What was recalled
In the spirit of holiday cheer, many households rely on artificial Christmas trees to bring warmth and tradition into their homes without the mess of real needles or the hassle of watering. However, a specific line of these festive decorations has been pulled from store shelves and off home networks due to significant safety concerns. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall involving artificial Christmas trees manufactured by Willis Electric under its "Home Accents Holiday" brand. These are not generic items; they are distinctively branded products that were sold exclusively at Home Depot, meaning if you purchased your tree from a different retailer like Walmart or Target during the same season, you likely do not have the recalled item.
The core of this recall focuses on specific models of 7.5-foot and 9-foot artificial pine Christmas trees from the 2019 Home Accents Holiday collection. The issue is tied directly to the included mode-switching foot-pedal controller, a convenient feature designed to allow users to change lighting modes without bending down or reaching for switches. While this ergonomic addition was intended to make decorating easier, it has been identified as the source of the hazard. Consumers who purchased these trees during the 2019 holiday season need to inspect their equipment closely, as the problem lies within this specific electronic component rather than the tree's foliage or frame.
To determine if your tree is part of this recall, you must look at the product label attached to the tree’s cord. The affected units are identified by five specific model numbers: W14N0126, W14N0127, W14N0148, W14N0149, and W14N0157. It is important to note that having one of these model numbers alone may not be enough for confirmation, as the recall also specifies corresponding SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) numbers. You should check your label against the following list to ensure a precise match:
- Model W14N0127 with SKUs 1004391988 or 1004147107
- Model W14N0157 with SKUs 1004363928 or 1004213736
- Model W14N0126 with SKU 1004363929 or 1004213737
- Model W14N0149 with SKU 1004213744
- Model W14N0148 with SKU 1004213742
Willis Electric initiated this recall on July 23, 2020, after receiving numerous reports of the foot-pedal controller overheating. While the provided records do not specify the exact total number of units sold or recalled in terms of a final count, the company has documented 509 incident reports related to this component. This substantial volume of complaints underscores that this is not an isolated manufacturing glitch but a widespread issue affecting many households. If you own one of these specific trees and have never used the foot pedal, the risk remains latent but present; if you have used it and noticed any warmth or unusual behavior, immediate action is required.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a specific component that many of us rely on for convenience: the foot-pedal controller. If you purchased one of the affected 2019 Home Accent Holiday artificial Christmas trees from Home Depot, your tree likely came with this small, plug-in device. Its purpose is straightforward and designed to make holiday decorating easier. Instead of bending down to reach a switch on the tree trunk or pulling a cord, you can simply tap a pedal on the floor to turn the lights on and off, or switch between different lighting modes. It seems like a minor convenience, but in this case, that convenience has introduced a serious safety risk due to how the internal electronics manage heat.
The core issue lies in the electrical circuitry within the foot-pedal controller itself. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these specific units can overheat during normal operation. In electrical devices, some amount of warmth is expected; resistors and transformers naturally generate heat when converting power. However, "overheating" implies that the temperature rises beyond safe design limits. This can happen due to manufacturing defects, poor component quality, or inadequate ventilation within the pedal’s casing. When an electrical device overheats, it is essentially trying to dissipate energy faster than it can. If the heat cannot escape quickly enough, the plastic housing, internal wires, and connectors begin to soften and degrade.
This physical degradation leads directly to the harm reported in this incident. The CPSC notes that Willis Electric has received 509 reports of these controllers overheating. While most of these reports likely involve the device becoming uncomfortably hot to the touch or emitting a burning smell, the risk escalates when the heat is intense enough to cause thermal injuries. In one confirmed report, an individual suffered a burn injury. This typically occurs through direct contact. Because the controller plugs into a standard wall outlet and sits on the floor near the base of the tree, it is in close proximity to bare feet, especially if you are sitting on the floor or standing nearby while adjusting the tree. If the surface of the pedal becomes hot enough to cause a burn upon touch, it has reached temperatures that can damage skin tissue in seconds.
