SHOlights aquarium lights

CPSC Recall #00-015 - November 9, 1999

Recall Summary

Recall Number00-015
Recall DateNovember 9, 1999
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 23,400
ManufacturerPerfecto Manufacturing Inc., of Noblesville, Ind.

Where It Was Sold

Pet stores nationwide sold these lights from August 1998 through July 1999 for a suggested retail price of between $125 to $175.

Product

SHOlights aquarium lights

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Perfecto Manufacturing Inc., of Noblesville, Ind., is voluntarily recalling about 23,400 SHOlights aquarium lights. Sharp edges on these lights could cut the insulation on the wiring. If the wires become exposed, consumers could suffer shocks or electrocution. There is also a risk of fire. In addition, some of these lights could overheat and cause the same problems. CPSC and Perfecto are not aware of any incidents involving these aquarium lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. The plastic body of the SHOlights are black or oak-colored, and are 24, 30, 36 or 48 inches in length. All 36-inch SHOlights that hold two bulbs, and all SHOlights lights manufactured in July 1999 or earlier are part of this recall. The manufacturing date is located on a white label on the metal reflector. The label shows a picture of an anchor, and reads "cleaned by" or "built by" followed by the date. If there is no label or the label can't be read, it should be considered part of the recall. Pet stores nationwide sold these lights from August 1998 through July 1999 for a suggested retail price of between $125 to $175. Consumers should stop using these aquarium lights, unplug them, and return them to Perfecto for a free replacement. For more information, consumers should call Perfecto at (800) 241-7485 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

Hazard

Sharp edges on these lights could cut the insulation on the wiring. If the wires become exposed, consumers could suffer shocks or electrocution. There is also a risk of fire. In addition, some of these lights could overheat and cause the same problems.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Perfecto are not aware of any incidents involving these aquarium lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these aquarium lights, unplug them, and return them to Perfecto for a free replacement.

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.