Good Earth Lighting Recalls More than 1.2 Million Rechargeable Integrated Lights to Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; One Death Reported

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a significant recall involving more than 1.2 million rechargeable integrated lights manufactured by Good Earth Lighting. This extensive safety action, initiated on June 6, 2024, targets specific models of portable lighting units that were marketed as convenient, battery-powered alternatives to traditional, permanently wired fixtures. These lights were designed for installation in areas where running electrical wires is difficult or impossible, such as inside closets, cupboards, along staircases, and other confined spaces with barriers to standard wiring.

The recalled products are rechargeable lights that measure approximately 12 inches in length. They were originally sold in packages containing either one or two units. The lighting units themselves come in a variety of aesthetic finishes to match home decor, including white, silver, almond, black, and rose gold. Depending on the specific package purchased, these lights may have been sold with additional accessories such as a remote control and/or a power adapter. It is important to note that the presence or absence of these accessories does not necessarily determine whether a unit is part of the recall; the definitive identifier is the model number.

The specific model numbers affected by this recall begin with RE1122, RE1145, RE1362, and RE1250. Consumers can find this critical information printed on a white sticker located on the back of the light fixture. The scope of this recall is substantial, covering over 1.2 million units sold in the United States. Additionally, approximately 37,800 of these lights were sold to consumers in Canada, indicating a widespread distribution network for these particular products.

These rechargeable lights were positioned as a practical solution for homeowners looking to add ambient lighting to hard-to-reach areas without the need for professional electrical installation. By utilizing internal lithium-ion batteries, they offered flexibility in placement. However, the very feature that made them convenient—the integrated rechargeable battery system—is now at the center of this safety recall. If you purchased any light fitting these model number descriptions during the time they were on the market, it is crucial to verify whether your specific unit is included in this large-scale recall effort.

The hazard, explained

At the core of this recall is a failure in the lithium-ion battery system that powers these rechargeable lights. Lithium-ion batteries are common in modern electronics because they offer high energy density in a small package, but they are also sensitive to thermal runaway—a condition where internal heat builds up faster than it can dissipate. In the Good Earth Lighting units affected by this recall, the battery appears to be overheating beyond its safe operating limits. When a lithium-ion cell fails in this way, it doesn't just stop working; it generates intense, localized heat that can rapidly exceed the melting point of surrounding materials.

The danger escalates because the light’s plastic housing is in direct contact with or very close to the battery compartment. Plastic is generally an insulator and not designed to withstand extreme temperatures. As the battery overheats, the heat transfers into the plastic casing, causing it to soften, warp, or even ignite. This creates a dual threat: first, the risk of fire as the plastic catches flame, and second, the immediate risk of severe burns if a consumer touches the hot housing while attempting to inspect or move the light.

This is not merely a theoretical risk. The CPSC has documented that this specific mechanism has led to fires in homes, with one report resulting in a fatality and another requiring medical treatment for smoke inhalation. Nine additional reports confirm that the lights have overheated enough to cause property damage. These incidents highlight why immediate action is necessary: once the battery enters thermal runaway, there is no safe way to "cool it down" or reset it. The chemical reaction becomes self-sustaining until the fuel source is exhausted.

Understanding this mechanism helps explain why these lights are particularly dangerous when left unattended or installed in enclosed spaces like closets or cupboards. While the lights are designed for areas where wiring is difficult, their placement in confined spaces can trap heat, potentially accelerating the overheating process. The combination of a failing battery, combustible plastic housing, and limited ventilation creates a perfect storm for fire. This is why Good Earth Lighting urges consumers to stop using the product immediately rather than attempting to repair or monitor it further.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk consists of homeowners and renters who have installed Good Earth Lighting’s rechargeable integrated lights in areas with limited access to traditional electrical wiring. These products were specifically marketed as alternatives for spaces such as closets, cupboards, staircases, and other confined areas where installing hardwired fixtures is difficult or impossible. Because these lights are designed to operate independently of a home’s main electrical grid, they rely entirely on their internal lithium-ion batteries. This creates a unique risk profile: anyone who has placed these units in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces is potentially exposed to the hazard, as heat from an overheating battery can become trapped and intensify quickly.

