Telstar, working voluntarily with the CPSC, recalled over 300,000 compact fluorescent lightbulbs sold under the Telstar and Electra brand names after one of them started a house fire. One of the lightbulbs also apparently caused a fire in a light fixture. The lightbulbs, which were manufactured in China (duh) were sold in discount stores in New York and New Jersey for $1 and $1.50 from August through March.
Made by Telstar Products, the lightbulbs came in two configurations—spiral and 3-U’s—and were sold in packs ranging from 18W to 40W. The recall includes the specific model numbers and configurations (there are like 14 or more different SKUs) Consumers should obviously stop using the lightbulbs and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, call Telstar Products at (888) 828-1680 or visit the firm’s website at www.telstarpro.com.
This is just one more in a series of articles showing that compact fluorescent lightbulbs continue to be a complete and dismal failure. While they cost more than traditional lightbulbs they offer substandard amounts of light and are completely toxic when broken.
Name of Product: Light Bulbs
Units: About 317,000
Manufacturer: Telstar Products d/b/a Sprint International Inc., of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Hazard: The lightbulbs can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Telstar Products has received two reports of fires. In one incident, the fire was contained to the light fixture. The other reported incident resulted in a residential fire.
Description: This recall involves energy-saving light bulbs sold under the Telstar and Electra brand names. The bulbs were sold in two styles: spiral and the “3-Us” shape. The Telstar bulbs were sold in 20 and 23 watts with model number LB-1020 and LB-1023 printed on the packaging. The Electra bulbs were sold in 18, 20, 23, 26, 28, 30, 34, 36, 38 and 40 watts with model numbers LB-18, LB-20, LB-23, LB-26, LB-28, LB-30, LB-1018, LB-1020, LB-1023, LB-1026, LB-1134, LB-1136, LB-1138 and LB-1140 printed on the packaging. “CE 110V,” “China” and the wattage number are printed on the bulb.
Sold at: Discount stores throughout New York and New Jersey from August 2010 through March 2011 for between $1 and $1.50
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the light bulbs and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Telstar Products toll-free at (888) 828-1680 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.telstarpro.com
