Kichler Lighting Recalls Wall Sconces Due to Risk of Electric Shock

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a recall involving specific models of wall sconces manufactured by Kichler Lighting. These fixtures, officially identified as the Ellerbeck Wall Sconce, were designed with an aesthetic focus on articulating jointed arms that allow users to adjust the direction of the light. While these adjustable features add versatility to home decor, they also introduce complexity into the electrical wiring system that has led to this safety notice. The sconces are available in four distinct finishes: black, natural brass, polished nickel, and classic pewter. Each finish corresponds to a specific model number, which is critical for identifying whether your particular unit is part of this recall. The affected model numbers are 43115BK, 43115NBR, 43115PN, and 43115CLP.

To determine if you own a recalled item, it is important to understand the physical specifications and installation requirements of these fixtures. The articulated arms of the Ellerbeck Wall Sconce measure approximately 21.25 inches in length. A crucial detail for this recall is how the fixture is powered. These sconces were engineered to be mounted in two ways: either as a plug-in fixture without an electrical box, or hardwired directly to an electrical box with no cord. However, this recall applies exclusively to those units that were produced on or after June 16, 2023, and are installed as plug-in fixtures without an electrical box. The production date code can be found on a sticker located on the underside of the sconce wall plate, while the model number is printed on both the product packaging and a sticker on the inside of the wall plate.

The scope of this recall is defined by these specific manufacturing dates and installation methods. Kichler Lighting has not reported any incidents associated with this defect to date, but the potential for harm remains significant due to the nature of the wiring issue. Consumers who purchased these items may have acquired them through various retail channels between the production start date and the recall announcement on February 27, 2025. Because the hazard is linked specifically to the wear and tear at the adjustable joints of plug-in models, hardwired units or those produced before June 16, 2023, are not included in this specific safety action. It is essential for owners to physically inspect their fixtures, check the date codes, and verify the installation method to confirm whether their Ellerbeck Wall Sconce falls within the boundaries of this recall.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a specific vulnerability within the moving parts of the Kichler Ellerbeck Wall Sconce. These fixtures are designed with articulating jointed arms, allowing you to adjust the angle and direction of the light to suit your reading or mood lighting needs. While this flexibility is convenient, it introduces mechanical stress that static fixtures do not face. The CPSC has identified that the electrical wires running through these adjustable joints can become damaged over time. When a wire is bent, twisted, or compressed repeatedly at a hinge point, the internal copper conductors and their protective insulation can fatigue. Eventually, this wear and tear can cause the insulation to crack or break entirely.

Once that protective layer fails, the bare electrical wire is exposed. This creates a direct path for electricity to escape its intended circuit. If you touch the metal housing of the sconce, or even just stand in contact with a grounded surface like a tile floor while touching the fixture, your body can become part of that electrical path. This results in an electric shock. The severity of this shock depends on several factors, including the voltage of your home’s electrical system and the resistance of your skin. While minor shocks might feel like a sharp sting or a sudden jolt, more significant exposures can cause muscle contractions, falls, burns, or in rare cases, more serious cardiac complications.

It is important to understand why this hazard is particularly tied to the installation method in this recall. The affected units were those installed as plug-in fixtures without an electrical box. In a standard hardwired installation, wires are typically secured and protected within a junction box mounted to the wall structure. However, when a fixture is plugged into a wall outlet, the power cord must run freely from the outlet up to the sconce. This means the cord often has to bend around corners or pass through tight spaces near the adjustable joints of the arm. This constant flexing accelerates the wear on the wire insulation at those critical pivot points.

The good news is that this type of failure does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process caused by repeated use and mechanical stress over months or years. However, because the risk involves live electricity, it cannot be ignored once identified. There have been no reported incidents of injury from these specific sconces to date, which suggests that while the potential for harm exists, many consumers may not have yet reached the point where the insulation has fully failed. Still, the possibility remains real enough for Kichler and the CPSC to issue this mandatory recall. By understanding that the danger lies in the exposed wire at the moving joint, you can appreciate why stopping use immediately is the safest course of action.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk in this recall consists of homeowners and renters who have installed Kichler Ellerbeck Wall Sconces (models 43115BK, 43115NBR, 43115PN, and 43115CLP) as plug-in fixtures without connecting them to a hardwired electrical box. While the physical design of these sconces allows for flexible installation methods, the specific danger arises only when they are used with a standard wall outlet. If you have hardwired your fixture directly into your home’s electrical system, you are not part of this specific recall scenario and do not face this particular hazard. However, for those who value the convenience of plug-in lighting—perhaps to avoid the cost and complexity of hiring an electrician or because they cannot modify their walls—the risk is real and immediate.

