On/off switches sold in packages of Westek rope lights
CPSC Recall #01-127a — April 17, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 01-127a |
| Recall Date | April 17, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 270,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Home center stores |
| including Home Depot and lighting showrooms |
| sold these rope lights and power cord kits nationwide from April 1997 through October 2000 for about $29 to $39 for the Rope Lighting Kits and $7 to $10 for the Power Cord Kit. |
Product
On/off switches sold in packages of Westek rope lights
Description
PRODUCT: Rope Light Switches - American Tack & Hardware Co. Inc., of Monsey, N.Y., is recalling about 270,000 on/off switches sold in packages of Westek rope lights. Rope lights are lights inside a plastic cord used for decorative lighting. The on/off switches for the rope 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 Westek "Rope Lighting Kits," which can be identified by the words "Westek" written on the plastic tube of the rope lights, were sold in 9-foot and 18-foot lengths in clear red, yellow, green, blue, and orange. The switches also were included in Westek "Power Cord Kits" designed for use with bulk rope lights.Home center stores, including Home Depot and lighting showrooms, sold these rope lights and power cord kits nationwide from April 1997 through October 2000 for about $29 to $39 for the Rope Lighting Kits and $7 to $10 for the Power Cord Kit.PROBLEM: If the rope lights are plugged in, even if the lights are not lit, the recalled switch on the power cord could allow the rope 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 Westek rope lights. If the switch is already installed, stop using the lights immediately and unplug them. Consumers that have rope lights with on/off switches installed should call American Tack & Hardware Co. Inc. toll-free at (800) 777-0801 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free replacement power cord.Rope lights that do not have on/off switches installed or have a 1-inch red dot on the lower right front of the package are not recalled.
Hazard
If the rope lights are plugged in, even if the lights are not lit, the recalled switch on the power cord could allow the rope 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 Westek rope lights. If the switch is already installed, stop using the lights immediately and unplug them. Consumers that have rope lights with on/off switches installed should call American Tack & Hardware Co. Inc. toll-free at (800) 777-0801 between 9 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.
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.