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About 500-Watt Halogen Bulbs Recalled by Cooper Lighting
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January 30, 2003
Release # 03-077
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Cooper Lighting Hotline: (800) 954-7145
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
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CPSC, Cooper Lighting Warn About 500-Watt Halogen Bulbs
WASHINGTO N, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Cooper Lighting Inc., of Peachtree City, Ga., is
warning consumers that nearly 600,000 Regent 500-watt halogen bulbs may
pose a fire hazard if used in torchiere floor lamps or other indoor
residential fixtures. These 500-watt light bulbs generate very high
temperatures compared to incandescent and lower wattage halogen bulbs
and can start a fire if they come in contact with curtains, clothes or
other flammable material. These bulbs are intended for use in outdoor
work lights and flood lamps.
While Cooper has not received any reports of fires or injuries,
the CPSC is aware of at least 290 fires and 25 deaths since 1992
involving halogen torchiere floor lamps.
Current packaging for the Regent 500-Watt Halogen Bulb, with model
numbers WM500Q and BP500Q, does not contain the recommended warning
label of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The label
should read, "Warning: Fire Hazard! Do Not Use In Torchieres Or Other
Indoor Residential Fixtures." Cooper has asked retailers to add the
label to bulb packaging currently on store shelves and new 500-watt
halogen bulbs will contain the label.
Wal-Mart, Lowes and smaller retail outlets nationwide sold these
500-watt halogen bulbs between January 1999 and October 2002 for about
$4.
Consumers currently using these 500-wat t bulbs in a torchiere or
indoor residential fixture should remove them immediately. Consumers
can continue to use the 500-watt halogen bulbs in work lights, flood
lamps, and similar outdoor fixtures. For more information, consumers
can contact Cooper Lighting at (800) 954-7145 anytime or log on to the
company's website at www.cooperlighting.com
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To meet the current Underwriters Laboratories standard, halogen
torchiere floor lamps must be equipped with a protective glass or wire
guard and have a halogen bulb that is 300 watts or less.
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