Outdoor Fluorescent Light Fixtures: Electric Shock Hazard Identified

PRODUCT: Builders Square fluorescent "Wall Bracket Lights" SKU number 9300117 and Pay-N-Pak, Inc. "Deck Lite Fixtures" model numbers 302048 and 302049; 9,300 Builders Square and an unknown number of Pay-N-Pak, Inc. light fixtures are involved. All the light fixtures were sold from July 1991 through March 1992 for $14.97 each.

PROBLEM: The outdoor light fixture does not have a weatherproof ballast and is not grounded. Rain water could seep inside and short circuit, creating an electric shock hazard.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should immediately discontinue use of both products. Consumers with the Builders Square fixtures should return the fixtures to any Builders Square store for a full refund. Consumers with the Pay-N-Pak light fixtures should disconnect the fixtures and throw them out as Pay-N-Pak, Inc. is out of business.

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Builders Square, San Antonio, TX is voluntarily recalling 9,300 "SKU No. 9300117 Wall Bracket Lights" sold nationwide from July 1991 to March 1992 for $14.97 each. This outdoor fluorescent light fixture does not have a weatherproof ballast and does not provide for electrical grounding. Rain water could seep inside and short circuit the energized ballast terminals to the metal fixture, creating an electric shock hazard.

At the same time, Pay-N-Pak, Inc., Bellevue, WA sold in the western United States an unknown number of similar "Deck Lite Fixtures" model numbers 302048 and 302049. These outdoor light fixtures may present an electric shock hazard for the same reasons. Pay-N-Pak, Inc. is now out of business.

The Builders Square and Pay-N-Pak outdoor fluorescent light fixtures were imported from the Sam Hee International Corporation, South Korea. No electric shock incidents have been reported to Builders Square or to CPSC.

The Builders Square SKU No. 9300117 light can be identified by its black painted aluminum diecast fixture and its clear plastic globe. The original nine watt "U" shaped fluorescent lamp is labeled "DLS 9W, LIGHT 21." Also, the back of the metal fixture has three labels as follows: "UL Incandescent Fixture, Issue No. 696089, Suitable For Wet Locations," "E117402, Made In Korea," and "Wall Mount Only."

Consumers who own one of these Builders Square light fixtures should stop using it and disconnect the power. The fixture should be removed and returned to any Builders Square store for a full refund. Consumers who identify a Pay-N-Pak light fixture should discontinue use, remove and discard it.

CPSC is announcing this recall and warning as a part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.6 million injuries and 21,700 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.