Safety Information - 11/10/16
Name of Product: Krystal Ice ceiling fixtures
Hazard: The 40-watt halogen bulbs sold with the ceiling fixtures burn too hot for the electrical supply wires in the ceiling, posing a fire hazard. The fixtures also pose a fire hazard in homes with older wiring, even if used with lower wattage bulbs.
Remedy: Repair, Refund
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ceiling fixtures and remove the 40-watt bulbs. Contact Kichler for free 25-watt bulbs and new warning labels. The new labels identify 25-watts as the maximum allowable wattage and the appropriate home wiring (90°C supply wire) for use with the fixture. Consumers with older homes built before 1985 without upgraded wiring can contact the firm for a full refund. Consumers who are uncertain if their home’s wiring has been upgraded can contact Kichler for more information about an inspection by a licensed electrician.
Consumer Contact Kichler at 800-554-6504 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday
Q1: Why is Kichler recalling certain Krystal Ice ceiling fixtures?
A1: Kichler is conducting a voluntary recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada because Krystal Ice ceiling fixtures in Style Numbers 38182, 38183, 38198 and 38199 can overheat, posing a risk of fire when used with the 40-watt halogen bulbs that were supplied with the fixtures. The wattage of the bulbs is too high for the fixture. In addition, the ceiling fixture can overheat and pose a risk of fire if used in homes without 90°C supply wire even when used with lower wattage bulbs.
Q2: How can I tell if my ceiling fixture is affected?
A2: If you purchased a Krystal Ice ceiling fixture in Style Numbers 38182, 38183, 38198 or 38199 from Lowe’s (between April 2015 and June 2016) or from a lighting showroom (between January 2016 and August 2016), your ceiling fixture is subject to the voluntary recall. You can find the style number printed on the inside canopy of the fixture.
Q3: Have there been any consumer complaints of overheating or of personal injury or property damage due to the higher wattage bulbs provided with the fixture or use of the fixtures in homes without 90°C supply wire?
A3: No. Kichler has not identified any reported incidents associated with the fixtures that are the subject of this voluntary recall.
Q4: Has the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission been notified?
A4: Yes. This voluntary recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Q5: Has Health Canada been notified?
A5: Yes. This voluntary recall is being conducted in cooperation with Health Canada.
Q6: Can you send me a repair kit?
A6: Kichler will provide you with a free repair kit if your home has 90°C supply wire.
Q7: What is 90°C Supply wire and how do I know if I have it?
A7: Supply wire is a home’s internal wiring that exists behind the walls and ceilings of a home and makes electrical connection within a junction box to a home’s electrical appliances, electrical outlets and ceiling and wall lighting fixtures. In 1984, the electrical code was modified to require that new residential buildings use 90°C rated supply wire (sheathed electrical cable marked NM-B). If your home was built after 1985, you should have 90°C supply wire. Consumers in older homes may have either 60°C supply wire or may have upgraded to 90°C supply wire.
Q8: My home was built before 1985 but I don’t know if the wiring was upgraded to 90°C supply wire. What do I do?
A8: Kichler is providing full refunds to consumers with affected ceiling fixtures in homes that were built before 1985 and the home’s wiring was not upgraded to 90°C supply wire. If you need to hire a licensed electrician to determine if your home has 90°C supply wire, Kichler will reimburse you up to $75.00 for the cost of hiring a licensed electrician to make that determination upon receipt of a paid invoice.
Q9: I have 90°C supply wire in my home and would like the repair kit. What comes in the repair kit?
A9: The repair kit includes four new 25-watt halogen bulbs, a label to apply to the fixture, and instructions.
Q10: Can I repair the light fixture myself?
A10: Yes. This is a very simple repair requiring you to change four light bulbs and adhere a label to the fixture. We will include written instructions with the repair kit explaining how to conduct the repair and replace the four 40-watt bulbs with four 25-watt bulbs and adhere a new label. However, if you are uncertain or uncomfortable with the written instructions, or do not believe you are able to make the repair, we encourage you to contact a licensed electrician.
Q11: How long will it take for me to receive the repair kit?
A11: Once we verify your information, it will take approximately one (1) week from the time you contact Kichler to receive your repair kit. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Q12: I no longer have the receipt for the light fixture. Can I still receive a repair kit?
A12: Yes. Once we verify that your light fixture is a part of the voluntarily recall and that your home contains 90°C supply wire. All we need is your name, address and telephone number in order to send you a free repair kit.
Q13: How can I get a refund?
A13: Only consumers whose homes lack 90°C supply wire are eligible to receive a refund under the corrective action plan. In practical terms, that means homes that were built prior to 1985 and have not had the electrical wiring upgraded. In such cases, upon return of the light fixture to Kichler, Kichler will issue the consumer a full refund of the retail price of $119.00. Kichler will send you by email a Return Material Authorization (“RMA”) and a prepaid Federal Express shipping label for you to use to return the fixture. Upon receipt of the recalled ceiling fixture, Kichler will issue you a refund check for the full retail amount of $119.00.
Q14: I don’t have 90°C supply wire and will need an electrician to help me remove the ceiling fixture. Will you reimburse me if I hire an electrician?
A14: Yes. If you need a licensed electrician to remove the light fixture in order to return it to Kichler (because you don’t have a 90°C supply wire), Kichler will reimburse you up to $75.00 for the cost of hiring a licensed electrician to remove the light fixture upon receipt of the electrician’s paid invoice.
Q15: How long will it take for me to receive reimbursement for the cost of hiring an electrician?
A15: It will take between two to four weeks to receive your reimbursement of up to $75.00 once we verify your invoice for the actual cost of hiring a licensed electrician. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Q16: Can I obtain a replacement ceiling fixture?
A16: No. The free repair kit offered will correct the wattage issue and there is no need to replace the fixture if your home has 90°C supply wire. Unfortunately, if your home does not have a 90°C supply wire there are no suitable replacements fixtures available from Kichler.
Q17: Do you have a website with additional information or photos of the affected ceiling fixtures?
A17: Yes. Additional information is available at www.kichler.com. Click on the “Safety Information” link under the “Helpful Information” section at the bottom of the home page.