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Of/off switches included in Cable Lights packages

CPSC Recall #01-127a — April 17, 2001

Recall Summary

Recall Number01-127a
Recall DateApril 17, 2001
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 350,000

Where It Was Sold

Home center stores
including Home Depot
Lowe's
and other lighting showrooms
sold these cable light and power cord kits nationwide from September 1997 through October 2000 for about $12 to $65 for the Cable Lights and $7 to $9 for the power cord kits.

Product

Of/off switches included in Cable Lights packages

Description

PRODUCT: Cable Light Switches - Light Tech, of Grand Rapids, Mich., is recalling about 350,000 on/off switches that were included in cable lights packages. "Cable lights," also known as rope lights, are lights inside a plastic cord used for decorative lighting. The on/off switches for the cable lights were included as an optional accessory for consumers to attach to the power cords. They consist of a rectangular white plastic box about 1” inches long. The box contains a wheel-type switch through the middle that rotates to turn the power on and off.The switches were included in 36-inch and 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24-foot lengths in power pack kits, which are designed for use with bulk cable lights. The cable lights are clear and have the words "Cable LightsTM" written on the plastic tubing.Home center stores, including Home Depot, Lowe's, and other lighting showrooms, sold these cable light and power cord kits nationwide from September 1997 through October 2000 for about $12 to $65 for the Cable Lights and $7 to $9 for the power cord kits.PROBLEM: If the cable lights are plugged in, even if the lights are not lit, the recalled switch on the power cord could allow the cable lights to remain energized. This poses a potential electric shock hazard to consumers.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.WHAT TO DO: Consumers should not install the power switch supplied with the cable lights. If the switch is already installed, stop using the lights immediately and unplug them. Consumers that have cable lights with on/off switches installed should call Light Tech toll-free at (800) 485-3080 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free replacement power cord.Cable lights that do not have on/off switches or have a green dot are not included in the recall.

Hazard

If the cable lights are plugged in, even if the lights are not lit, the recalled switch on the power cord could allow the cable lights to remain energized. This poses a potential electric shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents & Injuries

None reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should not install the power switch supplied with the cable lights. If the switch is already installed, stop using the lights immediately and unplug them. Consumers that have cable lights with on/off switches installed should call Light Tech toll-free at (800) 485-3080 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free replacement power cord.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace 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 (Replace) 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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