Christmas Light Sets Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 22) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with New York Merchandise Co., Inc., today announced that New York Merchandise will voluntarily stop sale of their 15-bulb "Renown" Christmas tree light sets, model number 222/15B, indoor only.

The Christmas light sets, retail for $4.50-$5, are packaged in a white and red cardboard box with a clear cellophane window, and were distributed nationwide. The bulb sockets in these sets may contain incorrectly placed metal electrical contacts that may create a potential fire hazard by shorting out the bulb and overheating the wires.

The company urges consumers who have purchased one of these light sets to carefully examine the inside of each socket, noting the placement of the two metal electrical contacts. If correctly constructed, one metal contact is mounted horizontally across the inside base of the socket and the other stands vertically along the inside wall. If both contacts are in the vertical position, the set is defective and should not be used.

Consumers can return a defective set to their dealer for a full refund or replacement.

Anyone wishing additional information should write to New York Merchandise Co., 32 W. 23rd St., New York, N.Y. 10010, or call the company at 212/675-3500.