Recall: Christmas Lights Recalled by Yang Lin Trading, Wholesale World

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 24, 1998 Release # 99-043

CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morrris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Yang Lin Trading, Wholesale World Announce Recall of Christmas Lights

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Yang Lin Trading Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif., and Wholesale World Inc., of Houston Texas, are recalling about 176,000 sets of miniature Christmas lights. These Christmas lights are poorly constructed, have undersized wires, no fuse to protect against overheating, and the wires can easily pull out of the plugs. They present a fire and electrocution hazard.

CPSC has not received any reports of injuries or incidents involving these Christmas lights. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Yang Lin Trading, Inc. distributed about 130,000 strings of multicolored lights. These included strings of 100 lights with five-way flashers, and strings of 140 chasing lights with music. They have no certification label indicating they have been tested by an independent testing lab such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The packaging reads, "JUEGO DE LUCES DE NAVIDAD" . . . "Pretested!" . . . "Guaranteed to light!"

Wholesale World distributed a total of about 46,600 strings of 50 and 100 lights, both clear and multicolored sets. The packaging reads, "50 MINIATURE LIGHTS," "THREE-WAY FLASHER," or "100 MINIATURE LIGHTS," "FIVE-WAY FLASHER" and "ENERGY SAVER." They have UPC codes 97411-13050, or 97411-13100. The packaging is red with white with yellow text. There is no certification label indicating the lights have been tested by an independent testing lab such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The back of the box provides instructions in English and Spanish.

Small discount stores in Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, New York and Arizona sold these Christmas lights from August 1998 to December 1998 for between $3 and $18.

Consumers who purchased these recalled Christmas lights should immediately stop using them. The lights may be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. For more information, contact CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 anytime.

The products came to CPSC's attention during its normal surveillance activities of the market place.


Yan Lin Trading Lights


Wholesale World Lights