Recall: Portable Fluorescent Lamps Recalled by Luxo Corp.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2002 Release # 02-172

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800)-222-5896 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC, Luxo Corp. Announce Recall of Portable Fluorescent Lamps

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Luxo Corp., of Port Chester, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 18,300 portable fluorescent lamps. The ballast (the electrical part located in the arm of the lamp) in these lamps can overheat, short-circuit, and melt the insulating cover of the ballast causing the lamp to fail and posing a skin burn hazard to consumers.

Luxo has received 10 reports of these lamps overheating and shorting out the fixture. No injuries have been reported.

The lamps are 18-watt portable fluorescent lamps that have a black plastic housing and mount to a desk or sit on a base. Model PS355 and PS360 with serial numbers between 198076 and 244871 and between 35500001 and 36003256 are included in the recall. The PS355 model has a 34-inch swing arm and the PS360 has a 19-inch swing arm. The serial number and "MADE IN TAIWAN" can be found on a silver label located on the back of the light bulb cover. The lamps have also been sold under the names "Big Dipper" and "Little Dipper."

Office furniture distributors and dealers nationwide sold these lamps 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. 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. Luxo can be reached at (800) 222-5896 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers may also contact the firm's web site at www.luxous.com (note added 01/18/2005 - recall information is no longer on the firm's web site).