Holiday LED Lights Recalled

Greenlite Lighting Corp. has issued a voluntary recall of 36-bulb strings of LED indoor/outdoor lights due to a wiring defect that could pose a threat for shock or fire. So far, no injuries have been reported.

Hydro One of Toronto and Brampton, Powerstream of Markham, Horizon Utilities Corp. of Hamilton, and Enersouce Hydro of Mississauga distributed the decorations and the affected products have the model number LED/HL(N)/ST-A/3 marked on a white label attached to the female end of the power cord and the CSA File number 236000 identified on a red label attached to the string’s male plug cap.

If you have these lights strung around your home the Canadian Standards Association is advising you to stop using them immediately. They could be a fire hazard.

People who received the Hydro One LEDs at a recent local event can call toll-free 1-800-851-0064 and provide their name and address so the company can send them a postage-paid mailing label to return the lights in exchange for a gift card. When Hydro One receives their lights, it will send them a gift card of equivalent or higher value.

For more information on the recall call the Greenlite Lighting Corp. at 1-877-255-0004.

For more information on the CSA’s warning, click here.

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CSA International

1. All is bright – Indoor lighting safety tips

To protect, inspect: Carefully inspect holiday light strings each year and discard any with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections.

Lights unplugged: Unplug light strings before replacing bulbs and check to ensure replacement bulbs match the voltage and wattage of the original bulb.

Size it up: Ensure that bulb reflectors are the right size for the light string.

Lights out: Always turn off holiday lights when you leave the house unattended or when going to bed.

Find the CSA International certification mark: When purchasing light strings, extension cords and electrical decorations, look for the CSA International certification mark, which provides assurance that the products comply with applicable standards for safety and performance.

All wrapped up: After the holidays, store lights and decorations in the original packaging, as they likely contain manufacturer’s instructions on replacement bulbs and details for proper product use.

Don’t get burned: Do not use open flames or candles on or near flammable materials such as wreaths, natural trees or paper decorations.

For the office:

All is bright, but not all night: Ensure that decorative lights are turned off after business hours

Don’t be tacky: Never tack or staple lighting strings or extension cords to the wall or cubicle

No strings attached: Avoid hanging decorations from fire sprinklers, blocking exit corridors, or obstructing exit signs, fire extinguishers and hose cabinets with decorations

2. Walking in a winter wonderland – outdoor safety tips

Power down: Before working with outdoor wiring, turn off the electricity to the supply outlet and unplug the connection.

Look for the CSA International certification mark: Ensure that light strings, cords, spotlights and floodlights are certified by CSA International and marked for outdoor use or wet locations.

High and dry: When hanging lights outdoors, keep electrical connectors above ground, out of puddles and snow, and away from metal eaves troughs.

Hang with care: Use insulated fasteners rather than metal nails or tacks to hold light strings in place.

Pack away for another holiday: Remove outdoor lights promptly after the holiday season to avoid damage caused by extended exposure to harsh weather conditions.

Keep good time: Use an outdoor timer certified by CSA International to switch lights on and off. Lights should be turned on after 7 p.m. to avoid the electricity rush hour.

The right receptacles: Whenever possible, connect all outdoor lighting into receptacles protected by weatherproof ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). These can provide protection from electric shock by sensing ground leakage and cutting electrical power.

3. Holiday housekeeping – indoor safety tips

Gas fireplaces
Beware of broken glass: Do not use your gas fireplace if the glass panel is removed, cracked or broken. Glass panels and frame assemblies should be replaced only by a qualified service person.

Buy the Blue Flame: When purchasing or installing a gas fireplace, check for the mark of an accredited certification organization such as the Blue Flame mark from CSA International. This indicates the fireplace meets applicable national standards.

Carbon-monoxide alarms

Level it: Install at least one carbon-monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms. Use more than one CO alarm if sleeping areas are located on different levels of your home.

Respect the rules: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and maintaining your CO alarms.

Buy the Blue Flame: When purchasing a CO alarm, check for the mark of an accredited certification organization such as the Blue Flame and CSA 6.19-01 reference mark from CSA International. This indicates it meets applicable national standards.

Smoke Alarms

Sound the alarm: Test your smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work. One smoke alarm is not enough. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Only working smoke alarms can give you the precious seconds you may need to escape a fire.

Basement and garage

Keep it clean: To help prevent CO hazards in your home, have a qualified heating contractor perform a yearly maintenance check of your furnace and venting system, and clean or replace your furnace filter frequently during the heating seasons.

Clutter buster: Do not store combustible materials such as gasoline, propane, paper, chemicals, paint, rags and cleaning products near your gas furnace. Gasoline or propane cylinders must be stored outside the home.

Users beware: Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids in the vicinity of your gas furnace or water heater.

Check for the Blue Flame: Look for the familiar CSA International Blue Flame mark on your gas-fired furnace or water heater to ensure it has been tested and certified to the applicable standard.