NICREW Submersible RGB LED Lights Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Ingestion Hazard; Violations of Federal Regulations for Consumer Products with Coin Batteries; Sold on Amazon by Nicrew

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for specific models of NICREW Submersible RGB LED Lights. This action involves products identified by the model number N21743. These items are designed as decorative lighting solutions, typically used in aquariums or other water features, and were marketed under the Nicrew brand. The recalled units were packaged in a distinctive 15-inch black tube, which served as both protective shipping material and product housing. Each light assembly came with a black remote control unit containing 21 buttons, allowing users to adjust various lighting settings. Crucially, this remote control houses a CR2032 lithium coin battery, which is the primary component at the center of this safety concern.

The scope of this recall is defined by the specific configuration of the product and its distribution channels. The recalled items were sold exclusively through Amazon by the seller Nicrew. While the provided official record does not specify the total number of units affected by this recall, it confirms that the violation pertains to the N21743 model when distributed via this specific retailer. Consumers who purchased these lights from other sources should verify their purchase history on Amazon or contact the manufacturer directly to confirm if their unit falls within the affected batch.

The timing of the sale is an important detail for consumers trying to determine if they own a recalled item. Although the official recall announcement date was May 15, 2025, the products were sold prior to this date. The lack of reported incidents suggests that while the hazard exists due to regulatory violations, no injuries have been documented as of the recall publication. However, the presence of an accessible lithium coin battery in a remote control intended for general consumer use violates mandatory federal regulations. These regulations are designed specifically to prevent children from accessing such batteries, which can cause severe internal burns if swallowed. The recalled products also lacked the required warning labels that would typically alert users to this danger.

If you purchased NICREW Submersible RGB LED Lights with model number N21743 from Amazon, particularly those packaged in a 15-inch black tube with a black 21-button remote containing a CR2032 battery, your item is part of this recall. The absence of mandatory warnings on these units further confirms their non-compliance with safety standards. It is essential to identify your product accurately by checking the model number and packaging details against the description provided by the CPSC.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, the Nicrew Submersible RGB LED Light might seem like a harmless decorative item for a fish tank or water feature. However, the core danger lies not in the light itself, but in its remote control and specifically the power source that drives it. The device relies on a CR2032 lithium coin battery, a small, disc-shaped power cell that is incredibly common in electronics today. While these batteries are efficient and long-lasting, they pose a severe, often underestimated threat when they become accessible to young children. The issue with this specific recall is that the remote’s battery compartment can be opened too easily, allowing a curious child to remove the battery without any resistance or tool.

The mechanism of injury is both rapid and devastating. When a coin battery is swallowed, it does not simply pass through the digestive system like other small objects might. Instead, it can become lodged in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Once trapped there, the battery creates an electrical circuit with the moist tissues of the body. This process, known as hydrolysis, generates a low-level electrical current that travels through the surrounding tissue. Within just two hours, this current can cause severe internal chemical burns, leading to tissue necrosis (death) and potentially perforating the esophagus or damaging nearby critical structures like the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart.

This is why health officials emphasize that coin battery ingestions are medical emergencies, not situations to wait out. The damage happens quickly and silently, often before obvious symptoms appear. Early signs might include drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or chest pain, but by the time these symptoms are noticed, significant internal injury may have already occurred. In severe cases, this can lead to life-threatening bleeding, infection, or long-term complications such as strictures (narrowing) of the esophagus that require extensive surgical repair. The absence of required warning labels on the recalled units exacerbates this risk, as consumers were not alerted to the specific danger of the accessible battery compartment.

The federal regulations violated in this recall exist precisely because Congress and safety experts recognize that traditional screw-tightened compartments are no longer sufficient for products designed with child accessibility in mind. The law mandates that consumer products containing button or coin batteries must have secure, tool-required battery compartments to prevent easy removal by children. Because the Nicrew remote failed to meet these mandatory safety standards and lacked the necessary instructional warnings, it created an unnecessary environment where a simple accident could turn into a tragedy. Understanding this physical process underscores why immediate action is required: you are not just returning a defective gadget; you are removing a potential source of rapid, irreversible harm from your home.

