The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·10014·Announced 2009-10-21

Idea Village Recalls Wireless Light Switches Due to Fire Hazard

Idea Village is recalling about 1.3 million Handy Switch wireless light switches because the receiver can overheat and cause fires.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with nine reported fires and five instances of property damage, meeting the criteria for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' under the Severe classification.

Plain-English summary

Idea Village Products Corp. is recalling approximately 1.3 million Handy Switch wireless light switches, model number KS-080. The product is a white plastic wireless remote light switch with a blue electroluminescent nightlight on the front of the receiver. The receiver, which fits into the wall outlet, can overheat and pose a fire hazard to consumers.

The firm has received 14 reports of overheating, including nine reports of fire. Five of these fire incidents involved property damage, such as minor damage to curtains, bedding, or walls. The switches were sold through mass merchandisers and drug store chains nationwide, via television infomercials, and on the Internet from March 2007 through July 2009 for between $10 and $15.

Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the product. They should contact Idea Village at (800) 765-2994 or visit www.handyswitchrecall.com to learn about free remedy options.

The recalled product

Product
Handy Switch, Wireless Light Switches
Category
Consumer Product — Lighting
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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