Tu-Wire® Dimming Ballasts Used With Compact Fluorescent Lights Recalled for Shock Hazard

CPSC recall 06235 · announced August 16, 2006 · Lutron Electronics Co · 28,000 units affected

The product

The recalled ballast is used to dim compact fluorescent lighting fixtures. The ballasts are not visible once installed. The ballasts were included with light fixtures sold under numerous brand names. Consumers should not touch these fixtures, since they could pose a shock hazard. The fixtures with these ballasts have a 120 VAC application, the fixture housing is for a 26W or 32W four-pin plug-in compact fluorescent lamp installed after July 1998. Most of the lights were sold for commercial use, though some were sold for consumer use. This recall does not involve light fixtures containing incandescent or halogen lamps or fixtures with screw-in compact fluorescent lamps or straight tube (linear) fluorescent lamps.

The hazard

These ballasts, if not properly grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code, can present a risk of electric shock to persons who come in contact with the ballast or with a light fixture that incorporates the ballast, such as when a consumer changes a fluorescent lamp bulb.

What to do (per CPSC)

Consumers should not touch these fixtures, since they could pose a shock hazard. Consumers should contact Lutron Electronics to arrange for free replacement of the recalled ballasts.

Official CPSC recall notice →

Notes

Incidents (per CPSC): None reported
Sold at: Light fixture manufacturers, electrical distributors and electrical contractors nationwide from July 1998 through May 2006 for about $120.
Consumer contact: For more information, contact Lutron Electronics toll-free at (866) 793-4270 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.lutron.com

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.