Recall #02-172 · Published June 4, 2002

Luxo Portable fluorescent lamps

CPSC, Luxo Corp. Announce Recall of Portable Fluorescent Lamps

CPSC published a recall notice for Portable fluorescent lamps from Luxo on June 4, 2002. CPSC identifies this hazard: The ballast (the electrical part located in the arm of the lamp) in these lamps can overheat, short-circuit, and melt the insulating cover of the ballast, causing the lamp to fail and posing a skin burn hazard to consumers. The official remedy states: Consumers with the recalled units should unplug the lamps and stop using them immediately. Contact Luxo to return the lamp and receive a replacement lamp. Luxo will extend the warranty on the replacement lamps for 3 years from the date of replacement.

Recalled portable fluorescent lamps
Recalled portable fluorescent lamps
Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.

Affected model numbers

Additional identifying details

The serial number and "MADE IN TAIWAN" can be found on a silver label located on the back of the light bulb cover.

Which products are included?

The lamps are 18-watt portable fluorescent lamps that have a black plastic housing and mount to a desk or sit on a base. Model PS355 and PS360 with serial numbers between 198076 and 244871 and between 35500001 and 36003256 are included in the recall. The PS355 model has a 34-inch swing arm and the PS360 has a 19-inch swing arm. The serial number and "MADE IN TAIWAN" can be found on a silver label located on the back of the light bulb cover. The lamps have also been sold under the names "Big Dipper" and "Little Dipper."

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The ballast (the electrical part located in the arm of the lamp) in these lamps can overheat, short-circuit, and melt the insulating cover of the ballast, causing the lamp to fail and posing a skin burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents and injuries

Luxo has received 10 reports of these lamps overheating and shorting out the fixture. No injuries have been reported.

Official remedy

Consumers with the recalled units should unplug the lamps and stop using them immediately. Contact Luxo to return the lamp and receive a replacement lamp. Luxo will extend the warranty on the replacement lamps for 3 years from the date of replacement.

Product and sales details

Brand
Luxo
Product type
Lamps
Recall number
02-172
Units
About 18,300
Manufactured in
Taiwan
Sold at / sales period
Office furniture distributors and dealers nationwide sold these lamps, from January 2000 through February 2002, for between $155 and $170.
Importer
Luxo Corp., of Port Chester, N.Y.

Portable fluorescent lamps

CPSC product type: Lamps

Recall contact information

Luxo can be reached at (800) 222-5896 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers may also contact the firm's website at www.luxous.com

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

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