CPSC and Manufacturers Announce Recall of Christmas Lights
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), two manufacturers are
recalling about 30,225 Christmas light sets. The lights have
no fuse protection and contain inadequate wiring presenting
a fire hazard.
The manufacturers participating in this recall are
Thrifty Distributors and Golden Bay Enterprises, both of
Hempstead, N.Y. CPSC and these manufacturers are not aware
of any fires or injuries involving these lights. These
recalls are being conducted to prevent the possibility of
injury.
Thrifty Distributors Recall
Thrifty Distributors is recalling the following lights,
about 225 sets, which can be identified by the following
labeling on the box top:
"35/2-WAY FLASHER/LIGHT SET - 35 JUEGO DE LUCES DE
NAVIDAD-Pretested! Guaranteed to light! Weatherproof! Energy
Saver! Replacement Bulbs! - Swallow Brand."
Thrifty Distributors sold the lights in discount and
dollar-type stores in the Greater New York and Philadelphia
areas within the last few weeks for about $1. For more
information, consumers can call Thrifty Distributors at
(800) 281-7231. Consumers who live in the New York
metropolitan area should call (516) 538-1300.
Golden Bay Enterprises Recall
Golden Bay Enterprises is recalling the following
lights, about 30,000 sets, which can be identified by the
following labeling on the box top:
"50 3-WAY FLASHER CHRISTMAS LIGHT SET - PRE-TESTED -
GUARANTEED TO LIGHT - WHEN ONE BULB GOES OUT THE REST REMAIN
LIT - SPARE BULB INCLUDED - NOEL."
Golden Bay Enterprises sold the lights in discount
stores in Florida from October through December 1996 for
about $1. For more information, consumers can call Golden
Bay Enterprises at (800) 791-2960.
Consumers should stop using the recalled lights
immediately, and return them to the store where purchased
for a full refund. If consumers have questions about these
recalls, they should call the manufacturers or CPSC's
Hotline at (800) 638-2772.
CPSC is recommending that consumers use the following
light safety suggestions to ensure this holiday season is a
safe and happy one.
Look for a label stating that the lights were tested by
a recognized testing laboratory.
Check for fuses that guard against overload. An
overload could cause a fire.
Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or
cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, loose connections,
and loose or missing bulbs. Replace defective bulbs, and if
a set is damaged, do not buy or use the set.