June 7, 2024
1.2 Million Lights Recalled Over Safety Hazard
Above: Good Earth Lighting RE1250
Rechargeable light bars recalled after overheating, fires, and one consumer death
Good Earth Lighting Inc., in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has announced the recall of more than 1.2 million rechargeable integrated lights. This action follows a tragic incident resulting in a consumer's death and another person suffering from smoke inhalation due to an overheating light that caused a fire. The recall affects various models sold between October 2017 and January 2024, including about 37,800 units sold in Canada.
Good Earth Lighting, founded in 1992 and based in Mount Prospect, Illinois, is a maker of consumer-focused energy-efficient lighting fixtures for residential and commercial use, according to the company's About Us webpage. The company operates with a team of 30-50 employees, as detailed on their LinkedIn profile, and offers its products under the Good Earth® and ecolight® brands through major retailers across the U.S. and Canada, including Lowe’s, Menards, Amazon and Ace Hardware.
Affected Models and Distribution
The recall involves multiple models of Good Earth Lighting rechargeable lights, identified by model numbers starting with RE1122, RE1145, RE1362, and RE1250. These products were designed to serve as alternatives to wired lighting in spaces such as closets, cupboards, and staircases. The lights, measuring about 12 inches in length, came in colors like white, silver, almond, black, and rose gold. They were equipped with lithium-ion batteries and sold with a charging cable, and some models included a remote control or power adapter.
These lights were manufactured in Cambodia and China and distributed through major retailers such as Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Meijer, and Menards, as well as online platforms like Amazon.com, Lowes.com, QVC, and Goodearthlighting.com. The price for these units ranged from $20 for a single unit to $35 for bundled packages.
Incident Reports and Remedies
In addition to the occurences of fire and smoke inhalation cited earlier, Good Earth Lighting has reported nine additional incidents of the lights overheating, six of which resulted in fires and property damage. The incidents highlight a significant safety concern related to the lights' lithium-ion batteries, which pose a risk of overheating and igniting the plastic housing of the lights.
Consumers are advised to immediately discontinue use of the recalled lights and contact Good Earth Lighting to receive a free replacement light. The replacement process requires consumers to write the date and initial next to the model number on the back of the light and mark "Recalled" on the front. They must also upload photos to the Good Earth Lighting product recall page. The company will provide a replacement of at least equal value to the purchase price, including shipping costs, at no charge.
For more information, consumers can reach Good Earth Lighting at 800-291-8838 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, or via email at productrecall@goodearthlighting.com. Further details and the recall submission form can be found online at the Good Earth Lighting product recall webpage.
