Sterno Home Recalls Path Light Kits With LED Power Supplies Due to Shock Hazard

What was recalled

If you have outdoor lighting installed in your garden, pathway, or yard, it is important to check whether any of your fixtures are part of a specific safety recall issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). On May 14, 2020, Sterno Home initiated a recall affecting certain path light kits that were sold under three distinct consumer-facing brands: Hampton Bay, Patriot Lighting, and Paradise. While these names may appear on the packaging or the product itself as separate entities, they are all part of this single recall action because they share a critical internal component manufactured by Sterno Home.

The specific items included in this recall are path light kits that were sold with Sterno Home LED power supplies. It is crucial to note that the hazard does not lie in the light fixtures themselves, but rather in the electrical adapter that powers them. These particular power supplies alter the voltage going through the light circuit, and it is this specific electrical modification combined with a physical defect in the plug design that defines the scope of the recall. If your outdoor lighting was purchased as part of a kit from any of these three brands and relies on a Sterno Home LED power supply to function, it falls within the group of products being addressed.

To determine if you own one of the recalled units, look closely at the rating label printed on the light fixtures. The labels will clearly display "Hampton Bay," "Patriot Lighting," or "Paradise." If you see any of these brand names on the hardware and you know or suspect the power supply was provided by Sterno Home, you should treat the item as part of this recall. The company identified a defect in the plug blade of the LED power supply, which is designed to fit into standard AC outlets. This defect allows the plug blade to remain lodged inside the wall outlet even after the rest of the power supply unit has been pulled out. While the exact number of units sold globally is not specified in the immediate recall summary, the scope is significant enough to warrant a direct consumer notification and a free remedy for all affected owners.

Sterno Home has acknowledged the issue and established a clear path for resolution. The company is offering consumers who own these specific recalled kits a free replacement LED power supply along with detailed installation instructions. This remedy is designed to eliminate the shock hazard entirely by providing a new, safe power unit that does not exhibit the defective plugging mechanism. Consumers are encouraged to verify their ownership of these specific branded kits and to contact Sterno Home directly to initiate the replacement process.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look closely at the specific mechanical failure involved. The recalled items are path light kits sold under the Hampton Bay, Patriot Lighting, and Paradise brands, all of which utilize a Sterno Home LED power supply. These power supplies are designed to alter the voltage going through the light circuit, allowing standard household electricity to safely power low-voltage landscape lighting. Normally, when you pull the plug from a wall outlet, both blades of the plug should withdraw cleanly and simultaneously. However, in this defective batch, the design or manufacturing of the plug blade allows one blade to remain lodged inside the AC outlet even after the rest of the plug has been removed.

This seemingly small mechanical flaw creates a significant and immediate danger. When one prong stays behind in the socket while the other is pulled away, that exposed prong remains electrically live. Because the prong is no longer covered by the plastic housing of the plug head, it becomes an exposed conductor. If a person reaches into the outlet to retrieve the stuck prong, or if a pet brushes against it, there is a direct path for electricity to flow through their body to the ground. This is what constitutes an electric shock hazard. The risk is particularly acute because path lights are often installed in gardens, yards, or entryways where users might be barefoot, damp, or distracted by the task of gardening or home maintenance.

Electric shocks can range from a mild, surprising tingle to severe injuries that require medical attention, depending on the voltage and the duration of contact. While the CPSC report notes only one incident where the plug blade detached in an outlet, the potential for harm is real and unpredictable. The defect essentially turns a standard wall socket into an unshielded electrical trap. Even if you do not touch the prong directly, the exposed metal can arc or create a spark if it contacts another conductive object, potentially causing burns or igniting nearby flammable materials like dry leaves or mulch. This is why the manufacturer has urged consumers to stop using these products immediately rather than attempting to fix them at home.

It is important to note that this hazard is not about the lights failing to work; it is about the physical integrity of the connection point. The defective power supplies alter the voltage correctly, but they fail in their basic function as a safe disconnect mechanism. By leaving a live prong exposed, the product violates the fundamental safety expectation that any part of a plug inserted into an outlet should be fully withdrawn upon removal. This recall highlights how critical even small manufacturing tolerances are in electrical safety, as a slight deviation in the shape or strength of the plug blade can lead to dangerous exposure.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about electrical hazards in the home, it is easy to assume that any adult with common sense can avoid danger by simply being careful. However, the specific nature of this Sterno Home LED power supply defect creates a scenario where even cautious users can find themselves in peril. The core issue is not just that electricity is present, but that the mechanism of failure—specifically, the plug blade detaching and remaining lodged inside the AC outlet—is unpredictable and often invisible until it is too late. This means that the risk extends beyond anyone who actively inspects their cords every time they unplug a device. It affects anyone who lives in or visits a home where these Hampton Bay, Patriot Lighting, or Paradise path light kits are installed.

