Metalux Fluorescent Shop Lights

CPSC Recall #08-089 — November 20, 2007

Recall Summary

Recall Number08-089
Recall DateNovember 20, 2007
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 274,000
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Major home center and hardware stores nationwide from January 2007 to October 2007 for between $8 and $10.

Product

Metalux Fluorescent Shop Lights

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cooper Lighting Inc., a division of Cooper Industries, of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 274,000 Metalux Fluorescent Shop Lights. When the two prongs on the plug's electrical cord are touched simultaneously while lamps are installed, the light can pose an electric shock hazard to consumers.Name of Product: Metalux Fluorescent Shop LightsUnits: About 274,000Distributor: Cooper Lighting Inc., a division of Cooper Industries, of Houston, TexasHazard: When the two prongs on the plug's electrical cord are touched simultaneously while lamps are installed, the light can pose an electric shock hazard to consumers.Incidents/Injuries: Cooper Lighting has received six reports of consumers experiencing an electric shock. No serious injuries have occurred.Description and Model: This recall involves the Metalux fluorescent shop lights Model 9240. Only date codes between December 1, 2006 ("344 06") and September 14, 2007 ("257 07") are included in this recall. The date code format includes the day and the year. For example, "344 06" refers to the 344th day of year 2006, or December 1, 2006. The model number and date code can be found on the packaging and on labels adhered to the fixture housing.Sold at: Major home center and hardware stores nationwide from January 2007 to October 2007 for between $8 and $10.Manufactured in: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using the light fixture immediately and uninstall it according to instructions posted at www.cooperlighting.com. The fixture should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund or credit.Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Cooper Lighting at (800) 440-1676 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.cooperlighting.com. 

Hazard

When the two prongs on the plug's electrical cord are touched simultaneously while lamps are installed, the light can pose an electric shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

Cooper Lighting has received six reports of consumers experiencing an electric shock. No serious injuries have occurred.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the light fixture immediately and uninstall it according to instructions posted at www.cooperlighting.com. The fixture should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund or credit.

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.