Just in case there are people out there who believe AFCI’s do not work. If they only save one life they are worth every dime. On June 19, 2012 the CPSC released a recall on a specific brand of luminaire which is very popular. The product had 11 complaints of defect and all where in homes where an AFCI detected the problem and eliminated the chance of a fire.
Read the CPSC here : http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml12/12197.html
Thank GOD for AFCI’s…or the fine minds that conceived them.
Ceiling Mounted Light Fixtures Recalled by Thomas Lighting Due to Fire and Shock Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of product: Thomas Lighting ceiling flush mount light fixtures
Units: About 83,750
Manufacturer: Thomas Lighting, of Elgin, Ill; part of Philips Consumer Luminaires Corporation, of Elgin, Ill.
Hazard: The fixture’s socket wire insulation can degrade, leading to charged wires becoming exposed, causing electricity to pass to the metal canopy of the fixture. This poses a fire and electric shock hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries:** Thomas Lighting has received 11 reports of defective fixtures which resulted in the home’s Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) tripping.** No injuries have been reported to the firm.
Description: This recall involves 28 different models of ceiling flush-mounted light fixtures manufactured between June 1, 2010 through November 25, 2010 with a diameter ranging from 7.5" to 13". All affected fixtures have a round base or canopy affixed to the ceiling and a dome- or cylindrical-shaped cover. The recalled fixtures have a variety of finishes including metal and/or clear or frosted glass and contain one, two or three light bulbs. Canopies are a range of colors including white, bronze, brass (gold) and nickel. Most models have a nib in the center of the dome cover in the same color as the canopy. Although the manufacturer’s name, the fixture model number and production date can be found on a printed label on the ceiling-side of the fixture’s metal canopy, consumers are advised not to remove the metal canopy from the ceiling in order to access this label.
Sold at: Electrical distributors and lighting wholesalers nationwide from July 2010 through July 2011 for between $19 and $50 as Thomas Lighting products.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the light fixture, avoid direct contact with the fixture and contact Thomas Lighting to arrange for a free in-home repair of the fixtures by a qualified electrician.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Thomas Lighting at (800) 764-0756 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.thomaslighting.com
