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"Trouble lights" or "Mechanic's lights"

CPSC Recall #74-054 - July 25, 1974

Recall Summary

Recall Number74-054
Recall DateJuly 25, 1974
Remedy TypeNo Remedy Available
Units Affected200,000
ManufacturerA. K. Electric Corporation, Brooklyn, New York

Where It Was Sold

Woolco Department Stores
Zayre
Korvettes
Food Fair
and J. J. Newberry

Product

"Trouble lights" or "Mechanic's lights"

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 26) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers that some 200,000 household "trouble lights" or "mechanic's lights" sold in the past year pose an imminent danger of serious or fatal electric shock. Consumers should immediately cease use of the product, taking extreme care not to touch any metal parts when disconnecting the light from the electrical outlet. The light was manufactured by A. K. Electric Corporation, Brooklyn, New York. It has been distributed by several firms and sold by stores across the country, including Woolco Department Stores, Zayre, Korvettes, Food Fair, and J. J. Newberry. The trouble light retails for about $1.50. The potentially dangerous "trouble light" bears no brand name, label, or other distinguishing marks. Its appearance is similar to many other mechanics' lights. Consumers who are uncertain whether they own a potentially hazardous light should immediately discontinue use of the product and check with the store where it was purchased to identify the manufacturer. The product consists of either a 5, 10, or 20-foot flexible cord with a male plug at one end and a light socket assembly at the opposite end. The light bulb is enclosed by a metal case and hinged wire guard with a hook at the top. The socket assembly Contains an on-off switch together with a double female receptacle subassembly. The insulating cover for the socket assembly serves as a handle for the unit and is made of exceptionally soft, flexible plastic. If the handle is grasped in a normal manner, the user's hand or fingers may, because of the soft, flexible plastic cover, contact the metal of the receptacles, creating a serious potential for electric shock. This warning is being issued because it is the view of the Commission that the "trouble light" in question is imminently hazardous and presents an imminent and unreasonable risk of death or severe personal injury to the public. A CPSC spokesman said the Commission has investigated a fatal electric shock in Florida which was believed to have been caused by this model "trouble light."

Hazard

If the handle is grasped in a normal manner, the user's hand or fingers may, because of the soft, flexible plastic cover, contact the metal of the receptacles, creating a serious potential for electric shock.

Incidents & Injuries

A CPSC spokesman said the Commission has investigated a fatal electric shock in Florida which was believed to have been caused by this model "trouble light."

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who are uncertain whether they own a potentially hazardous light should immediately discontinue use of the product and check with the store where it was purchased to identify the manufacturer.

What Should You Do?

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

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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 (No Remedy Available) 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.

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