Safety regulator, Firms Announce Recall of On/Off Switches for Rope and Cable Lights
Recall 01127b · Apr 18, 2001 · American Tack & Hardware Co. Inc.
270,000
units affected
270,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 01127b
- Date
- Apr 18, 2001
- Company
- American Tack & Hardware Co. Inc.
- Units affected
- 270,000
- Product
- On/off switches sold in packages of Westek rope lights
- Product type
- Switches
- Hazard
- Electric shock
The product
Rope lights are lights inside a plastic cord used for decorative lighting. The on/off switches for the rope 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 Westek "Rope Lighting Kits," which can be identified by the words "Westek" written on the plastic tube of the rope lights, were sold in 9-foot and 18-foot lengths in clear red, yellow, green, blue, and orange. The switches also were included in Westek "Power Cord Kits" designed for use with bulk rope lights.
What can happen
If the rope lights are plugged in, even if the lights are not lit, the recalled switch on the power cord could allow the rope 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 Westek rope lights. If the switch is already installed, stop using the lights immediately and unplug them. Consumers that have rope lights with on/off switches installed should call American Tack & Hardware Co. Inc. to receive a free replacement power cord.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- None reported.
- Sold at
- Home center stores, including Home Depot and lighting showrooms, sold these rope lights and power cord kits nationwide from April 1997 through October 2000 for about $29 to $39 for the Rope Lighting Kits and $7 to $10 for the Power Cord Kit.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled on/off switches sold in packages of westek rope lights?
Consumers should not install the power switch supplied with the Westek rope lights. If the switch is already installed, stop using the lights immediately and unplug them. Consumers that have rope lights with on/off switches installed should call American Tack & Hardware Co. Inc. to receive a free replacement power.
What is the hazard?
If the rope lights are plugged in, even if the lights are not lit, the recalled switch on the power cord could allow the rope 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.