PQL Recalls High Bay Linear LED Light Fixtures Due to Fire Hazard

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall concerning specific High Bay Linear LED light fixtures manufactured by PQL. This action, announced on February 26, 2026, addresses units that were marketed and sold as commercial-grade lighting solutions designed for high-ceiling environments such as warehouses, factories, and large retail spaces. The products in question are rectangular, white metal fixtures available in two primary physical configurations: 2-foot-wide models and 4-foot-wide models. While the physical dimensions help identify the general category of the product, the definitive way to determine if a specific unit is part of this recall is by checking the model numbers printed on the back of the fixture.

The scope of this recall covers a substantial list of specific model numbers across both length configurations. For those who have installed or purchased 2-foot-wide fixtures, the affected models include 55202, 55203, 55208, 55209, 55209-WC, 55213, 55214, 55222, 55223, 55225, 55226, 55227, 55228, 55360, 55361, 55362, 55363, 55477, 55478, 55480, 55481, 55482, 55483, 55484, 55485, 55504, 55505, 55506, 55507, 55508, 55511, 55512, 55514, 55515, 55518, 55534, 55535, 55536, 55537, 55538, 55539, 55710, 55711, 55712, 55713, 55714, and 55715. If you are dealing with the larger 4-foot-wide configurations, the recall extends to models 55213, 55214, 55215, 55230, 55231, 55232, 55364, 55365, 55366, 55367, 55487, 55491, 55492, 55510, 55521, 55716, 55717, 55720, and 55722. It is important to note that some model numbers appear in both lists, meaning certain part numbers may correspond to different sizes or configurations depending on the specific batch.

The recall notice does not specify the exact number of units sold or the precise retail locations where these fixtures were purchased. However, it indicates that these products were distributed through commercial channels typical for industrial lighting equipment. Because the hazard is related to internal component degradation rather than a manufacturing defect visible upon purchase, it is difficult to distinguish affected units without consulting the model numbers and contacting PQL directly. If you have installed any of the listed models in your facility, it is crucial to verify their status immediately through the official recall channels provided by the manufacturer.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, a High Bay Linear LED light fixture is a straightforward piece of industrial equipment. It is designed to be robust, durable, and capable of hanging from high ceilings in warehouses, factories, or large commercial spaces, providing bright, even illumination. However, the safety issue at the heart of this recall lies not in the light bulb itself, but in the internal architecture that holds the electronic components together. Specifically, the problem centers on the retaining pins—small but critical hardware pieces that secure the LED board inside the fixture.

The mechanism of failure begins with these retaining pins. Over time, and depending on environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations or humidity levels common in industrial settings, the material used for these pins can degrade. This degradation is not always visible to the naked eye immediately, but it fundamentally weakens the structural integrity of the connection. As the pins lose their strength and elasticity, they can no longer hold the LED board firmly in place within its housing.

When the retaining pins fail, the LED board becomes loose inside the fixture. This is a significant engineering failure because the LED board is not just a passive component; it generates heat during normal operation. When it is properly secured, that heat dissipates through designed channels and the metal housing of the fixture, keeping temperatures within safe limits. However, once the board is loose, it can shift, vibrate, or settle in ways it was never designed to occupy.

This shifting creates two distinct dangers. First, the loose board may come into contact with internal wiring or other electrical components that are not insulated for direct contact with the heated surface of the LED board. This friction or direct contact can strip insulation, create short circuits, and generate sparks. Second, the lack of proper seating prevents efficient heat dissipation. The LED board can overheat significantly beyond its normal operating temperature because it is no longer making full thermal contact with the fixture’s cooling structures.

When you combine an overheating electronic component with potential electrical shorts in a confined metal space, the risk of ignition becomes real. This is why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has classified this as a fire hazard. It is not merely a malfunction that renders the light useless; it is a condition where the fixture itself can become the source of a fire. While only one incident of a fixture catching fire has been reported so far, the physics of the failure mode suggests that any unit with degraded pins is potentially at risk. The heat generated by an unsecured board can eventually ignite nearby plastic components, dust accumulation, or electrical insulation, leading to a blaze that could spread rapidly in high-bay environments where these lights are often installed.

It is important to understand that this hazard is latent. A fixture may look perfectly normal from the outside. The lens might be clean, the housing intact, and the light still turning on. But internally, the safety margin has been compromised. The degradation of the pins is a gradual process, meaning that a fixture purchased months or even years ago could suddenly cross the threshold from "functional" to "hazardous" without any obvious warning signs other than perhaps unusual buzzing or flickering, which are not guaranteed to occur before a failure.

Therefore, the danger here is subtle but severe. It relies on the assumption that the internal components will remain static and secure during operation. When that assumption is broken by material degradation, the fixture loses its ability to manage heat and electrical isolation safely. This is why immediate action is required: you cannot reliably judge the safety of the internal pins by looking at the light from the floor. The only way to ensure the fixture is no longer a fire risk is to address the root cause—the loose LED board—by installing the free replacement retaining pins provided by PQL.

