Decorative Christmas Light Bulbs Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 21) -- Market Research Imports (MRI), Incline Village, Nevada, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that MRI is voluntarily withdrawing from sale certain imported Christmas light replacement bulbs which were made in Taiwan.

MRI discovered a defect in some of the bulbs which could cause them to shatter with explosive force when electrical current is first applied. The defect is a thin strand of wire approximately l/8" to l/4" in length, which may protrude from the solder tip at the base of the bulb.

Consumers who may have purchased these replacement bulbs are urged to immediately inspect them to see if a thin strand of wire is protruding from the solder tip at the base of the bulb. If a protruding wire is present, the bulb is defective. The defect may be safely removed by simply snipping off the protruding wire at the solder tip with a pair of. scissors or pliars with cutting edges. The consumer may also elect to return the defective bulbs to the place of purchase for exchange or refund.

Two models of bulbs are subject to the defect, and are identified on the package as Item No. LC-9004 size 9 l/4, and Item No. LC-7004 size 7 l/2. The words "Replacement Bulbs" and the letters "MRI" also appear on the package. The bulbs, sold four to a package, retailed for approximately $1.00 or less and were sold nationwide.

MRI and the Commission warn that other distributors may have imported these same bulbs from Taiwan and may be selling them under different brand names. The consumer is cautioned to inspect all such replacement light bulbs before installing them in decorative lighting fixtures.