Beeswax Rope Candle (SKU # 34-911)

CPSC Recall #05-542 — February 17, 2005

Recall Summary

Recall Number05-542
Recall DateFebruary 17, 2005
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 2,000
Manufacturer Zhongshan Zhongnam Candle Manufacturer Co., Ltd. of China
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Gardener's Supply retail store in Burlington
Vt.
and in the Holiday 2004 Gardener's Supply Catalog sold the candles from October 20 through November 12
2004.

Product

Beeswax Rope Candle (SKU # 34-911)

Description

The Rope Candle is a 21-foot coiled beeswax candle that feeds up to a scissors-like vise. The candle is lit above the vise. The candle is 7-inches tall and sits on an antiqued copper-finish holder. 

Hazard

The candle has a clamp (vise) that leads the end of the rope candle at the top. When clamped properly it is supposed to self-extinguish the candle when the burning wick meets the metal clamp (vise). The clamp (vise) does not always sever the wax close to the wick and does not always enable the wick to self-extinguish. This can lead to the flame continuing down into the coiled section of the candle, which can then ignite and cause fire damage.

Incidents & Injuries

Three incidents were reported where the candle continued to burn past the point where it is supposed to self-extinguish. There was some property damage in two incidents; however, nobody was hurt.

Remedy Instructions

The firm has designed a scissor like attachment that fits on top of the clamp (vise). This cuts the wax from the sides and extinguishes the flame, preventing the candle from burning below the attachment and igniting the entire candle. The firm will either replace the candle with the new fitting, give store credit for the original cost of the rope candle or give a full refund. 

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.