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Washington,
D.C. 20207
Alan H.
Schoem
Office of Compliance
Director
Tel: 301-504-7519
Fax: 301-504-0008
email: aschoem@cpsc.gov March 18, 2003
Re: 500-Watt Tubular Halogen Bulbs
Dear Manufacturer/Importer/Distributor:
The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal regulatory
agency established by Congress in the Consumer Product Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. §§
2051-2084. The Commission is responsible for protecting the public from
unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products. We are asking
that you take steps to assure that the packaging of any tubular 500-watt double
ended halogen lamps (bulbs) you manufacture or import for consumer use through
typical retail channels bears the appropriate ANSI warning label and that the
label is displayed prominently on the front panel of the bulb packaging.
During
1997 and 1998, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) worked
with CPSC to develop a warning label to be placed on the front panel of
packaging of tubular 500-watt double-ended halogen lamps (i.e. bulbs). In
October 1998, the labeling was approved as an American National Standard (ANSI
C78.260c-1998 - Supplement to ANSI C78.260-1998). CPSC recently became aware
that there are several new manufacturers of these 500-watt halogen bulbs that
may not be aware of the required ANSI labeling. In cooperation with Cooper
Industries, we recently issued the enclosed press release warning about 500-watt
halogen bulbs that can be used in torchiere floor lamps or other indoor
residential fixtures.
CPSC is
aware of at least 291 fires and 27 deaths involving halogen torchiere floor
lamps. Although the current Underwriters Laboratories standard requires halogen
torchiere floor lamps to be equipped with a protective glass or wire guard,
consumers may not be aware that the lamps should only be used with a bulb that
is 300 watts or less. Since there still are older torchiere floor lamps in
service that do not meet the current UL standard, it is especially important
that consumers not inadvertently use 500-watt bulbs in those fixtures.
Your firm
may manufacture, import, or distribute tubular 500-watt double ended bulbs that
fit halogen torchiere floor lamps intended for indoor use. Since these 500-watt
bulbs are often sold at retail in displays next to lower wattage bulbs,
consumers may not understand that they should not use the 500-watt bulbs for
their torchiere floor lamps.
We are
asking for your cooperation to help prevent future fires and injuries associated
with halogen torchiere floor lamps and other indoor residential fixtures that
may be capable of using a 500-watt halogen bulb. We ask that all bulb
manufacturers (and importers of bulbs) verify that their packaging complies with
the ANSI requirements. If you are not already doing so, we request that your
firm immediately begin placing the required ANSI labeling on the front panel
packaging of your tubular 500-watt double ended halogen bulbs. For an example of
an acceptable warning label, refer to
press release
03-077 or to the ANSI standard cited above.
If you
have any questions or require assistance in this effort, please call Renae
Rauchschwalbe of my staff on 301-504-7664 or you can email her at rrauch@cpsc.gov.
CPSC investigators will be checking for the appropriate labeling within the next
several months. We would like to work cooperatively with you in assuring that
your products are used safely and appropriately.
Sincerely,
Alan H. Schoem
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