It is important to understand that this is not necessarily a fire hazard in the early stages, but it is a precursor to one. Electrical fires often begin with overheating components igniting nearby combustible materials, such as the dry pine needles of an artificial tree or carpet fibers. By addressing the overheating now, you are preventing both personal injury and potential property damage. The mechanism is clear: faulty electronics generate excess heat, which transfers to the outer shell of the pedal, creating a burn risk for anyone who touches it while it is plugged in and active.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about the recall of Willis Electric’s Home Accents Holiday artificial Christmas trees, it is important to understand that this hazard is not limited to a specific demographic in terms of ownership. The primary group at risk consists of anyone who purchased one of the affected 7.5 ft. or 9 ft. artificial pine Christmas trees from Home Depot during the 2019 holiday season. These products were sold exclusively through Home Depot stores and their associated online channels, meaning that if you brought home a tree with the specific model numbers W14N0126, W14N0127, W14N0148, W14N0149, or W14N0157, you are part of the affected population. The risk is inherent to the product’s design rather than the user’s behavior, so any owner of these specific units faces the same potential danger.
However, the nature of the hazard—a foot-pedal controller that can overheat—creates a secondary layer of vulnerability for specific individuals within that broader group. Because the defect involves thermal energy buildup, the people most at risk of serious injury are those whose feet or lower legs are in direct and prolonged contact with the device while it is in use. This includes young children who might sit on the floor near the tree base to open gifts or play with toys placed under the branches. Children have thinner skin and less developed pain response mechanisms than adults, meaning they may not immediately recognize that a surface has become dangerously hot until significant tissue damage has occurred.
Elderly individuals and those with reduced sensation in their feet due to conditions like neuropathy are also at heightened risk. For these users, the body’s natural warning system—pain—is often delayed or diminished. An adult with normal sensation might jump away the moment a surface feels uncomfortably warm, but someone with reduced nerve sensitivity might remain seated on or near the controller long after it has reached temperatures capable of causing second-degree burns. The recall data confirms this danger, noting one report of a burn incident among 509 overheating reports, which suggests that while severe injury is not guaranteed in every case, the potential for physical harm is real and present.
Additionally, anyone who uses the foot-pedal controller to frequently switch modes—turning lights on and off or changing patterns—during extended periods of sitting near the tree is at greater risk. The mechanism generates heat through electrical resistance during operation. If you are someone who sits comfortably by the tree for hours, perhaps reading or watching movies with your feet resting near or on the pedal, you are exposing yourself to continuous thermal output. The combination of prolonged contact and repeated electrical cycling makes this group particularly vulnerable to the burn hazard that prompted the CPSC intervention.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you purchased an artificial Christmas tree from Home Depot during the holiday season leading up to 2019, it is important to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall. The product in question is the Willis Electric Home Accents Holiday Artificial Christmas Tree. These trees were sold exclusively at Home Depot stores and are available in two primary heights: 7.5 feet and 9 feet. To determine if your tree is affected, you need to look closely at the product label attached to the power cord of the tree.
The most reliable way to identify a recalled unit is by checking the model numbers and SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) numbers printed on that label. Willis Electric has issued this recall for specific mode-switching foot-pedal controllers included with these trees. If your tree came with a foot pedal that allows you to switch between different lighting modes, it likely contains the component that poses a burn hazard. Please note that the presence of the foot pedal alone is not enough; you must confirm the model or SKU number matches one of the following lists exactly.
Check your label against these specific Model Numbers: W14N0126, W14N0127, W14N0148, W14N0149, and W14N0157. If you do not see one of these model numbers, your tree is likely not part of this specific recall. However, if you are unsure or cannot locate the model number, check the SKU numbers instead. The following SKUs are also subject to this recall:
- For Model W14N0127: SKUs 1004391988 and 1004147107
- For Model W14N0157: SKUs 1004363928 and 1004213736
- For Model W14N0126: SKU 1004363929 and 1004213737
- For Model W14N0149: SKU 1004213744
- For Model W14N0148: SKU 1004213742
It is crucial to be precise when checking these numbers. Even a single digit difference means your tree is not part of this recall. If you find that your model or SKU number matches one of the lists above, please stop using the foot-pedal controller immediately. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. Instead, contact Willis Electric for instructions on how to receive a free replacement foot pedal controller. You can reach them toll-free at 866-210-5958 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, or visit www.williscorporation.com and click on the recall tab for further assistance.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Willis Electric Home Accents Holiday artificial Christmas trees, the most important thing you can do right now is prioritize safety over convenience. The CPSC has identified a clear and present danger: the foot-pedal controller included with these specific models can overheat. This is not a minor glitch; it is a fire and burn hazard that requires immediate action. Please follow these steps carefully to ensure your home and family remain safe.