Who is most at risk

The primary individuals facing risk from this recall are those who have installed or are currently using PQL High Bay Linear LED light fixtures in commercial or industrial settings. These lights are typically mounted high on ceilings or walls in warehouses, factories, retail spaces, and large storage facilities to provide bright, even illumination for work areas. Because these fixtures are designed to operate at higher intensities and often run for extended periods, the internal components experience more thermal stress over time. The specific danger lies in the retaining pins that hold the LED board in place. As these pins degrade, the LED board can become loose. This is not merely a nuisance issue of flickering lights; it creates an electrical arcing risk or direct contact with combustible materials within the fixture housing, which can rapidly escalate into a fire.

While any person present in a facility with these installed fixtures could be exposed to smoke, heat, or structural damage from a potential fire, certain groups face heightened vulnerability due to the nature of the hazard and the environment. Workers on the ground floor below the installed lights are at immediate risk if the fixture fails catastrophically. Falling debris from a damaged high-bay light can cause serious physical injury. Furthermore, in industrial environments where flammable materials, dust, or chemicals may be present, a spark or heat source generated by the failing LED board poses a significantly greater threat than in a standard office environment. Workers who spend long hours in these spaces are exposed to this risk for prolonged periods, increasing their cumulative exposure to potential hazards.

Elderly individuals and those with mobility challenges are particularly at risk in the event of a fire outbreak. High bay lights are rarely installed in residential homes but are common in large-scale retail or distribution centers where emergency evacuation can be complex and time-consuming. If a fire were to start due to the degraded pins, the rapid spread of flames in high-ceilinged spaces can outpace the ability of individuals with slower mobility to reach safety. Additionally, first responders and facility maintenance personnel who may need to enter the area to address the issue or investigate the hazard are also at elevated risk, as they may encounter unstable electrical fixtures or active fire conditions before the recall remedy is implemented.

It is important to note that while one incident of a fixture catching fire has been reported, the potential for this hazard affects all users of the recalled models. The degradation of the retaining pins is a material failure that does not discriminate based on user behavior; it occurs regardless of how carefully the light is used. Therefore, the risk is universal to every unit sold under the affected model numbers, making immediate identification and remediation critical for everyone involved, from facility managers to the workers who rely on these lights daily.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Identifying whether your lighting fixture is part of this recall requires a careful look at the physical product itself, specifically the model number located on the back of the unit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified PQL High Bay Linear LED light fixtures as the affected items. These are industrial-grade lights designed for high-ceiling spaces, and they are distinct in their appearance. To help you determine if your fixture is included, start by confirming the brand. The product will be clearly marked with the "PQL" brand name.

Next, examine the physical characteristics of the light. The recalled fixtures are rectangular in shape and constructed from white metal. They come in two specific configurations based on their width: 2-foot-wide models and 4-foot-wide models. It is crucial to measure or verify the size of your fixture, as the model numbers differ between these two lengths. If your light does not match these physical descriptions—such as if it is a different color, shape, or brand—it is likely not part of this specific recall.

The most definitive way to confirm if you are affected is to check the model number. You must look at the back of the fixture to find the label containing this information. Below are the complete lists of recalled model numbers for each size category. Please compare your fixture’s model number against these lists carefully. Note that some model numbers appear in both categories; ensure you verify the physical width of your unit to be certain.

• 2-foot-wide models: 55202, 55203, 55208, 55209, 55209-WC, 55213, 55214, 55222, 55223, 55225, 55226, 55227, 55228, 55360, 55361, 55362, 55363, 55477, 55478, 55480, 55481, 55482, 55483, 55484, 55485, 55504, 55505, 55506, 55507, 55508, 55511, 55512, 55514, 55515, 55518, 55534, 55535, 55536, 55537, 55538, 55539, 55710, 55711, 55712, 55713, 55714, 55715.
• 4-foot-wide models: 55213, 55214, 55215, 55230, 55231, 55232, 55364, 55365, 55366, 55367, 55487, 55491, 55492, 55510, 55521, 55716, 55717, 55720, 55722.

If your model number matches any of the codes listed above and your fixture is a white, metal, rectangular PQL High Bay Linear LED light, you should treat it as part of this recall. The recall notice does not specify a date range for when these were sold or their original price, so do not rely on purchase history to determine eligibility. Instead, trust the physical model number label on the back of the unit as your primary guide.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled PQL High Bay Linear LED light fixtures, it is important to know that the manufacturer has established a clear and accessible remedy to resolve this issue. Rather than requiring you to return the entire heavy fixture for a full refund or send it back for complex repairs, PQL is offering free replacement retaining pins. These small but critical components are the solution to the degradation problem that can cause the LED board to come loose. By providing just these parts, PQL allows you to secure the internal components without the hassle and expense of replacing the entire unit, provided you are willing to perform a minor installation step.

To access this remedy, you must take specific actions to verify your product and request the parts. First, confirm that your fixture is among those recalled by checking the model numbers listed in our earlier section. Once you have verified that your unit is affected, you should register your product at https://pqlighting.com/product-recall-notice. This registration step is crucial as it initiates the process and ensures PQL can track the recall’s effectiveness. After registering, or if you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can contact PQL’s consumer support team.

