May 28, 2014 – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission informs us of a recall involving Lithonia Lighting’s Quantum series ELM and ELM2 emergency light fixtures, in which the circuit board can overheat and cause the fixture to melt, catch fire and ignite nearby items, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

The recall involves about 1.7 million units sold through electrical distributors, The Home Depot, W.W. Grainger Inc. stores and other retailers nationwide, and online at grainger.com and amazon.com from March 2010 through February 2014 for between $35 and $55.

It is unknown how many units, if any, made it into Canada.

The units are about 12.5 x 5 x 3.75-in., white or black plastic, and have two incandescent lights and a rechargeable lead acid battery. ELM or ELM2 appears on the label inside the fixture’s plastic housing above the battery. The recalled units have circuit boards that are green on both sides, and either Rev B or Rev C printed in the top left corner.

N.B. Emergency lights with circuit boards that are beige on one side and ELM2 LED, ELM2 SD and ELM2 WRS fixtures are not included in the recall.

Lithonia Lighting has received 29 reports of circuit boards overheating and fixtures melting or catching fire, with one incident resulting in more than $100,000 of property damage to an office building. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled items were manufactured in Mexico for Acuity Brands.

Consumers should contact Lithonia to receive detailed instructions on how to locate the circuit board and series name so as to order a free repair kit, which includes a new circuit board. VISIT THEM ONLINE or call (888) 615-4501.

Photos courtesy CPSC.