Who is most at risk

When we look at who is most vulnerable in this specific recall involving Nicrew Submersible RGB LED Lights, the primary concern centers squarely on young children, particularly those under the age of five. This demographic is not just a statistical category; it represents the group with the highest physiological and behavioral risk when it comes to coin batteries. The hazard here is unique because it involves a product designed for aquatic decoration—a fish tank or pond—rather than a traditional household item like a remote control or watch that might sit on a table. However, the danger does not end at the water’s edge. The recalled model N21743 includes a remote control with a CR2032 lithium coin battery that is easily accessible. For a toddler who is still exploring the world by putting objects in their mouths, this small, shiny, plastic-wrapped battery can be an irresistible target.

The vulnerability of young children stems from two main factors: dexterity and curiosity. Children in this age group are developing their fine motor skills but often lack the coordination to open battery compartments that require a screwdriver or significant force. If the remote’s battery compartment is not secured with a screw, as many consumer electronics are, a child can pry it open with their fingers. Once the battery is removed, its size and shape make it easy to swallow. Unlike larger batteries, a coin cell fits easily into a small mouth and can lodge in the esophagus. The risk is not merely choking; it is chemical. When a button cell battery becomes lodged in the throat, it creates an electrical circuit with bodily fluids. This reaction generates heat and produces hydroxide, a strong alkali that causes severe internal chemical burns to the esophageal tissue within just two hours. For a small child, whose esophagus is narrower and more delicate than an adult’s, this damage can be catastrophic, leading to perforation, strictures, or even death.

While children are the most immediate and critical group at risk, we must also consider the context of the product’s use. These lights are sold for aquariums, which are often kept in living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways—areas where families gather and children play. The presence of a remote control with an accessible battery compartment near these spaces increases the likelihood of exposure. Additionally, while less common than pediatric incidents, elderly individuals or those with cognitive impairments who may have difficulty understanding the danger of small batteries could also be at risk if they handle the device without proper supervision or knowledge. The lack of required warnings on the recalled units exacerbates this vulnerability, as users might not immediately recognize the severity of the hazard simply by looking at the remote. Therefore, anyone in the household who has access to the remote control, especially those who cannot reliably keep small objects away from their mouths or understand safety instructions, falls into a high-risk category. Immediate removal of the battery is not just a recommendation; it is a critical safety step for every person in the home, but it is absolutely essential for protecting young children.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you purchased submersible LED lighting for your aquarium or fish tank from Nicrew, particularly through Amazon, there is a specific set of physical characteristics you need to check to determine whether your device is part of this safety recall. Because these lights are designed to operate underwater and often look similar to other models on the market, relying solely on the general product name can be misleading. Instead, you must verify the exact model number and inspect the remote control unit that comes with the kit. The recall specifically targets the NICREW Submersible RGB LED Lights identified by the model number N21743. If your packaging or the device itself does not display this exact alphanumeric code, it is likely not part of this specific recall, though you should always double-check other identifiers to be absolutely certain.

The most critical component to examine is the remote control. According to the recall details, the affected units come with a black remote control that features exactly 21 buttons. This remote houses a CR2032 lithium coin battery, which is the source of the ingestion hazard. You should remove the battery cover and verify that it contains this specific type of coin cell battery. If your remote has fewer or more than 21 buttons, or if it uses a different battery type, it is not the recalled item. Additionally, check the light tube itself. The recalled products were sold in a 15-inch black tube. While color and size can vary across many aquarium lighting brands, the combination of the 15-inch length, the black casing, and the specific 21-button remote is unique to this recall batch.

