STATEN ISLAND, NY – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning of a recall of more than 44,000 wireless holiday light controllers that can overheat when plugged into an electrical outlet and cause a fire.
These decorative light controls work wirelessly to turn on tree lights for the holidays. The recalled controllers consist of two main parts: a switch to turn the lights on and off and a separate receiver to which a string of lights can be connected.
According to the CPSC notice, Mr. Christmas LLC of Memphis, Tennessee, recalled about 44,600 of the light controls after reports that 10 overheated and one caught fire.
No injuries have been reported so far.
The recalled controllers were sold both in-store and online at Walmarts, Targets and Cracker Barrels nationwide between July 2024 and November 2024. Depending on the retailer, prices for the controller ranged from $25 to $40.
The version of the controller sold by Walmart and Cracker Barrel is shaped like a mint, has a candy cane on/off switch, and has “Christmas Light Controller” written on the side.
The Target version is square, with an on/off switch and green, red and white light balls on the front. The words “Tree Lighting Switch” are written on the side.
The CPSC advises anyone who purchased an affected lighting controller to immediately stop using it and return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.