Lite Tree Top Ornaments
Check against the official notice below — it lists the full affected range.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that approximately 200,000 "Lite Tree Top" ornaments imported from Taiwan may overheat and melt when operated in non-flashing or non-twinkling mode, creating a potential fire hazard. At least 25 models of these Christmas tree ornaments, which contain nine to twelve lights each and come in shapes like stars, angels, and halos, have been imported and sold by various domestic companies at retail prices of about two to three dollars. Although no fires or injuries have been reported, the Commission is aware of at least six consumer complaints involving ornaments that overheated, causing melting or smoking of light reflectors.
Consumers are confused because the packaging contains contradictory instructions—one states to replace the flasher lamp with a constant-burning lamp to make the ornament non-twinkling, while another warns against steady-burn operation as it may cause overheating and reflector melting. According to the recall record, affected consumers should check their ornament packaging for this contradictory labeling and, if found, use the ornament only in flashing or twinkling mode or discontinue use entirely.
Written by software from the official notice below. Not reviewed by a lawyer.
Fire & Fire-Related Burn
Lite Tree Top Ornament Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 21, 1983 Release # 83-065 Lite Tree Top Ornament Warning Washington, DC.-- The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns consumers that approximately 200,000 "Lite Tree Top" ornaments imported from Taiwan could overheat and melt when set for non-flashing or non-twinkling operation, and may present a potential fire hazard. Atleast 25 models of these Christmas tree ornaments have been imported and marketed by a number of domestic companies. These Lite Tree Top ornaments have nine to twelve lights each and include star, angel, halo, or other shapes. They retail for about two to three dollars. Though no actual fires or injuries have been reported, the Commission is aware of at least six recent consumer complaints where these Lite Tree Top ornaments have overheated, resulting in melting or smoking of the light reflectors. Consumers have been confused by a contradictory instruction and caution statement found on the rear of the ornament box. The instruction states: "Special Feature: To make this set non twinkling, replace the clear flasher lamp with the constant burning lamp provided extra in the set." This is contradicted by a later statement: "Caution: Do not make this set a steady burn as it may cause over- heating and cause the reflector to melt." The Commission advises consumers who have purchased these Lite Tree Top ornaments to check the package box for the contradictory labeling and, if present, should use the ornament only in the flashing or twinkling mode or stop using it. Further information on holiday safety may be obtained by calling the Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Official record: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ↗
Republished from the official source above; details can change — the source record controls.