PQL has set up dedicated channels to assist you with this process. You can call their toll-free number at 805-416-5251. Their customer service representatives are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to submit documentation, you can email them at safety@pqlighting.com. Additionally, for those who find online forms more convenient, PQL provides a dedicated "Safety Recall Form" on their website. You can find this by visiting https://pqlighting.com and navigating to the "Resources" section, where you will locate the form to submit your details.

It is worth noting that the recall notice does not mention cash refunds or full unit replacements as standard options. The primary remedy specified is the provision of free replacement retaining pins. This approach is common in industrial lighting recalls because the core electronic components often remain functional, and the issue is isolated to a specific mechanical fastener. By replacing these pins, you restore the safety integrity of the fixture at no cost to you. However, if you have questions about whether this remedy is sufficient for your specific situation, or if you encounter difficulties during registration, please do not hesitate to use the phone or email options provided above. The support team is there to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the correct parts for your specific model configuration.

Please act promptly. While the remedy is free and straightforward, the hazard remains until the pins are replaced. Do not attempt to install the pins yourself unless you are qualified to work with electrical fixtures safely. The goal here is to get you the right information and parts so that a professional can complete the fix or so you understand exactly what is needed to make your fixture safe again.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to act on a recall notice. Perhaps the light fixture is installed high up in a warehouse or industrial ceiling, making access difficult and inconvenient. Maybe you are waiting for a maintenance window that never seems to arrive, or you simply assume that if the light has been working fine for months, it will continue to work fine forever. This is a very human reaction, but in this specific case, ignoring the recall carries significant risks that go far beyond mere inconvenience. The hazard here is not a minor glitch; it is a structural failure of a critical safety component that can lead to dangerous outcomes.

The core issue lies in the retaining pins that hold the LED board in place. Over time, these pins can degrade, losing their ability to secure the board firmly within the fixture. If you continue to use the light while this degradation is happening, the LED board is no longer stable. It can shift, vibrate, or eventually come completely loose inside the housing. When an electrical component becomes dislodged in this way, it can create short circuits, expose live wires, or generate excessive heat where it was not designed to dissipate. This is the direct pathway to the fire hazard identified by the CPSC. You are essentially leaving a potential ignition source unchecked within an enclosed metal space.

The reality of this risk is not theoretical. According to the recall facts, PQL has already received one report of a High Bay Linear LED light fixture catching fire due to this exact mechanism. While no injuries have been reported in that specific instance, fires in industrial or commercial settings can escalate rapidly. A small electrical fire can quickly spread to nearby materials, causing substantial property damage and potentially endangering lives if the smoke or flames interfere with evacuation routes. The absence of injuries so far is a relief, but it does not mean the risk is absent—it only means you have been lucky until now.

Ignoring the remedy also leaves you without protection from PQL. By taking action now, you receive free replacement retaining pins that restore the fixture to its original, safe condition. If you wait, you may face higher costs for professional repairs later if the internal components are damaged by heat or electrical arcing. More importantly, you risk liability if a fire causes harm to others in your facility. The safest and most responsible choice is to stop using the fixture immediately and contact PQL for the free fix. Do not wait for a spark to become a flame.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in PQL’s High Bay Linear LED fixtures, the underlying principle of electrical safety applies to all high-load commercial and industrial lighting systems. These fixtures are designed to operate for thousands of hours, often in hard-to-reach locations like warehouses, gyms, or high-ceiling retail spaces. Because they are frequently installed out of immediate sight, it is easy to overlook subtle signs of wear until a problem becomes critical. Therefore, establishing a routine inspection protocol is one of the most effective ways to prevent fire hazards associated with aging electrical components.

Start by understanding the environment in which your lighting operates. High Bay fixtures often generate significant heat, especially if ventilation is restricted or if dust accumulates on the housing over time. Dust and debris can act as an insulator, trapping heat and potentially degrading nearby wiring or connectors faster than normal. Make it a habit to check these fixtures during regular maintenance cycles. Look for any discoloration on the fixture’s surface, which can indicate overheating, or listen for unusual humming or buzzing sounds that might suggest loose electrical connections. If you notice flickering lights that do not resolve with simple bulb replacements, it may signal an issue with the internal driver or wiring integrity.

Another critical aspect of long-term safety is proper installation and securing of the fixture itself. As seen in this recall, the failure of retaining pins can lead to internal components shifting, which risks short circuits. Ensure that your installers use only manufacturer-approved hardware and follow torque specifications precisely. Over time, vibration from nearby machinery or HVAC systems can loosen fasteners. Periodically verifying that all mounting brackets and internal retainers are tight can prevent the kind of mechanical failure that leads to electrical arcing.

Finally, stay proactive about product safety in general. Manufacturers release updates and recalls not because every unit is faulty, but because rare edge cases can emerge after widespread use. Regularly visiting the CPSC website or subscribing to alert services from major lighting brands can keep you informed. If you ever replace older fixtures with new ones, consider upgrading to models with modern thermal management features and robust locking mechanisms. Taking these general precautions ensures that your investment in lighting remains safe, efficient, and reliable for years to come.