RH Recalls Floor Lamps Due to Fire Hazard (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

In early March 2020, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) joined with Restoration Hardware (RH) to announce a significant safety recall involving their popular Camino floor lamps. This is not a vague or broad warning; it targets specific inventory that was distributed widely across the country. The recalled items are exclusively the iron and antiqued nickel versions of the Camino floor lamp, a piece of furniture known for its substantial presence and industrial-chic aesthetic. If you have one of these specific lamps in your home, it is important to verify whether it falls within this particular batch, as RH worked diligently to identify every unit that might be affected.

To help you determine if your lamp is part of this recall, you will need to look closely at the physical product. The recalled model stands approximately 68.5 inches tall and has a diameter of about 26 inches. Visually, it is characterized by its iron construction finished in an antiqued nickel tone. At the top of the lamp, you will find twelve 25-watt flame or vintage cylinder candelabra bulbs, which provide a warm, ambient glow. The base of the lamp features a circular foot switch located on the electrical cord, which consumers use to turn the light on and off. This specific design element is central to the safety concern, but first, you must confirm if your unit is actually part of the recall.

The most reliable way to identify a recalled lamp is by checking the SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) number printed on a label attached to the bottom of the lamp’s base. If your lamp carries any of the following SKU numbers, it is included in this recall: 68270175IRON, 68270500IRON, 68270734IRON, 68270734TSLV, 68270913ANCK, 68270915ANCK, 68270913IRON, or 68270915IRON. These numbers are your definitive proof that the unit is subject to the safety alert.

In terms of distribution, these lamps were sold through RH’s retail stores and its online website at www.restorationhardware.com. The recall covers units purchased between January 2016 and February 2020. While the provided records do not specify the exact total number of units recalled, RH has stated that they are contacting all known purchasers directly to ensure that everyone who owns one of these lamps is aware of the issue and can take the necessary steps to resolve it safely.

The hazard, explained

When you think of a floor lamp, you likely picture something static and cool—a piece of furniture that simply provides light. However, the specific issue with these recalled RH Camino floor lamps lies in a dynamic component that is often overlooked: the foot switch. This small device, located on the electrical cord at the base of the lamp, serves as the primary interface for turning the light on and off. It is designed to handle the electrical current flowing to the twelve bulbs perched at the top of the 68.5-inch structure. Under normal circumstances, this switch operates smoothly. But in the recalled units, a critical failure occurs within the switch mechanism itself.

The core problem is thermal runaway. When the foot switch malfunctions, it can begin to overheat significantly beyond its safe operating temperature. This isn't just a matter of the plastic casing getting warm to the touch; the internal components are generating enough heat to actually melt the surrounding materials. As the switch overheats, the insulation and housing can degrade, which may lead to the component catching fire. This creates a direct path for flames to spread from the base of the lamp, where it rests on your floor, outward into your living space.

This type of electrical fire hazard is particularly dangerous because of its location. Because the ignition source is at the very bottom of the lamp, directly in contact with or immediately adjacent to your flooring, the risk of property damage is immediate and severe. According to reports received by RH, this mechanism has already resulted in five incidents of minor property damage to flooring. The heat can scorch wood, melt synthetic rugs, or ignite nearby combustible materials before a homeowner even notices the smell of burning plastic.

While six reports have been documented so far, the potential for escalation is real. Electrical fires caused by overheated switches often start small and smoldering, which means they can go undetected until flames are visible. Although no injuries have been reported in these specific cases, the proximity to the floor increases the risk of smoke inhalation or rapid fire spread, especially if the lamp is near curtains, furniture, or other flammable decor. Understanding that this is not a "maybe" scenario but a confirmed physical failure helps explain why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and RH have taken such decisive action to remove these units from homes immediately.

Who is most at risk

The primary group facing risk from this recall consists of homeowners and interior design enthusiasts who have purchased the RH Camino floor lamp. Specifically, these are individuals who own units with SKUs 68270175IRON, 68270500IRON, 68270734IRON, 68270734TSLV, 68270913ANCK, 68270915ANCK, 68270913IRON, or 68270915IRON. These lamps are often placed in living rooms, bedrooms, or reading nooks where they serve as both a functional light source and a significant aesthetic focal point. Because the hazard is located at the base of the lamp on the electrical cord, anyone who interacts with that specific foot switch to turn the light on or off is directly exposed to the potential failure point.