While the physical danger of fire and severe burns affects all users regardless of age, certain populations face heightened vulnerability due to their ability to detect or respond to such emergencies. Elderly individuals, who may have slower reflexes or reduced mobility, are at greater risk because they might not be able to evacuate a burning room as quickly during the initial stages of an electrical fire. Furthermore, if the battery ignites while the light is charging in a bedroom or hallway at night, the sudden flare-up can occur when residents are most vulnerable—while asleep or disoriented.

Families with young children also face significant risks. Children may be less aware of the early warning signs of battery failure, such as unusual heat emanating from the device or faint smells of burning plastic. If a child touches a unit that is beginning to overheat, they are more susceptible to severe burn injuries than an adult who might instinctively pull away. Additionally, if these lights are installed in closets or cupboards accessible to curious children, the combination of flammable household items (like clothing or paper) and an electrical fire source creates a compounding danger.

It is also important to note that the risk extends beyond immediate physical injury to include property loss. The recall involves over 1.2 million units, meaning the likelihood of encountering a defective battery in any given household is statistically higher than with specialized industrial equipment. Since approximately 37,800 of these lights were sold in Canada, residents there face the same level of exposure. The tragedy reported—one death and one case of smoke inhalation—underscores that this is not merely a minor inconvenience but a life-threatening hazard for anyone relying on these specific models for ambient or task lighting in their daily lives.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action, you need to be absolutely certain that the Good Earth Lighting rechargeable integrated light in your home is part of this specific recall. Because these lights are designed to blend seamlessly into a variety of interiors, they do not always look like standard "emergency" fixtures. They often resemble decorative accent lighting or modern architectural accents, which can make identification tricky if you don’t know exactly where to look. The most reliable way to confirm your safety is to check the model number printed on the device itself.

Locate the white sticker affixed to the back of the light fixture. This label contains the critical information required to determine if your unit is included in this recall. You are looking for model numbers that begin with one of the following prefixes: RE1122, RE1145, RE1362, or RE1250. If your model number starts with any other combination of letters and numbers, it is likely not part of this specific safety notice. It is important to be precise here; even a slight variation in the digits can mean your unit is from a different production batch that has been deemed safe by the manufacturer.

If you have cleared the model number check, you can also look for physical characteristics that match the description of the recalled products. These rechargeable lights are approximately 12 inches long and are typically sold in packages containing either one or two units. They come in a variety of finishes to match different decor styles, including white, silver, almond, black, and rose gold. The package may have included a charging cable, and depending on the specific variant you purchased, it might also have come with a remote control and/or a power adapter. However, please remember that color and accessories alone are not enough to confirm a recall; the model number on the white sticker is your definitive proof.

If you cannot find the white sticker or if the model number does not match the list above, there is still one final step you should take to be completely sure. You can visit the official recall page at https://goodearthlighting.com/productrecall or click the "Product Recall" link on the main Good Earth Lighting website. These resources provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of affected items. If you are still unsure after checking the sticker, do not hesitate to contact Good Earth Lighting directly at 800-291-8838 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT) or via email at productrecall@goodearthlighting.com. It is always better to verify twice than to risk overlooking a potential hazard in your home.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

Good Earth Lighting has established a straightforward remedy to address the safety concerns associated with this recall. The company is offering consumers a free replacement light unit as their primary solution. Importantly, this new unit will be of at least equal value to the purchase price of your original recalled product. This means you are not losing money out of pocket for the defective item; instead, you are receiving a functional, safe alternative that matches what you originally paid. The company covers all costs associated with this transaction, including shipping, so there should be no hidden fees or charges for returning the old unit or receiving the new one.

To initiate this process, you must contact Good Earth Lighting directly through one of their designated channels. You can reach them by phone at 800-291-8838 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to submit documentation, you can email productrecall@goodearthlighting.com. Alternatively, you may visit their dedicated recall page at https://goodearthlighting.com/productrecall or navigate to the main website at https://goodearthlighting.com and click on the "Product Recall" link for detailed instructions and support.

Before receiving your replacement, there are specific steps you must follow to ensure the process runs smoothly. First, you need to clearly mark your recalled light. Write the date and your initials next to the model number printed on the white sticker on the back of the unit. Additionally, write the word "Recalled" prominently on the front of the light. This marking helps Good Earth Lighting track the volume of returned units and confirms that the item is part of this specific safety campaign.