- Stop using the foot-pedal controller immediately. Do not plug it in again. Do not attempt to use it for any reason, even if it appears to be working normally. The risk of overheating is inherent to the defect, so continued use increases the likelihood of a burn incident or potential fire hazard. Treat this component as unsafe until it has been officially replaced.
- Dispose of the old controller responsibly. Once you have unplugged and removed the foot-pedal controller from your Christmas tree, do not give it to anyone else or try to sell it. The safest course of action is to dispose of it in a way that prevents further use by others. You might place it in a sealed bag before discarding it in your outdoor trash bin to ensure no one else accidentally retrieves and uses it.
- Contact Willis Electric for a free replacement. You are entitled to receive a new, safe foot-pedal controller at no cost. To initiate this process, call the Willis Electric toll-free number at 866-210-5958. Their customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.williscorporation.com and click on the recall tab for more detailed instructions online. Be prepared to provide your model number (such as W14N0126, W14N0127, W14N0148, W14N0149, or W14N0157) and the corresponding SKU number from the product label on the tree’s cord to verify your eligibility.
- Wait for instructions and installation guidance. Once you have contacted Willis Electric, follow their specific directions for receiving the replacement unit. They will likely ship the new controller directly to you. When it arrives, carefully read any included instructions for safe installation. Ensure the new controller is securely connected to your tree before using it again during the holiday season.
Remember, this remedy is offered specifically because the company acknowledges the risk associated with the original foot-pedal controllers. By taking these steps, you are not only protecting your own home but also helping to prevent potential injuries to others who might otherwise encounter a defective unit. If you have any questions about the process or need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to Willis Electric directly using the contact information provided above.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified your tree as part of this recall, the most important thing to know right away is that Willis Electric has committed to a straightforward and cost-free remedy for everyone involved. You do not need to worry about shipping costs, restocking fees, or any other hidden charges associated with getting your safety issue resolved. The company’s official stance is clear: they will provide you with a free replacement foot-pedal controller. This is a repair-focused solution designed to restore the functionality of your Christmas tree while eliminating the dangerous overheating risk that prompted this recall in the first place.
To get this replacement, you need to take a few simple steps. First, as part of the safety instructions, you must immediately stop using the recalled foot-pedal controller. It is not safe to plug it in or attempt to use it while waiting for your new part. Once you have unplugged the device, the next step is to dispose of the old controller properly. You should throw it away so that it cannot be accidentally used by anyone else in your household or by someone who might receive the tree as a gift later. Do not try to repair the old unit yourself, as this could still pose a burn hazard.
After you have safely disposed of the faulty controller, you will need to contact Willis Electric directly to request your free replacement. You have two convenient ways to do this. The primary method is by phone. You can call their dedicated toll-free number at 866-210-5958. It is helpful to know their hours of operation so you can reach a representative when they are available: they are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Having your model number and SKU number ready before you call will help speed up the process, as customer service agents will need these details to verify that your specific tree is covered by this recall.
If you prefer to handle things online or if you are unable to call during business hours, Willis Electric also offers an online channel for more information. You can visit their website at www.williscorporation.com and look for the recall tab. This section of their site likely contains additional details about the replacement process, shipping logistics, and possibly a form to submit your request digitally. While the phone line is the direct line for getting your replacement part shipped to you, the website serves as a valuable resource for understanding the broader context of the recall and ensuring you have all the necessary information before you proceed.
It is worth noting that this remedy is specific to the foot-pedal controller. The recall does not require you to return the entire Christmas tree, nor does it offer a full refund of the purchase price of the tree itself. The focus is entirely on replacing the defective component that causes the burn hazard. This is a common and practical approach in product recalls because the rest of the tree (the branches, lights, and stand) are generally safe and functional. By simply swapping out the problematic controller, you can continue to enjoy your holiday decoration without having to start over with a new purchase.