Certain groups within households are disproportionately vulnerable to this specific type of shock hazard. First and foremost, young children are at significant risk. Outdoor lighting is typically installed near ground level, along walkways, driveways, or in garden beds where children frequently play. A child may not understand the danger of a "hot" outlet or recognize the subtle signs of an exposed wire or metal blade sticking out of a socket. Their natural curiosity often leads them to insert objects into outlets or touch exposed components with wet hands, especially if the power supply has failed while the light was recently used in damp evening conditions. The combination of their lack of awareness and their tendency to explore makes them the most susceptible demographic to severe injury.

Elderly individuals and those with limited mobility also face heightened risks for several practical reasons. As we age, our reaction times slow down, and our grip strength may diminish. If a user encounters an unexpected electrical shock from a detached plug blade, the sudden muscle contraction can cause them to fall, leading to secondary injuries such as fractures or head trauma that are often more dangerous than the initial shock itself. Furthermore, older adults may have pre-existing health conditions, such as heart issues, which make even minor electrical currents more dangerous due to the potential for cardiac arrhythmia. The fact that this defect involves a plug blade remaining in the outlet means that the hazard is passive; it does not require the user to touch the light itself, but rather any exposed part of the socket or the detached blade, increasing the likelihood of accidental contact during routine activities like walking past the light at dusk.

Additionally, anyone who uses these lights in wet environments—such as near pools, sprinklers, or during rain—is at an elevated risk. Water significantly lowers the body's resistance to electricity, meaning that a shock that might merely startle a dry person could be fatal or cause severe burns to someone whose skin is wet. Since path lights are inherently outdoor fixtures exposed to the elements, the probability of moisture interacting with the defective power supply increases over time. Therefore, while the defect exists in the product regardless of who owns it, the consequences are most severe for those who are physically vulnerable, unaware of the danger, or using the lights in conditions that exacerbate electrical conductivity.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact customer service, it is essential to verify whether your specific outdoor lighting kit is part of this recall. Because these items are often sold under different retail brands but share the same internal component, visual inspection of the packaging and the product itself is your first line of defense. The primary identifier for this recall is not just the brand name on the box, but specifically the power supply included with the unit. You need to look for light kits that were sold in conjunction with a Sterno Home LED power supply. This is the critical link; if your kit uses a different brand of transformer or adapter, it is likely not part of this specific safety notice.

To confirm you have one of the affected units, examine the rating label located on the light fixtures themselves. The recall applies to path light kits from three specific brands: Hampton Bay, Patriot Lighting, and Paradise. You should look closely at the small label attached to the hardware for any of these names printed clearly. If you see "Hampton Bay," "Patriot Lighting," or "Paradise" on the rating label, your next step is to verify the power source. The defective component is the Sterno Home LED power supply that alters the voltage going through the light circuit. Ensure that the plug and transformer associated with your lights are indeed manufactured by Sterno Home.

In addition to checking the brand names on the device, consider where and when you purchased the item. These recalled path light kits were distributed widely, so simply knowing the store does not rule it out. However, the combination of the brand name on the fixture and the Sterno Home power supply is the definitive marker. If you have the lights but cannot find the original packaging or receipt, focus your attention on the physical product. Look for the plug blade on the LED power supply; while this feature itself is not a defect, it is part of the assembly that poses the shock hazard if the blade remains in the outlet after unplugging. By confirming the brand names Hampton Bay, Patriot Lighting, or Paradise are printed on the rating label and that the unit utilizes a Sterno Home LED power supply, you can confidently determine if your product is subject to this recall.

If you are unsure about any part of this identification process, do not guess. The safest approach is to treat any outdoor lighting kit with a Sterno Home LED power supply as potentially affected until proven otherwise. Check the label carefully under good lighting conditions. If the names match and the power supply is from Sterno Home, stop using the product immediately and proceed to the remedy steps outlined in this article. This verification process ensures you are acting on accurate information and helps keep your home safe from the identified electric shock risk.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have been affected by this recall, the good news is that Sterno Home has established a clear and accessible remedy to resolve the issue. Rather than asking you to discard your outdoor lighting entirely or pay for a potentially dangerous repair yourself, the company is offering a free replacement LED power supply along with the necessary installation instructions. This approach is designed to be both cost-effective and convenient for consumers, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy your landscape lighting without incurring additional expenses or dealing with the hassle of sourcing compatible parts on your own.

The primary condition for receiving this remedy is straightforward: you must contact Sterno Home directly. They have set up specific channels to handle these requests efficiently. You can reach their customer service team by calling their toll-free number at 888-867-6095. These lines are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This window allows you to speak with a representative during standard business hours to verify your product details and initiate the replacement process. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you may also email them at customerservice@sternohome.com.

For those who prefer managing their requests online, Sterno Home has dedicated recall pages where you can find further assistance. You can visit www.sternohome.com/recalls directly, or navigate to the main site at www.sternohome.com and click on the "RECALL NOTICE" link located in the top left corner of the page. These digital resources are intended to guide you through the steps required to claim your free power supply, ensuring that you have all the information needed to proceed without confusion.

