"Rice Light" decorative Christmas lights
CPSC Recall #02-064 - December 12, 2001
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 02-064 |
| Recall Date | December 12, 2001 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 100,000 |
| Manufactured In | China |
Where It Was Sold
| Novelty and holiday stores sold these lights nationwide from June 1998 through November 2001 for between $7 and $10. |
Product
"Rice Light" decorative Christmas lights
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), NBG International Inc., of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 100,000 strings of "Rice Light" decorative Christmas lights. The lights have undersized wire and could present electric shock or fire hazards.CPSC and NBG International have not received any reports of injuries or incidents associated with these Christmas lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent electric shocks and fires.The Rice Christmas lights are 21 feet long with 140 non-replaceable mini-bulbs. The lights have a control box that allows for an eight-function, four-way flashing light show. The attached 3-inch control box has a round dial on top numbered "1" through "8." The wires are available in three colors: black, white or green. The lights have a fused plug, and are sold in a green box that includes the writing "Rice Light," "140 Mini Bulb String" and "MADE IN CHINA." There is no mark of an independent testing laboratory.Novelty and holiday stores sold these lights nationwide from June 1998 through November 2001 for between $7 and $10.Consumers who have the recalled lights should stop using them immediately and contact the firm for a free replacement set of Christmas lights. For more information, contact NBG International at (877) 532- 8949 between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or email the firm at [email protected] purchasing or using decorative holiday lights, CPSC recommends the following safety tips:- Make sure the lights contain a mark of a recognized testing lab such as UL, ETL, etc.- Use only lights that have fused plugs.- If used outdoors, be certain the lights are rated for outdoor use.- To prevent overheating, replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.- Discard any lights with frayed or damaged wires.- When using an extension cord, make sure that it is rated for the intended use.
Hazard
The lights have undersized wire and could present electric shock or fire hazards.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC and NBG International have not received any reports of injuries or incidents associated with these Christmas lights.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers who have the recalled lights should stop using them immediately and contact the firm for a free replacement set of Christmas lights.
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.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident, they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
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.