CPSC Recall in 2001: CPSC, Firms Announce Recall of On/Off Switches for Rope and Cable Lights

PRODUCT: Cable Light Switches - Light Tech, of Grand Rapids, Mich., is recalling about 350,000 on/off switches that were included in cable lights packages. "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” inches 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.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.PROBLEM: 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.INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.WHAT TO DO: 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 toll-free at (800) 485-3080 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free replacement power cord.Cable lights that do not have on/off switches or have a green dot are not included in the recall.

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.

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None reported.

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.