It is important to note that this remedy specifically addresses the defective component—the LED power supply—rather than offering a full refund for the entire light kit. By providing just the replacement power unit and instructions, Sterno Home aims to correct the safety hazard while allowing you to retain your existing lighting fixtures. This method minimizes waste and saves you time, as you do not need to purchase new lights. However, because the recall involves specific brands such as Hampton Bay, Patriot Lighting, and Paradise, ensure that your product matches one of these identifiers on the rating label before proceeding with the claim. If you have any questions about whether your specific model is covered, the contact options listed above are your best resources for confirmation.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to look at a recalled product and think, "It’s just a minor defect," or "I’ll just be careful with it." However, ignoring a recall notice for an electrical component like the Sterno Home LED power supply attached to these path light kits is not a harmless oversight. The core issue here is a mechanical failure in the plug blade that creates a persistent and unpredictable electrical hazard. When you pull the power supply from an outdoor AC outlet, the standard expectation is that the entire plug, including the metal blades that carry the current, will come out with it. In this defective unit, one of those conductive blades can remain lodged inside the socket while the rest of the plug is removed.

If you continue to use these lights after being notified of this defect, you are leaving a live electrical contact exposed in an outdoor environment. This is particularly dangerous because path lights are installed in gardens, walkways, and patios—areas that are frequently wet from rain, sprinklers, or morning dew. Water is a highly effective conductor of electricity. If moisture enters the outlet box where the blade is stuck, it can create a path for current to flow to any conductive object nearby. This could include metal garden tools, wet soil, or even the body of a person walking by in bare feet or wearing damp shoes.

The primary risk is electric shock. While the CPSC notes that there has only been one reported incident of the blade detaching so far, that single report serves as a critical warning sign rather than a guarantee of safety. An electric shock from an outdoor outlet can range from a painful jolt to severe burns or, in worst-case scenarios, cardiac arrest. The danger is compounded by the fact that you may not realize the blade is stuck until it is too late. You might assume the outlet is dead because the light is off, but the socket itself remains energized. This "silent" hazard means you could accidentally touch the exposed blade while changing a bulb, adjusting the light angle, or simply walking past the fixture.

Furthermore, an exposed live wire in an outdoor outlet poses a fire risk. If the detached blade touches another conductive material or creates a short circuit due to debris or water accumulation, it can generate heat and sparks. In dry conditions near flammable landscaping materials like mulch or dry leaves, this could potentially start a fire. Even if a fire does not occur, the electrical damage to your home’s wiring system could lead to costly repairs beyond just replacing the light kit.

Ultimately, ignoring the recall turns a manageable customer service issue into a potential emergency. The remedy provided by Sterno Home is straightforward and free: they will send you a new, safe LED power supply with clear instructions. Choosing not to take advantage of this safety upgrade means you are voluntarily assuming the risk of injury or property damage for no reason. The inconvenience of ordering a replacement part is negligible compared to the serious physical and financial consequences of an electrical accident. Please do not wait for an incident to occur; act now to ensure your home and garden remain safe.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls like the one involving Sterno Home path lights address immediate and defined risks, maintaining a generally safe home environment requires a proactive approach to electrical safety and consumer awareness. Outdoor lighting fixtures present unique challenges because they are constantly exposed to weather elements that can degrade insulation, loosen connections, and create pathways for electricity to escape where it shouldn’t be. To mitigate these risks in your own home, start by treating all outdoor electrical components with the same caution you would apply to indoor wiring, but with even greater diligence regarding moisture protection.

One of the most effective habits you can develop is regular visual inspection of your outdoor power supplies and cords. Look for any signs of physical damage, such as fraying wires, cracked casings, or discoloration on plugs. If a plug feels warm to the touch or shows signs of melting, stop using it immediately. Furthermore, ensure that all connections are elevated off the ground. Water conducts electricity, and having plugs or junction boxes sit directly in puddles, snow, or damp soil significantly increases the risk of short circuits and electric shock. Using weather-resistant outlet covers and ensuring that GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are installed in outdoor spaces can provide an additional layer of protection by cutting power the moment it detects an imbalance in current.

Beyond physical inspections, staying informed about product safety is a powerful tool for prevention. Many hazardous products remain in circulation long after their risks become apparent because consumers are unaware they own them. Make it a routine part of your home maintenance schedule—perhaps once every few months—to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or sign up for email alerts from major retailers and manufacturers. When you purchase new outdoor electronics, keep your receipts and register your products if possible. This makes it easier to track recalls and ensures that manufacturers can contact you directly if a safety issue arises.

Finally, consider the lifecycle of your electrical devices. Just as batteries expire, so do the internal components of power supplies and transformers. Over time, plastic housings become brittle from UV exposure, and solder joints can weaken. Do not assume that a product is safe simply because it has worked for years without incident. If you notice any irregularity in performance, such as flickering lights or unusual humming sounds, investigate immediately rather than assuming it is normal wear and tear. By combining regular physical checks with active monitoring of safety news, you create a robust defense against both known recalls and unexpected hazards.