The vulnerability is not limited by age, but rather by interaction patterns with the product. These wall sconces feature articulating jointed arms that extend approximately 21.25 inches from the wall. This adjustability is a key design feature for directing light where it is needed, but it is also the point of failure. The electrical wires inside these moving joints can become damaged over time as the arm is extended, retracted, or angled. Consequently, anyone who frequently adjusts their sconce to change the lighting direction is at higher risk than someone who leaves the fixture in a static position. In households with children, this risk is compounded because children may be curious and tug on the arms of the lamp, potentially accelerating wear on the internal wiring or exposing live components more quickly than normal adult use would.

Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility who rely on these lights for navigation in hallways or bedrooms may also face heightened danger. If the internal wiring fails due to fatigue at the joints, it could lead to an electric shock upon touching the fixture, especially if the outer finish (black, natural brass, polished nickel, or classic pewter) is compromised or if moisture is present in the environment. While no incidents have been reported to date, the potential for serious injury from electric shock cannot be ignored. The lack of reported incidents does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means that, so far, the damage has not progressed to a point of causing harm. However, as the wiring degrades, the likelihood of a fault increases. Therefore, anyone who purchased these lights on or after June 16, 2023, and plugged them into a wall outlet should consider themselves part of the at-risk group until they have verified their product status and taken action. The risk is not about who you are, but about how you installed and use the light. If it plugs in, it is unsafe until proven otherwise by Kichler’s inspection process.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Determining whether your wall sconce is part of this specific safety notice requires a careful look at both the physical product and its original packaging. The recall targets a particular line of Ellerbeck Wall Sconces manufactured by Kichler Lighting. These fixtures are distinct because they feature articulating jointed arms that allow you to adjust the direction of the light. The arms on these recalled models measure approximately 21.25 inches in length. If your sconce has rigid, non-adjustable arms or a significantly different arm length, it is likely not part of this specific recall.

The most reliable way to identify your product is by checking the model number and production date code. Kichler printed these details in two primary locations on the recalled items: on the original product packaging and on a small sticker located on the inside of the wall plate (the base that attaches to your wall). You will also find a production date code on a sticker on the underside of that same sconce wall plate. It is crucial to distinguish between the model number and the production date, as both are necessary criteria for inclusion in this recall.

You should look for one of the following four specific model numbers: 43115BK, 43115NBR, 43115PN, or 43115CLP. These numbers correspond to the available finishes for this product line. The "BK" suffix indicates a black finish, "NBR" stands for natural brass, "PN" represents polished nickel, and "CLP" denotes a classic pewter finish. If your fixture has a different model number or a finish not listed here, it is not included in this specific safety action.

However, having the correct model number and finish is only half of the equation. The scope of this recall is strictly limited by installation method and production date. This recall includes ONLY those wall sconces that were produced on or after June 16, 2023, AND are installed as a plug-in fixture without an electrical box. If your sconce was hardwired directly into an electrical box in your wall, it is not part of this recall. Similarly, if the production date code indicates the unit was made before June 16, 2023, it is safe from this specific hazard. The electrical wires can become damaged at the adjustable joints specifically when these units are used as plug-in fixtures without a proper electrical box connection. Therefore, you must confirm both the manufacturing date and your installation method to be certain.

If you are unsure about your installation or cannot find the stickers, do not guess. Visit www.kichler.com/legal/safety-information/recall-information-43115 to verify your product details using the information you have found on your unit. This step ensures you are making an informed decision about the safety of your lighting fixture.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have confirmed that your Kichler Ellerbeck Wall Sconce is part of this recall, you do not need to worry about the cost of resolving the issue. The manufacturer has established a clear and fully funded remedy designed to ensure your safety without placing any financial burden on you. Specifically, Kichler Lighting is offering a free replacement wall sconce to all consumers whose units are subject to this recall. This means that rather than attempting to fix the damaged electrical wires yourself—which would be dangerous and ineffective—you will receive a new, safe unit at no charge. The company has structured this process to be straightforward, ensuring that you can easily transition from a potentially hazardous product to a reliable one.

To initiate this remedy, you must first verify that your specific model is included in the recall scope. Once you have confirmed your model number and production date align with the affected units (produced on or after June 16, 2023), you need to contact Kichler directly. The primary method for doing so is through their official "Contact Us" webform located at www.kichler.com/customer-care/contact-us. When navigating this form, it is important to select "Product Question" from the drop-down menu. This specific selection ensures your inquiry is routed correctly to the team handling safety recalls. Alternatively, you may call their toll-free number at 866-558-5706 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. You can also find direct links to this information by visiting www.kichler.com/legal/safety-information/recall-information-43115 or by clicking on "Safety Recall Information" at the bottom of the main Kichler website.

Once you have submitted your request via the webform or spoken with a representative, Kichler will provide you with detailed instructions on how to properly dispose of the recalled sconce. It is crucial that you follow these disposal guidelines carefully. The recall process requires two specific actions from you: first, you must destroy the recalled product to ensure it cannot be resold or accidentally used by someone else; second, you must provide a photograph confirming this destruction. This step might feel unusual, but it is a standard safety protocol in many consumer product recalls. It allows the manufacturer to verify that the hazardous item has been removed from circulation, protecting not just your household but also the broader community from potential electric shock risks.

