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CPSC, Cooper Lighting Warn About 500-Watt Halogen Bulbs

Reported: January 30, 2003 Initiated: January 30, 2003 #03077

Product Description

Current packaging for the Regent 500-Watt Halogen Bulb, with model numbers WM500Q and BP500Q, does not contain the recommended warning label of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The label should read, "Warning: Fire Hazard! Do Not Use In Torchieres Or Other Indoor Residential Fixtures." Cooper has asked retailers to add the label to bulb packaging currently on store shelves and new 500-watt halogen bulbs will contain the label.

Reason for Recall

These 500-watt light bulbs generate very high temperatures, compared to incandescent and lower wattage halogen bulbs and can start a fire, if they come in contact with curtains, clothes or other flammable material. These bulbs are intended for use in outdoor work lights and flood lamps. To meet the current Underwriters Laboratories standard, halogen torchiere floor lamps must be equipped with a protective glass or wire guard and have a halogen bulb that is 300 watts or less.

Remedy

Cooper has asked retailers to add the label to bulb packaging currently on store shelves and new 500-watt halogen bulbs will contain the label. Consumers currently using these 500-watt bulbs in a torchiere or indoor residential fixture should remove them immediately. Consumers can continue to use the 500-watt halogen bulbs in work lights, flood lamps, and similar outdoor fixtures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
Current packaging for the Regent 500-Watt Halogen Bulb, with model numbers WM500Q and BP500Q, does not contain the recommended warning label of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The label should read, "Warning: Fire Hazard! Do Not Use In Torchieres Or Other Indoor Residential Fixtures." Cooper has asked retailers to add the label to bulb packaging currently on store shelves and new 500-watt halogen bulbs will contain the label.. Recalled by Cooper Lighting Inc., of Peachtree City, Ga.. Units affected: Nearly 600,000.
Why was this product recalled?
These 500-watt light bulbs generate very high temperatures, compared to incandescent and lower wattage halogen bulbs and can start a fire, if they come in contact with curtains, clothes or other flammable material. These bulbs are intended for use in outdoor work lights and flood lamps. To meet the current Underwriters Laboratories standard, halogen torchiere floor lamps must be equipped with a protective glass or wire guard and have a halogen bulb that is 300 watts or less.
What should consumers do?
Cooper has asked retailers to add the label to bulb packaging currently on store shelves and new 500-watt halogen bulbs will contain the label. Consumers currently using these 500-watt bulbs in a torchiere or indoor residential fixture should remove them immediately. Consumers can continue to use the 500-watt halogen bulbs in work lights, flood lamps, and similar outdoor fixtures.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on January 30, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03077.