Rope Lights Recalled by CO2UCH

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

Note: Firm out of business - please discard or destroy products.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Originally issued January 23, 2001
Revised February 13, 2002
Release # 01-071b

CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

Rope Lights Recalled by CO2UCH

PRODUCT: Rope Lights - CO2UCH of Glendale, Calif., voluntarily recalled about 27,300 rope lights with controller boxes. Rope lights are lights inside a plastic cord used for decorative lighting. The lights are 9 feet long with a white electrical cord. The controller box has the following identifying information imprinted on one side "CHENG TUNG, MODEL CT-028" The other side of the controller is shaped to look like a bear or dog wearing a bow tie. The animal's feet are the control buttons. The lights were sold in a blue box, labeled in part, "ROPE LIGHTS, 9 FT. OF TWINKLE FUN, CO2UCH, MADE IN CHINA" Gift stores and catalogs sold the lights nationwide from August 2000 through October 2000 for between $20 and $24. The lights also were given as prizes by fundraising organizations during this period.

PROBLEM: The rope light controller, which allows consumers to choose the type of light motion, such as flash or chase, can short circuit. This poses shock, fire and burn hazards to consumers.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: CO2UCH has received six reports of the controller sparking. One consumer received an electrical burn that blistered the skin.

WHAT TO DO: Stop using these rope lights immediately, and discard or destroy the product. The firm is out of business and cannot be contacted.