Magnetic Base Work Lights
CPSC Recall #99-122 — June 9, 1999
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 99-122 |
| Recall Date | June 9, 1999 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | Approximately 48,500 |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Harbor Freight Tools stores and catalogs nationwide sold the lights from November 1994 through March 1999 for about $10. |
Product
Magnetic Base Work Lights
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Harbor Freight Tools, headquartered in Camarillo, Calif., is voluntarily recalling more than 48,500 work lights, sold as magnetic base lights. These lights present electric shock and fire hazards. CPSC and Harbor Freight Tools are not aware of any injuries related to these lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. The 75 watt light, measuring about 12 inches long, is made of black plastic with a metal bulb reflector. A magnet is connected to a flexible arm. Labeling on the magnetic end of the flexible arm reads in part, "WARNING! LAMP IS HOT...MADE IN CHINA." The light was sold in a white box that contained a Harbor Freight Tools Warranty Notice. The box was labeled in part, "SKU# P 32263 MAGNETIC BASE LIGHT-75 WATT MADE IN CHINA." Harbor Freight Tools stores and catalogs nationwide sold the lights from November 1994 through March 1999 for about $10. Consumers should stop using the recalled lights immediately. Consumers should return the lights to the store where purchased for a full refund. Catalog customers are being sent written notice of the refund and a $5 coupon. If consumers have questions, they should call Harbor Freight Tools at (800) 444-3353 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PDT Monday through Friday.
Hazard
These lights present electric shock and fire hazards.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and Harbor Freight Tools are not aware of any injuries related to these lights.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using the recalled lights immediately. Consumers should return the lights to the store where purchased for a full refund. Catalog customers are being sent written notice of the refund and a $5 coupon.
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.