Glass bean pot table lamps
CPSC Recall #87-049 - September 9, 1987
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 87-049 |
| Recall Date | September 9, 1987 |
| Remedy Type | Refund |
| Units Affected | 325 |
| Manufacturer | Morman Manufacturing Company, Inc., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Where It Was Sold
| These glass bean pot lamps were sold by 22 W. Bell & Company stores in the Midwestern and Eastern United States for $39.75. |
Product
Glass bean pot table lamps
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Morman Manufacturing Company, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., and the retailer, W. Bell & Company, Rockville, Maryland, are recalling 325 glass bean pot table lamps that the Commission staff believes present a severe electric shock hazard. The lamps were sold by Bell under catalog No. 41301K from March 1984 through December 1986. The lamps bear no identification other than an Underwriters Laboratories, Ire. (UL) listing label with the number "E-31476."In June 1986, a CPSC employee was shocked while turning off one of these lamps, while standing on a possibly damp carpet. The Commission's technical staff examined eighteen of these lamps installed in CPSC offices. Four of these lamps, including the one involved in the shock incident, were found improperly wired, which resulted in a short circuit. The Commission staff believes that anyone who touches the metal lampholder or other metal parts of a defective lamp could receive a severe or fatal electric shock.These glass bean pot lamps were sold by 22 W. Bell & Company stores in the Midwestern and Eastern United States for $39.75. Although the lamp itself is not identified with the catalog no. 41301k nor with any company name, each lamp has an Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., listing label on the lampholder, showing the number "E-31476." The table lamp is described as a clear glass jar on a brass metal base, with a shade made of a beige rice cloth and vinyl knife pleats. The lamp is 30 inches tall, weighs 11 pounds, and has a three way light switch. Consumers who have purchased any of these lamps should return the item to the W. Bell & Company store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers who are not certain if their lamp is subject to recall may contact W. Bell & Company at 301-468-5670 for clarification. As an alternative, consumers may visit the nearest W. Bell & Company store where recall signs, showing a picture of the lamp, are displayed.Information about their recall may also be obtained from the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.
Hazard
The Commission staff believes that anyone who touches the metal lampholder or other metal parts of a defective lamp could receive a severe or fatal electric shock.
Incidents & Injuries
In June 1986, a CPSC employee was shocked while turning off one of these lamps, while standing on a possibly damp carpet. The Commission's technical staff examined eighteen of these lamps installed in CPSC offices. Four of these lamps, including the one involved in the shock incident, were found improperly wired, which resulted in a short circuit.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers who have purchased any of these lamps should return the item to the W. Bell & Company store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers who are not certain if their lamp is subject to recall may contact W. Bell & Company at 301-468-5670 for clarification. As an alternative, consumers may visit the nearest W. Bell & Company store where recall signs, showing a picture of the lamp, are displayed.
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.
No, you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.
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.