You will also be asked to upload photos of your recalled light to their online portal at https://goodearthlighting.com/productrecall. This step allows the company to verify the model number and condition of the returned item without requiring you to mail it in immediately, streamlining the replacement process. Once these steps are completed and your information is verified, Good Earth Lighting will arrange for the shipment of your free replacement light. It is crucial to act promptly, as the recall was announced on June 6, 2024, due to serious fire and burn hazards. By following these instructions carefully, you ensure your home remains safe while receiving a product that meets their quality standards.

If you encounter any difficulties during this process, such as issues with the website or unclear instructions over the phone, do not hesitate to reach out again. The support team is there to guide you through each step, from marking the unit to uploading photos and confirming your replacement details. Remember, the goal is to remove the hazard from your home entirely while providing you with a reliable, safe lighting solution at no cost.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a product that has become part of your daily routine. Good Earth Lighting’s rechargeable integrated lights are convenient, offering a flexible alternative to hardwired fixtures in closets, staircases, and cupboards. When something works well most of the time, it is natural to assume that the risk of failure is negligible. However, with this specific recall, ignoring the warning carries severe and immediate consequences because the hazard is not a slow degradation but a sudden, energetic failure. The core issue lies in the lithium-ion battery inside the unit. When these batteries malfunction, they do not simply stop working; they can enter a state of thermal runaway. This means the internal temperature spikes rapidly, causing the battery to overheat intensely and potentially ignite the surrounding plastic housing of the light.

The reality of this risk is not theoretical. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented tragic outcomes linked directly to this defect. There has been one confirmed death reported where a consumer was exposed to the fire caused by the overheating light. Additionally, another individual required medical treatment for smoke inhalation after a unit ignited in their home. These are not minor inconveniences; they are life-altering events. Beyond these severe reports, Good Earth Lighting is aware of nine additional incidents where the lights overheated, with six of those resulting in actual fires and significant property damage. This pattern indicates that while every user may not experience a catastrophic event, the probability of a fire starting is real and present.

If you continue to use the recalled light, you are essentially leaving an uncontrolled heat source inside your home. Because these lights are often installed in enclosed spaces like closets or behind barriers where they are out of sight, a small ignition can go unnoticed for critical minutes. Plastic housing melts and burns quickly, feeding the fire with fuel. The resulting blaze can spread to nearby clothing, stored items, or structural elements of your home. Even if you do not experience personal injury, the risk of losing property—your home, your belongings, and potentially your peace of mind—is substantial. The convenience of a battery-operated light is never worth the gamble of starting a house fire. Stopping use immediately removes this variable from your life, protecting your family and your home from a hazard that has already proven deadly for others.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls address immediate threats from defective items, maintaining a generally safe home environment requires proactive habits and an understanding of how modern technology interacts with our living spaces. One of the most effective ways to stay ahead of potential hazards is to subscribe to official recall notifications. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers free email alerts for specific product categories or general safety updates. By registering for these alerts, you ensure that you are among the first to know if a product you own becomes dangerous, allowing you to act before an incident occurs. This simple step transforms passive ownership into active safety management.

When it comes to rechargeable devices like the lights mentioned in this recall, understanding battery chemistry is key to prevention. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful but sensitive to extreme temperatures and physical damage. To keep your home safe, never charge these devices overnight or unattended for long periods, especially on flammable surfaces like beds, sofas, or curtains. Instead, charge them on hard, non-combustible floors away from exits. Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer, as third-party chargers may not regulate voltage correctly, leading to overheating. If you notice a device becoming unusually hot, emitting strange odors, or swelling, disconnect it immediately and place it in a safe, outdoor area away from your home until it can be disposed of properly.

Beyond electronics, ensuring your home is equipped with the right early warning systems is critical. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are essential for any home with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages, as they can detect invisible, odorless gas that causes smoke inhalation and death. Similarly, having working smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside each bedroom provides a crucial few extra seconds to escape in case of fire. Test these alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Remember that safety is not just about reacting to danger but creating layers of protection so that if one fails, others are in place to keep you secure.

Finally, practice regular visual inspections of your home’s electrical systems and appliances. Look for frayed cords, loose outlets, or discoloration around plugs, which can indicate overheating or faulty wiring. Keep combustible materials like paper, curtains, and furniture at least three feet away from space heaters and other heat-generating devices. By integrating these general safety habits into your routine, you build a resilient home environment that protects your family regardless of specific product failures.