.S. homes.
The product, created by Blake R. McAffee — inventor, entrepreneur, and Jamestown native — this product is the first of its kind. featuring a threaded brass ground prong that offers a safer and more practical alternative to traditional fixed-prong designs. Rather than risking a full cord failure or fire hazard when a ground prong becomes loose, users can now hand-tighten the prong and restore the secure connection in seconds — no rewiring or tools required.
“This is the first time a solution like this has been brought to market, and it’s coming straight out of Jamestown,” said one B.IR.T. team member familiar with the launch.
The extension cords are now available for 25% off through a limited-time pre-order window at BirtTechnology.com.
COLLECTIBLE LAUNCH BONUS
To celebrate the milestone, B.IR.T. is releasing a limited run of 500 collectible ground prongs, each paired with a Certificate of Authenticity and tied to the company’s earliest history.
These 500 prongs are more than just a marketing extra — they represent the first-ever production batch, manufactured quietly two years before the product was ever mentioned publicly. At the time, there was no patent filed and no red safety line indicator added yet — making these early units distinct from the final retail model.
While they function the same way, these collectibles are visually different and mark a rare piece of startup history. As the product gains traction nationally, B.IR.T. believes these original components could become valuable to collectors, early adopters, or those who simply want to hold a piece of innovation from its roots.
- The first 100 customers to pre-order will receive one of these authentic collectibles for free.
- Another 100 units will be distributed locally throughout Chautauqua County via raffles, giveaways, and city events — giving back to the community where the invention was born.
A LOCAL STARTUP ON THE RISE
Founded February 1, 2024, B.IR.T. Technology has quickly grown from a one-man garage operation into a small but active team preparing to scale production. With new partners, legal protections underway, and customer awareness building, the company says it’s scouting potential factory sites in Western New York to keep production close to home.
B.IR.T. stands for Bluetooth In-Room Technology — a nod to the broader mission behind the brand. Securing B.IR.T’s position as a first mover in smart cord innovation, A system that can track a cord’s wear over time, alert users to unsafe conditions, and extend the life of household electronics.
These smart safety systems are currently in development and will roll out in future models as part of a full product line. Both the threaded ground prong and the Cable Life Counter are protected as patent-pending technologies, solidifying B.IR.T.’s role as a rising innovator in the hardware space.
The current extension cord is simply the flagship launch — a first step in a broader vision to modernize outdated electrical systems through smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions.
Fixing a Deadly Flaw — Safely
The motivation for the invention stems from a long-overlooked safety flaw: damaged ground prongs are a leading cause of fire risk, but most cords must be discarded or rewired when this prong breaks or loosens. With the B.IR.T. cord, the ground connection is fully modular and secure, allowing users to maintain the integrity of the cord without tools or electrical training.
Early versions of the product have been previewed in local news outlets, prompting interest from consumers, retailers, and distributors. Now, with pre-orders underway and collectibles in circulation, the company hopes this marks the beginning of a broader national rollout.
Pre-orders for the cord are now open at BirtTechnology.com, with an estimated ship date later this fall. The collectible ground prongs are expected to sell out quickly.
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