Washington, D.C. (Dec. 18, 1974) -- The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission in cooperation with the S.S. Kresge
Co. and Noma Manufacturing and Import Co. today warned
consumers that approximately 300,000 sets of indoor-outdoor
miniature Christmas lights sold nationwide over the past two
years could present severe hazard of electric shock and fire.
Exposed metal contacts in the female end connector and
loose or exposed bare wire connections make the lights
potentially hazardous.
Kresge sold the lights under its own brand name in
K-Mart, Kresge and Jupiter stores across the country for
between $2.00 and $5.00. The label on the greenish blue
and white carton reads: "35 or 50 Professional Decorator's
Miniature Lites." Possibly defective sets have the following
serial numbers on the front of the carton: 91-21; 91-23;
91-24; 91-25; 91-26: 91-27; 91-28; 91-40B and 91-43 (for
indoor only.)
The Noma brand lights, which were sold in small retail
outlets across the nation, are called "Noma Deluxe" and also
state "35 or 50 Mini-Mini Lites" on the front of the box.
Possibly defective sets carry the following numbers on the
box cover: 3835; 3836: 3850; 3851; 3854; 3856. These lights
were designed to be used singly or in groups. Noma will
correct and repair, at no cost, all sets returned to them --
Noma, Forest Park, Illinois 60130.
Consumers who purchased these lights should cease using
them immediately and carefully disconnect them from electrical
outlets.
The Kresge Co. has stated that it will refund the purchase
price.
The Commission was alerted to the hazard after a youngster
in Chicago received a shock when he accidentally touched the
lights.
The Commission urges consumers to check all their Christmas
lights for possible hazards.