Faulty Aquarium Light Cord Recalled By McCrory Stores
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 1989
Release # 89-064
Faulty Aquarium Light Cord Recalled By McCrory Stores
WASHINGTON, D.C.---The McCrory Corp. of York, PA is
voluntarily recalling the electric light cord assembly of some
39,000 Aqua Hex Aquariums because the cord could catch fire.
This applies only to aquariums purchased prior to March 1, 1989.
According to the company, the light cord assembly of each
aquarium is believed to be defective. When the consumer tightens
a light bulb in the socket to illuminate the aquarium, the wires
may short circuit and ignite the cord. McCrory said that it is
aware of three incidents where the cord short circuited or caught
fire. No injuries have been reported.
Identified as item number 951418 on the carton, the one-
gallon "Aqua Hex Aquarium" carried a suggested retail price of
$15. It was sold nationwide between July, 1988 and February,
1989 by Britts, Elmore, McCrory, H.L. Green, Kress, McClellan, TG
& Y, Silver, Kittinger, Newberry stores and some independent
variety stores.
The Aqua Hex Aquarium has six clear plastic sides and a
clear plastic top and bottom. The bottom is labeled "Made in
Taiwan". The aquarium stands eight and one-half inches tall and
six and one-half inches wide. It has a light cord and bulb, a
black plastic light hood, and a beige electric air pump. The air
pump bottom has a silver circular label which states: 11110 - 120V
3W Made in Taiwan".
Having identified the recalled product, consumers should
unplug and detach the defective light cord from the light hood
and return it, minus the light bulb, to the store where purchased
for a free replacement. Consumers may also mail the detached
light cord to Communications Department, McCrory Stores, 2955
East Market Street, York PA 17402, for a free replacement.
Consumers having additional questions about the recall may
contact McCrory toll-free at 1-800-284-3704, Ext. 7514.