The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·98038·Announced 1997-12-10

Recall of Curtain-Style Holiday Lights Due to Electrocution Hazard

Retailers are recalling over 1.5 million curtain-style holiday lights because exposed wires can cause electrocution. Consumers should stop using the lights and return them for a refund.

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 (electrocution) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and retailers nationwide are recalling more than 1.5 million sets of curtain-style, indoor/outdoor holiday lights. The recall involves light strings branded as "Curtain," "Icicle," and "Wonder Lights." These specific lights feature a horizontal electrical wire with vertical strings of four to seven lights hanging down to create an icicle effect.

The electrical wiring in these light sets can pull out from the splices, exposing live wires and creating an electrocution hazard. The splicing connector, located where the vertical strings hang from the horizontal wire, can pull apart or break, exposing metal wires. CPSC is not aware of any injuries involving these lights, and the recall is issued to prevent the possibility of injury.

The affected lights were sold nationwide from September 1995 to November 1997 for between $6 and $19. They were available at retailers including BJ's Wholesale, Wal-Mart, CVS Pharmacy, and Sam's Club. The lights are packaged in cardboard boxes, often labeled "Made in China," and feature unauthorized holographic UL labels with specific identification numbers. Consumers should stop using these light sets immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund.

The recalled product

Product
Curtain curtain-style indoor/outdoor holiday lights
Manufacturer
BJ's Wholesale
Category
Consumer Product — Holiday Lights
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · electrocution

See all →