Designers Edge Recalls Halogen Clamp Lights; Potential Shock Hazard

PRODUCT: "Mighty Lite" halogen clamp lights imported by Designers Edge, Inc. About 1,500 clamp lights sold at Northern California Yardbirds stores and 500 clamp lights sold at 182 Sears stores nationwide beginning in July 1993 through August 1993. The yellow clamp lights have a black hook and handle and spring loaded clamp base with yellow vinyl grips. The handle is labeled "the Designers EDGE." At the back of the lamphead molded into the metal is the phrase: "SUITABLE FOR WET LOCATION MISC. FIXTURE QH-250N 1G96."

PROBLEM: A potential shock hazard is present on certain lamps. When used without the hook, the lamp rotates 180 degrees to a backward position causing tension on the wires inside the switch junction box. This can cause the wires to chafe and short circuit, posing a shock hazard.

WHAT TO DO: If you purchased a Designers Edge clamp light from Sears, immediately stop using the lamp and return it to Sears for a full refund. If you purchased a clamp light from a Yardbirds store, check for a date code on the lamp cord. If a date code is not marked, immediately stop using the clamp light and return it to Yardbirds for a full refund or replacement lamp. Yardbirds lamps marked with a date code are not affected by this recall. For further information please call Designers Edge on 1-800-524-6808.

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Designers Edge, Inc., Bellevue. WA, is voluntarily recalling the "Mighty Lite" halogen clamp light. When used without the hook, the lamp rotates 180 degrees to a backward position causing tension on the wires at the pivot point between the handle and lamphead. This can cause the wires in the junction box to chafe, energizing the metal components of the clamp light with 120 volts of electricity, posing a shock hazard.

The yellow clamp lights have a black hook and handle and spring loaded clamp base with yellow vinyl grips. The handle is labeled "the Designers EDGE." At the back of the lamphead molded into the metal is the phrase: "SUITABLE FOR WET LOCATION MISC. FIXTURE QH-250N 1G96."

About 1,500 clamp lights were sold at Northern California Yardbirds stores and 500 clamp lights were sold at 180 Sears stores nationally beginning in July 1993 through August 1993. The retail price was $19.99. The nine Northern California Yardbirds stores that sold the product are located in: Santa Rosa, Petaluma, San Rafael, Alamo, Vallejo, San Pablo, Rohnert Park, Vacaville, and Fairfield.

Designers Edge learned of the problem when a Sears El Paso store reported electrical leakage from a clamp lamp on display. The lamp hook had been removed allowing the lamphead to pivot. It was determined that a small amount of wire was exposed from abrasion inside the junction portion of the lamp. Designers Edge subsequently reported the incident to the Commission.

If you purchased a Designers Edge clamp light from Sears, immediately stop using the lamp and return it to Sears for a full refund. If you purchased a clamp light from a Yardbirds store, check for a July 1993 or later date code marked on the lamp cord. If a date code is not marked, immediately stop using the clamp light and return it to Yardbirds for a full refund or replacement lamp. Clamp lights marked with date codes are not affected by this recall. They contain insulated wiring in the junction box and do not present a shock hazard. For further information please call Designers Edge on 1-800-524-6808. Consumers should not attempt to repair the clamp lights themselves.

CPSC is announcing this recall 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.