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CPSC recall · Reported February 5, 2003

CPSC, Thomas & Betts Announce Recall of Emergency Exit Signs

The emergency exit signs have an internal electrical component that could overheat and fail, when connected to 277-volt electrical systems, and melt the enclosure, posing a fire h…

Recall #
03520
Affected scope
About 31,000
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
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Thomas & Betts Corporation of Memphis, Tn recalled The recalled exit signs were sold under the Lightalarms, Emergi-Lite, and Dynaray brand n… - a moderate-severity action.

CPSC, Thomas & Betts Announce Recall of Emergency Exit Signs was recalled by Thomas & Betts Corporation of Memphis, Tn in February 5, 2003. Reason: The emergency exit signs have an internal electrical component that could overheat and fail, when connected t…. Remedy: Building managers with recalled emergency exit signs should contact Thomas & Betts to req…. Verify recall #03520 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

Thomas & Betts Corporation of Memphis, Tn issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The emergency exit signs have an internal electrical component that could overheat and fail, when connected t….

Moderate
severity level
February 5, 2003
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03520 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #03520) was formally reported on February 5, 2003. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Thomas & Betts Corporation of Memphis, Tn is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 31,000.

The documented reason for this recall is: The emergency exit signs have an internal electrical component that could overheat and fail, when connected to 277-volt electrical systems, and melt the enclosure, posing a fire hazard. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Building managers with recalled emergency exit signs should contact Thomas & Betts to request a free repair kit. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Household Products recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record

50100150200250 20052008201120142017202020232026 115
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 31,000

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

The recalled exit signs were sold under the Lightalarms, Emergi-Lite, and Dynaray brand names and can be installed in either 120-volt or 277-volt applications. Only signs with a red LED and installed in 277-volt applications need to be repaired. These emergency exit signs could be installed in public buildings such as schools, offices and shopping centers to mark an exit in the event of a power failure and loss of lighting. They have a white or black plastic housing and are 13 ½ inches long, 8-3/8 inches high and 2-7/8 inches deep. Recalled units have a raised bead around the edge of the front face and a rectangular rocker switch on the bottom. The product make, model, and date code is located on a label inside the enclosure. The recalled emergency exit signs were manufactured between January 1997 and June 1999.

Reason for recall

The emergency exit signs have an internal electrical component that could overheat and fail, when connected to 277-volt electrical systems, and melt the enclosure, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy, what to do

Building managers with recalled emergency exit signs should contact Thomas & Betts to request a free repair kit.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 03520
Date reported February 5, 2003
Date initiated February 5, 2003
Recalling firm Thomas & Betts Corporation of Memphis, Tn
Affected scope About 31,000
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Building managers with recalled emergency exit signs should contact Thomas & Betts to request a free repair kit.

  • Check the recall number (03520) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
The recalled exit signs were sold under the Lightalarms, Emergi-Lite, and Dynaray brand names and can be installed in either 120-volt or 277-volt applications. Only signs with a red LED and installed in 277-volt applications need to be repaired. These emergency exit signs could be installed in public buildings such as schools, offices and shopping centers to mark an exit in the event of a power failure and loss of lighting. They have a white or black plastic housing and are 13 ½ inches long, 8-3/8 inches high and 2-7/8 inches deep. Recalled units have a raised bead around the edge of the front face and a rectangular rocker switch on the bottom. The product make, model, and date code is located on a label inside the enclosure. The recalled emergency exit signs were manufactured between January 1997 and June 1999.. Recalled by Thomas & Betts Corporation of Memphis, Tn. Units affected: About 31,000.
Why was this product recalled?
The emergency exit signs have an internal electrical component that could overheat and fail, when connected to 277-volt electrical systems, and melt the enclosure, posing a fire hazard.
What should consumers do?
Building managers with recalled emergency exit signs should contact Thomas & Betts to request a free repair kit.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on February 5, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03520.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (03520) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported February 5, 2003. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.