Electric Problem in Outdoor Lamps Poses Fire Hazard
On behalf of Brown & Crouppen, P.C. posted in Defective Products on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Readers in the St. Louis area should check their homes’ outdoor lighting to make sure they do not include a lantern being recalled by the manufacturer and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The lanterns have defective wiring that could start a fire or electrocute someone. Two fires have already been reported due to the problem, though fortunately no one has been injured.
The defective products were designed by Bel Air Lighting Inc. and manufactured in China. They were sold nationwide in Lowe’s stores and lighting specialty shops from June 2006 through May 2012. They are 19.25 inches tall by 9.75 inches wide by 9.25 inches deep, with three lights inside the lantern. They are made of cast aluminum and beveled glass and are identifiable by their rust coloring and question mark-shaped piece connecting the lantern to the mounting plate by which the device hangs from the wall. Almost 100,000 lanterns were sold, according to the CPSC.
The problem is that the wiring has a tendency to short-circuit, which can lead to a fire. Consumers can also be burned or electrocuted if they touch a defective lantern. At least seven incidents have been reported, including the two fires.
Readers who suspect they have one of the defective lanterns hanging on their home should check to see if their lamp matches the description above and contact Bel Air Lighting. Look for part number E194303 printed on the base plate or on one of the light sockets. If the lamp is among those being recalled, the company will ship you a free replacement.
Source: Greenfield Daily Reporter, “Bel Air recalls nearly 100,000 lanterns due to risk of fire and shock,” June 19, 2012