CPSC, Firms Announce Recall of On/Off Switches for Rope and Cable Lights

Recalled April 18, 2001 · CPSC recall 01127a · Firms

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.

Remedy

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 to receive a free replacement power cord.

Units

About 350,000

Incidents / injuries

None reported.

Description

"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 inch 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.

What to do

Contact

Consumers may call Light Tech toll-free at (800) 485-3080 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Product

Of/off switches included in Cable Lights packages

Manufacturer(s)

Light Tech, of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Retailers

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.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →