CPSC, Thomas & Betts Announce Recall of Emergency Exit Signs
PRODUCT: Emergency Exit Signs - Thomas & Betts Corporation of Memphis,
TN, is voluntarily recalling about 31,000 emergency exit signs. The
recalled exit signs were sold under the Lightalarms, Emergi-Lite, and
Dynaray brand names and can be installed in either 120-volt or 277-volt
applications. Only signs with a red LED and installed in 277-volt
applications need to be repaired. These emergency exit signs could be
installed in public buildings such as schools, offices and shopping
centers to mark an exit in the event of a power failure and loss of
lighting. They have a white or black plastic housing and are 13 1/2-
inches long, 8 3/8-inches high and 2 7/8-inches deep. Recalled units
have a raised bead around the edge of the front face and a rectangular
rocker switch on the bottom. The product make, model, and date code is
located on a label inside the enclosure. The recalled emergency exit
signs were manufactured between January 1997 and June 1999 and sold
nationwide by electrical wholesalers and distributors for between $75
and $80.
PROBLEM: The emergency exit signs have an internal electrical
component that could overheat and fail when connected to 277-volt
electrical systems and melt the enclosure, posing a fire hazard.
INCIDENTS/INJURIES: There have been 19 reports of these emergency exit
signs overheating and smoking or causing melted or damaged enclosures.
No injuries have been reported.
WHAT TO DO: Building managers with recalled emergency exit signs should
contact Thomas & Betts toll-free at (800) 991-8010 between 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to request a free repair kit. The
repair kit can also be requested online at www.lightalarms.com,
www.emergi-lite.com, and www.dynaray.tnb-canada.com