Tu-Wire® ballasts used with dimmable compact fluorescent lights
CPSC Recall #06-235 — August 15, 2006
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 06-235 |
| Recall Date | August 15, 2006 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 28,000 units |
| Manufacturer | Lutron Electronics Co. Inc., of Coopersburg, Pa. |
| Manufactured In | Puerto Rico |
Where It Was Sold
| Light fixture manufacturers |
| electrical distributors and electrical contractors nationwide from July 1998 through May 2006 for about $120. |
Product
Tu-Wire® ballasts used with dimmable compact fluorescent lights
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lutron Electronics Co. Inc., of Coopersburg, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 28,000 Dimming Ballasts. These ballasts, if not properly grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code, can present a risk of electric shock to persons who come in contact with the ballast or with a light fixture that incorporates the ballast, such as when a consumer changes a fluorescent lamp bulb.Name of Product: Tu-Wire® ballasts used with dimmable compact fluorescent lightsUnits: About 28,000 unitsManufacturer: Lutron Electronics Co. Inc., of Coopersburg, Pa.Hazard: These ballasts, if not properly grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code, can present a risk of electric shock to persons who come in contact with the ballast or with a light fixture that incorporates the ballast, such as when a consumer changes a fluorescent lamp bulb.Incidents/Injuries: None reportedDescription: The recalled ballast is used to dim compact fluorescent lighting fixtures. The ballasts are not visible once installed. The ballasts were included with light fixtures sold under numerous brand names. Consumers should not touch these fixtures, since they could pose a shock hazard. The fixtures with these ballasts have a 120 VAC application, the fixture housing is for a 26W or 32W four-pin plug-in compact fluorescent lamp installed after July 1998. Most of the lights were sold for commercial use, though some were sold for consumer use. This recall does not involve light fixtures containing incandescent or halogen lamps or fixtures with screw-in compact fluorescent lamps or straight tube (linear) fluorescent lamps.Sold by: Light fixture manufacturers, electrical distributors and electrical contractors nationwide from July 1998 through May 2006 for about $120.Manufactured In: Puerto RicoRemedy: Consumers should not touch these fixtures, since they could pose a shock hazard. Consumers should contact Lutron Electronics to arrange for free replacement of the recalled ballasts.Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Lutron Electronics toll-free at (866) 793-4270 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.lutron.com.
Hazard
These ballasts, if not properly grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code, can present a risk of electric shock to persons who come in contact with the ballast or with a light fixture that incorporates the ballast, such as when a consumer changes a fluorescent lamp bulb.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should not touch these fixtures, since they could pose a shock hazard. Consumers should contact Lutron Electronics to arrange for free replacement of the recalled ballasts.
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.