Christmas Light Sets
CPSC Recall #97-049 - December 18, 1996
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 97-049 |
| Recall Date | December 18, 1996 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | Over 140,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| In-Mar Trading sold the lights in discount stores in Puerto Rico since October 1996 for about $2 to $5. |
Product
Christmas Light Sets
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), In-Mar Trading Inc. of Dorado, Puerto Rico is recalling over 140,000 Christmas light sets. The lights have no fuse protection and present a fire hazard due to inadequate wiring. In-Mar is not aware of any fires or injuries involving these lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The Christmas lights can be identified by the following labeling on the box top: - "CHRISTMAS ELEMENTS - 50 SUPER BRIGHT LIGHTS - indoor/outdoor - total length for each set 22 ft - flashing or non-flashing - guaranteed to light." - "CHRISTMAS ELEMENTS - 100 SUPER BRIGHT LIGHTS - 5 WAY FLASH - this set is a Low Wattage Energy Saver." - "CHRISTMAS ELEMENTS - 105 SUPER BRIGHT LIGHTS WITH CHASER - this set is a Low Wattage Energy Saver." In-Mar Trading sold the lights in discount stores in Puerto Rico since October 1996 for about $2 to $5. Consumers should stop using these lights immediately, and return the lights to the store where purchased for a full refund. If consumers have questions about this recall, they can call In-Mar at (809) 796-1560. 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.
Hazard
The lights have no fuse protection and present a fire hazard due to inadequate wiring.
Incidents & Injuries
In-Mar is not aware of any fires or injuries involving these lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should stop using these lights immediately, and return the lights to the store where purchased for 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.