After Kichler receives and verifies your photograph of the destroyed unit, they will ship your free replacement wall sconce to you. This replacement is intended to match the function and aesthetic of your original purchase, allowing you to restore your lighting setup safely. There are no hidden fees for shipping the new unit or for the disposal instructions provided. By following these steps precisely—contacting them, destroying the old unit, sending the photo, and receiving the new one—you ensure that the recall process is completed efficiently and that your home remains safe from the risk of electric shock associated with the damaged adjustable joints in the original product.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a beautiful piece of lighting that you have already installed and grown accustomed to. The Ellerbeck Wall Sconce is designed to be an elegant accent in your home, and unplugging it or removing it feels like an inconvenience. However, ignoring this recall is not merely a matter of aesthetic preference; it is a decision that leaves your household exposed to a hidden and serious electrical danger. Because the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a specific risk of electric shock, continuing to use these fixtures without addressing the issue transforms a decorative item into a potential hazard.

The core of the danger lies in the design of the adjustable joints. These wall sconces feature articulating arms that allow you to direct light exactly where you want it. Over time, and with regular movement, the electrical wires running through these moving parts can become damaged or frayed. When this damage occurs, the protective insulation around the wire is compromised. If you continue to plug in and use the sconce, exposed live wires may come into contact with the metal housing or any conductive surface nearby. This creates a path for electricity to flow where it should not, significantly increasing the risk of electric shock to anyone who touches the fixture, particularly if their hands are wet or if they are grounding themselves against another object.

While there have been no reported incidents of injury or fire associated with this specific recall as of the announcement date, the absence of reported cases does not mean the risk is low. Electric shock hazards are often latent; they may go unnoticed until a critical failure occurs during normal use. The danger is most acute for those who frequently adjust the arm position, as movement exacerbates wire wear. Furthermore, because these specific models were installed as plug-in fixtures without an electrical box, the entire unit relies on its own internal integrity to keep electricity contained. If that integrity fails due to wire damage at the joints, there is no secondary safety barrier to protect you.

Beyond the immediate risk of shock, ignoring the recall means you are keeping a defective product in your home indefinitely. The damage to the wires is likely progressive, meaning the longer you use the sconce, the more severe the insulation breakdown becomes. This not only raises the likelihood of an electrical fault but also increases the potential for short circuits that could damage other devices on the same circuit or, in rare cases, contribute to fire hazards. By acting now, you eliminate this uncertainty entirely. The remedy provided by Kichler is straightforward: you will receive a free replacement after confirming the destruction of the unsafe unit. There is no financial cost to you for fixing this problem, so the only real "cost" of ignoring it is the continued exposure to an unmitigated electrical risk in your own home.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a defect in the articulating joints of Kichler wall sconces, it serves as a valuable reminder that adjustable lighting fixtures require ongoing attention. The core issue here—the risk of wires fricking or breaking at points of movement—is not unique to one brand but is a fundamental engineering challenge for any plug-in fixture with moving parts. When you install a sconce that allows its arm to swing or rotate, you are creating a dynamic system where metal bends and flexes repeatedly. Over time, even high-quality materials can suffer from metal fatigue. To prevent similar issues in your home, always ensure that the cord entering the base of any adjustable fixture is not pinched, twisted, or stretched too tightly during installation. Give the wire enough slack so it doesn’t bear tension when the arm is moved to its furthest position.

Regular inspection is your best defense against electrical hazards in decorative lighting. Once a year, unplug your plug-in sconces and gently move the arms through their full range of motion while visually checking the cord for any signs of wear. Look closely at the points where the wire enters the fixture body and where it connects to the plug. If you see exposed copper, cracking insulation, or a change in the texture of the plastic casing, stop using the unit immediately. Do not attempt to tape over damage or push the wire back inside; these are signs that the internal conductors may have already been compromised. Treat every adjustable light like a piece of active machinery that needs periodic maintenance.

It is also crucial to respect the distinction between plug-in fixtures and hardwired ones. Plug-in sconces are designed for flexibility, but they rely entirely on the integrity of their power cord and plug. Never use an extension cord or power strip that is not rated for the wattage of your light, and avoid running cords under rugs or furniture where they can be stepped on or crushed. If you find yourself frequently needing to move a plug-in fixture, consider whether a hardwired installation by a licensed electrician would be safer in the long run, as it eliminates the risk of cord damage entirely. Always consult a professional if you are unsure about the electrical requirements of your home.

Finally, stay proactive about product safety beyond just lighting. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and major retailers to receive timely updates on recalls affecting your household items. Many dangerous products sit in closets or attics long after they are sold because owners never hear about the defect. By keeping your contact information current with manufacturers and checking your appliances annually, you protect not just your home but the safety of everyone who enters it. Awareness is the first line of defense against preventable accidents.