The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·02172·Announced 2002-06-04

Luxo Recalls Portable Fluorescent Lamps Due to Overheating and Burn Risk

Luxo Corp. is recalling about 18,300 portable fluorescent lamps because the ballast can overheat and short-circuit, posing a skin burn hazard. No injuries have been reported.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (skin burn hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Luxo Corp. of Port Chester, N.Y., is recalling about 18,300 portable fluorescent lamps. The recall involves Model PS355 and PS360 lamps with serial numbers between 198076 and 244871 and between 35500001 and 36003256. These lamps have a black plastic housing and mount to a desk or sit on a base. The PS355 model features a 34-inch swing arm, while the PS360 has a 19-inch swing arm. The lamps were also sold under the names "Big Dipper" and "Little Dipper." The serial number and "MADE IN TAIWAN" are located on a silver label on the back of the light bulb cover.

The ballast, which is the electrical part located in the arm of the lamp, can overheat, short-circuit, and melt the insulating cover. This failure poses a skin burn hazard to consumers. Luxo has received 10 reports of these lamps overheating and shorting out the fixture, but no injuries have been reported.

These lamps were sold by office furniture distributors and dealers nationwide from January 2000 through February 2002 for between $155 and $170. Consumers with the recalled units should unplug the lamps and stop using them immediately. They should 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. Consumers can reach Luxo at (800) 222-5896 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.luxous.com.

The recalled product

Product
Portable fluorescent lamps
Affected units
18,300

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.