Christmas and seasonal light string sets
CPSC Recall #95-027 - November 24, 1994
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 95-027 |
| Recall Date | November 24, 1994 |
| Remedy Type | Label |
| Units Affected | More than 40 million |
| Manufacturer | Gilbert Manufacturing Co., of Long Island City, N.Y. |
Product
Christmas and seasonal light string sets
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. – CPSC, Gilbert Manufacturing Co. of Long Island City, N.Y., is warning owners of its Christmas and seasonal light sets that a potential fire or shock hazard may result if both latches of the fuseholder are not securely fastened. Consumers should close the fuseholder completely before plugging in the lightstring or decorative outfit. After replacing the fuse, consumers should make sure that the cord is flat in its cover channel before closing and latching the fuseholder at both ends. CPSC received two complaints that the light sets sparked and the plastic fuseholder or the plastic cord charred or melted. To date, no injuries have been reported. Since 1980, Gilbert has manufactured more than 40 million light sets with the fuseholder sold nationally by a variety of major and own label distributors including, NOMA International Inc., Beacon Electric, General Electric Co., Leco Electric, Lidco Co., Markee Products, J. Hofert Co., R.C. Co., and Plastic Assembly Corp. The name of the distributor and in some cases the Gilbert name are printed on the carton of the UL-listed light sets that currently retail for up to $8.99 at retail stores such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Kmart Corp. and other discount, chain, department, and specialty stores. The light set strings, which can have from 7 to 50 bulbs, generally have 25 of the larger C7 or C9 (candelabra or intermediate size) bulbs. Most sets have a connector that allows the consumer to attach an additional string to the lights. Miniature light sets are not involved. Each light set has a plastic Gilbert fuseholder that is 1.5-inches long, located on each light set cord about 4 to 6 inches from the plug. Each fuseholder has a hinged cover that fits over the line cord and a bottom part holding the 7 amp fuse. When properly assembled on the cord, the fuseholder cover is fastened to the bottom part by snapping down the two latches at each end of the fuseholder. One side of the fuseholder says "Fuseholder, 125V., 7A. Max, Pat Pend'' and the other side says "Push Under Tabs To Open." The flap inside the fuseholder is labeled "E73208." A 7-amp fuse is included in each fuseholder. Gilbert has placed a warning label on each of its light sets manufactured and sold this year advising consumers of a risk of fire or shock if the fuseholder is not fully closed or if the cord is not lying flat in its channel. Gilbert is also offering the warning label information free to consumers who have previously purchased the light sets. Consumers are urged to call the Gilbert Manufacturing Co. toll free at (800) 899-7584 to receive one or more free labels as a permanent reminder of the potential fire hazard and for information about the light sets. Gilbert will mail consumers their requested labels with instructions for safer lights. Consumers should not use their light sets until they review the instructions on the label.
Hazard
A potential fire or shock hazard may result if both latches of the fuseholder are not securely fastened.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC received two complaints that the light sets sparked and the plastic fuseholder or the plastic cord charred or melted. To date, no injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Gilbert is also offering the warning label information free to consumers who have previously purchased the light sets. Consumers are urged to call the Gilbert Manufacturing Co. toll free at (800) 899-7584 to receive one or more free labels as a permanent reminder of the potential fire hazard and for information about the light sets. Gilbert will mail consumers their requested labels with instructions for safer lights. Consumers should not use their light sets until they review the instructions on the label.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Label 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 (Label) 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.