Safety regulator, Firms Announce Recall of On/Off Switches for Rope and Cable Lights
Recall 01127a · Apr 18, 2001 · Light Tech
350,000
units affected
350,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 01127a
- Date
- Apr 18, 2001
- Company
- Light Tech
- Units affected
- 350,000
- Product
- Of/off switches included in Cable Lights packages
- Product type
- Switches
- Hazard
- Electric shock
The product
"Cable lights", also known as rope lights, are lights inside a plastic cord used for decorative lighting. The on/off switches for the cable lights were included as an optional accessory for consumers to attach to the power cords. They consist of a rectangular white plastic box about 1 inch long. The box contains a wheel-type switch through the middle that rotates to turn the power on and off. The switches were included in 36-inch and 6-, 9-, 12-, 18-, and 24-foot lengths in power pack kits, which are designed for use with bulk cable lights. The cable lights are clear and have the words "Cable LightsTM" written on the plastic tubing.
What can happen
If the cable lights are plugged in, even if the lights are not lit, the recalled switch on the power cord could allow the cable lights to remain energized. This poses a potential electric shock hazard to consumers.
The fix
Consumers should not install the power switch supplied with the cable lights. If the switch is already installed, stop using the lights immediately and unplug them. Consumers that have cable lights with on/off switches installed should call Light Tech to receive a free replacement power cord.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- None reported.
- Sold at
- Home center stores, including Home Depot, Lowe's, and other lighting showrooms, sold these cable light and power cord kits nationwide, from September 1997 through October 2000, for about $12 to $65 for the Cable Lights and $7 to $9 for the power cord kits.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled of/off switches included in cable lights packages?
Consumers should not install the power switch supplied with the cable lights. If the switch is already installed, stop using the lights immediately and unplug them. Consumers that have cable lights with on/off switches installed should call Light Tech to receive a free replacement power cord.
What is the hazard?
If the cable lights are plugged in, even if the lights are not lit, the recalled switch on the power cord could allow the cable lights to remain energized. This poses a potential electric shock hazard to consumers.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.