Manufacturer recalls 554,000 LED bulbs from four major brands

Consumer Reports News: March 19, 2013 06:08 PM

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After receiving 68 reports of LEDs overheating, including some that produced fire or smoke, the Lighting Science Group has recalled 554,000 lightbulbs sold under the brand names Definity, EcoSmart, Sylvania, and Westinghouse. Included in the incidents were eight that resulted in damage to light sockets, fixtures, rugs, carpet, floors, circuits or lamps. The Lighting Science Group is offering new bulbs to buyers.

The recalled LEDs, equivalent to 40- or 50-watt incandescent bulbs, were manufactured between October 2010 and mid-March 2011. They were marketed as 6- or 8-watt LEDs and include A19, G25, and R20 (also known as PAR20) bulb types. You'll find the type indicated on the packaging and on the circular neck above the base of the bulb where the date code appears. The date code indicates the manufacturing date and is important in identifying the recalled LEDs. It may have "CH" or "MX" at the end. For the full list of 24 date codes, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall notice.

Consumer Reports tested the EcoSmart A19 LED Bright White 40W ECS 19WW 120 864680 but did not encounter the overheating problem. The LED did not make our list of recommended lightbulbs; it's no longer in our Ratings because Home Depot no longer sells it.

If you own an affected LED, stop using it. To get a free replacement, contact the company (855-574-2533) or fill out a form on its recall page.

—Kimberly Janeway