Please keep in mind that this process is initiated by the manufacturer, Willis Electric, under the supervision of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall was announced on July 23, 2020, due to reports of overheating. While the timeline has passed, the remedy remains available for those who have not yet acted. If you are unsure about any part of this process, do not hesitate to use the contact information provided. It is always better to be cautious and confirm your options with the manufacturer directly than to risk using a potentially hazardous device.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a foot-pedal controller attached to a Christmas tree and see nothing more than a convenient convenience item. After all, the plastic casing looks sturdy, and the pedal has likely worked perfectly fine for weeks or even months while you were enjoying your holiday decorations. However, ignoring this recall carries specific, tangible risks that go beyond simply wasting time on a customer service call. The core danger here is thermal: the internal components of the Willis Electric foot-pedal controller are prone to overheating during normal operation. When electronic components overheat, they do not just feel warm; they can reach temperatures high enough to cause serious physical harm in a matter of seconds.
The most immediate consequence of continuing to use this recalled controller is the risk of burn injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Willis Electric has already received 509 reports of incidents involving the overheating of these specific foot-pedal controllers. While the majority of these reports describe nuisance issues or near-misses, one report confirmed an actual burn injury. This is not a hypothetical scenario; it is a documented reality for at least one consumer. If you continue to press that pedal, you are essentially gambling with your safety, relying on luck rather than engineering reliability. The heat generated by the faulty controller can transfer directly to the plastic housing or the surrounding area where your foot rests, potentially causing painful thermal burns to your skin.
Beyond personal injury, there is a secondary risk of property damage and fire. Electronic devices that overheat are not just dangerous to touch; they are potential ignition sources. If the internal wiring or contacts inside the pedal fail due to excessive heat, they can spark or melt nearby materials. In the context of a Christmas tree, this is particularly concerning because artificial pine trees are often made from plastics and foams that are flammable. While no fire incidents have been reported in this specific recall yet, the mechanism for such an event is present. The overheating component acts as a heat source in close proximity to combustible materials, creating a scenario where a small electrical fault could escalate into a home fire.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall means you are forfeiting your right to a free remedy. Willis Electric has acknowledged the defect and has provided a replacement foot-pedal controller at no cost. By choosing not to act, you are not just risking injury; you are voluntarily paying for a defective product that should have been fixed for free. The longer you delay, the more likely it is that the component will fail catastrophically rather than simply overheat, potentially ruining your entire tree setup and leaving you with a broken product and no recourse to repair it through the official channel.
In short, the consequences of inaction range from minor inconvenience to severe physical injury. The 509 reports serve as a stark warning that this is not an isolated glitch but a widespread manufacturing defect. Do not wait for the first spark or the first hot spot to take action. The risk is real, the remedy is free, and the potential cost of ignoring it is far too high.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a defect in the foot-pedal controllers for Willis Electric trees, the underlying issue of electrical overheating is a concern that extends far beyond holiday decorations. Artificial Christmas trees, particularly those with integrated lighting systems, are essentially complex electronic devices housed in flammable materials. When these components fail or age, they can generate significant heat, turning a festive centerpiece into a serious fire risk. To keep your home safe during the holiday season and year-round, it is helpful to adopt a proactive approach to electrical safety that goes beyond simply checking for recall notices.
First, always prioritize the condition of your wiring over its age or appearance. Even if a light string looks pristine, the internal wires can become brittle and fray over time, leading to short circuits that generate heat. Before plting in any decorative lights, take a moment to inspect them closely for cracked insulation, exposed copper, or loose connections. If you notice any damage, do not attempt to tape it up; replace the set entirely. Furthermore, avoid running light strings under rugs, carpets, or heavy furniture. The inability of heat to dissipate in these confined spaces can cause temperatures to rise rapidly, igniting nearby materials even if the electrical fault itself is minor.
Another critical aspect of holiday safety is managing power loads correctly. Many homeowners plug multiple extension cords and light strands into a single outlet, which can overload the circuit. Overloaded circuits are a leading cause of residential fires because the excess current generates heat in the wiring that the outlet’s insulation cannot safely manage. Use only UL-listed extension cords rated for outdoor or heavy-duty use if you must connect multiple items, and ensure that no more than three standard light strands are connected together, unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise. Always plug lights directly into wall outlets whenever possible to minimize the number of connection points where resistance and heat can build up.
Finally, consider installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area, and test them monthly. While detectors cannot prevent a fire from starting, they provide the crucial early warning needed to escape safely. For households with elderly family members or those who may be less mobile, consider adding heat detectors in common areas where decorations are displayed. These devices respond specifically to temperature spikes rather than smoke particles, potentially alerting you to an electrical issue before flames become visible. By combining vigilance with proper electrical habits, you create a layered defense that protects your home from both specific product defects and general holiday hazards.