You should also review your purchase history. These items were sold on Amazon by Nicrew. If you bought a similar item from a different retailer or under a different brand name, it is not covered by this specific CPSC action. To confirm your status, log into your Amazon account and look for the order details matching the model N21743. If you have the correct model number, the black 15-inch tube, and the 21-button remote with a CR2032 battery, you possess a recalled product. Do not wait for additional notifications, as Nicrew and Amazon are contacting known purchasers directly, but taking immediate action to identify your device is the safest first step.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you are one of the owners of the recalled Nicrew Submersible RGB LED Lights, you do not need to worry about being stuck with a defective or dangerous product. The company has established a straightforward and free remedy to ensure your safety and satisfaction. Specifically, Nicrew is offering a free replacement remote control to all eligible customers. This solution addresses the core issue: while the light itself may function correctly, the original remote contains a lithium coin battery that poses a serious ingestion risk to children. By replacing just the remote, Nicrew allows you to keep using your aquatic lighting setup without exposing your home to the hazard of an accessible button cell battery.

To obtain this free replacement, you must follow a specific verification process designed to confirm that you have secured the original hazardous item. You need to send an email directly to nicrew@support.com. In this email, you are required to provide two pieces of information: your Amazon order number and a clear photo showing that you have destroyed the battery in the original remote control. This step is crucial because it ensures that the dangerous component is no longer accessible to anyone in your household before they send out the new, safer unit. Please note that you should dispose of or recycle the old batteries by following local hazardous waste procedures to ensure they are handled safely.

You might wonder why the remedy focuses on replacing the remote rather than issuing a full refund for the entire light fixture. The recall notice indicates that Nicrew and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers directly, suggesting that the primary goal is to mitigate the specific battery hazard while allowing consumers to continue using their products where possible. However, if you prefer not to receive a replacement remote or wish to return the entire unit, the direct contact channels provided by Nicrew and Amazon will be your best resource for discussing individual circumstances. The company’s website also hosts detailed information at www.nicrew.com/n21743-recall/ or via the Product Recalls section at the bottom of www.nicrew.com.

We recommend acting promptly to complete this process. Once you have emailed your order details and the photo of the destroyed battery, Nicrew will guide you through the next steps for receiving your replacement. This approach not only resolves the safety violation regarding federal regulations for consumer products with coin batteries but also demonstrates a commitment to customer care. By following these instructions carefully, you ensure that your family remains safe from the risks associated with ingested button cell batteries while maintaining the functionality of your submersible lighting.

What can happen if you ignore it

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall highlights the dangers of coin batteries in remote controls, the underlying safety principle applies to a wide range of household items we often take for granted. Small, powerful batteries are found in everything from children’s toys and key fobs to digital scales and medical devices. Because these components are so ubiquitous, developing a habit of proactive inspection is one of the most effective ways to protect your family. The key is to treat every device with a battery compartment as a potential hazard until you have verified its security.

First, regularly inspect all electronics that use button cell or coin batteries. Look for screws that are stripped, missing, or loose. If a battery compartment relies solely on friction or a simple slide mechanism rather than secure fasteners, it is significantly more vulnerable to being opened by curious hands. For children’s toys, always check the manufacturer’s age grading. Items labeled with warnings like "Not for children under 3" often contain small parts or batteries that pose choking or ingestion risks. If you buy second-hand electronics, assume the battery compartment may have been compromised and replace any missing screws immediately.

When it comes to installation and placement, context matters just as much as the hardware itself. Never leave a device with an accessible battery compartment unattended while it is in use, especially if young children are nearby. Once you are done using a remote control or other handheld device, store it out of reach. If your home has multiple levels or rooms where children play, consider creating a "safe zone" policy where electronics are kept on high shelves or in locked cabinets when not actively in use. This physical barrier is often more reliable than relying on a child’s understanding of danger.

Additionally, stay informed by registering your products with manufacturers after purchase. Many companies will email you directly if a safety issue arises with a specific batch or model. You can also subscribe to alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via their website. This ensures you are among the first to know if a product you own is part of a larger recall, allowing you to act before an incident occurs.

Finally, proper disposal is a critical but often overlooked step in safety. When you replace batteries or dispose of old electronics, never throw loose button cells into the regular trash where they might end up in a recycling facility or landfill accessible to animals and children. Instead, tape over the terminals of used batteries with clear packing tape to prevent accidental short-circuiting, which can cause burns or fires. Follow your local hazardous waste guidelines for disposal. By treating these small power sources with respect and care, you reduce risks not just for ingestion, but also for fire and environmental contamination.