CPSC recall 02-172, announced June 4, 2002, covers Luxo Portable fluorescent lamps (about 18,300 units). 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 notice cites 10 incident reports. Consumers with the recalled units should unplug the lamps and stop using them immediately. Recall contact: call (800) 222-5896, or go to www.luxous.com.
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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.
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 noticeWhat to look for
- Model numbers
- 4 listed. Yours must match one exactly.
- Also in the notice
- Serial numbers. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
a silver label located on the back of the light bulb cover
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- January 2000 through February 2002
- Price paid
- $155 to $170
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.
What to do now
- Check the label. Compare your model number with the 4 listed in this recall, then check the serial numbers the notice lists.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Call (800) 222-5896, or go to www.luxous.com.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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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
This recall in context
Compared with the 63 lamp recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 18,300 units: the 24th-largest of 54 lamp recalls that state a unit count. The median is 8,050 units.
- Hazards
- Fire: named in 39 of 63 lamp recalls, the most common hazard among them. Burn: named in 14 of 63 lamp recalls.
- Time on sale
- About 2 years. Recalled 4 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
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.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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