While the recall does not identify any specific demographic as being disproportionately affected in terms of injury, the nature of the hazard creates a unique risk profile for all users. The issue involves the on/off foot switch overheating, melting, or catching fire. This means that anyone who uses the lamp regularly is at risk of property damage and potential harm if the electrical component fails catastrophically. The reported incidents include minor property damage to flooring, which suggests that the heat generated by the faulty switch can ignite nearby combustible materials, such as wood floors, rugs, or carpeting. Therefore, the risk is not limited to a specific age group but is rather tied to the frequency of use and the proximity of flammable items to the lamp’s base.

Children and pets may be indirectly at higher risk due to their behavior around household objects. Although no injuries have been reported in this specific recall, a fire starting at floor level could happen quickly and unexpectedly. Children who are curious or unaware of electrical dangers might play near the base of the lamp, potentially triggering the switch or coming into contact with hot components if they melt. Similarly, pets that rest near the base of furniture may be exposed to heat or smoke before an adult realizes there is a problem. The fact that the switch is on the cord at the base makes it easily accessible to anyone walking by, increasing the likelihood of accidental activation or exposure to a malfunctioning part.

Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility might also face heightened concerns, not because they are more likely to suffer injury from the fire itself, but because they may have reduced ability to react quickly to an emergency. If the switch begins to smoke or emit odors before catching fire, it provides a critical warning sign. Anyone who relies on this lamp for navigation in dimly lit rooms must be vigilant about these early signs of failure. The fear of electrical fires can also cause significant anxiety for older adults who may have experienced similar incidents in the past, making the peace of mind offered by a full refund and safe replacement particularly valuable.

Ultimately, the risk is universal to all owners of this specific model. The CPSC’s decision to issue a recall rather than a warning underscores the seriousness of the defect. It is not a matter of if the switch might fail, but when. Therefore, every owner, regardless of age or lifestyle, should consider themselves at potential risk and take immediate action to remove the hazard from their home.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before taking any action, it is essential to confirm whether your specific floor lamp is part of this recall. Because RH (Restoration Hardware) produces a wide variety of home furnishings, relying solely on the brand name is not sufficient for identification. Instead, you need to look for specific physical characteristics and, most importantly, unique inventory codes that distinguish these particular units from their safer counterparts. The recall targets a specific design known as the Camino floor lamp. If your lamp does not match this description, it is likely not included in this alert, but verifying the details is the only way to be certain.

Start by examining the overall appearance of the lamp. The recalled items are characterized by a distinct iron and antiqued nickel finish. In terms of dimensions, these lamps are quite substantial, standing approximately 68.5 inches in height with a diameter of about 26 inches. Visually, you should look for a circular foot switch located on the electrical cord at the base of the lamp, which serves as the on/off control. Additionally, the top of the lamp typically comes equipped with 12 25W flame or vintage cylinder candelabra bulbs. If your lamp has a different finish, such as brass or matte black, or if it features a different switch mechanism, it may not be part of this specific recall.

The most definitive way to identify the recalled product is by checking the label attached to the bottom of the lamp base. RH prints a specific Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number on this label, which acts as the primary identifier for this safety alert. You must compare the SKU on your lamp’s label against the following list. If your SKU matches any one of these codes, you possess a recalled item:

• 68270175IRON
• 68270500IRON
• 68270734IRON
• 68270734TSLV
• 68270913ANCK
• 68270915ANCK
• 68270913IRON
• 68270915IRON

If you purchased the lamp directly from RH, it is worth noting that the company has been contacting all known purchasers directly regarding this issue. However, if you bought the item second-hand or cannot locate your original documentation, physically inspecting the label on the base of the lamp is the most reliable method of confirmation. Do not rely on memory or general product descriptions alone, as minor variations in SKU numbers can indicate different manufacturing batches or finishes that are not affected by this fire hazard.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified that your RH Camino floor lamp matches the details of this recall, the most important thing to understand is that the manufacturer has decided not to offer a repair kit or a replacement part. Instead, the remedy for this specific safety issue is straightforward: you are entitled to a full refund of the purchase price. This decision by Restoration Hardware (RH) reflects a serious assessment of the risk involved. Because the defect lies within the foot switch mechanism—a component that can overheat, melt, or catch fire while the lamp is in use—attempting to fix it yourself or relying on a partial repair would likely leave the underlying hazard intact. A full refund removes the danger entirely by allowing you to return the faulty product and get your money back, ensuring you are not left with an unsafe item that requires complex DIY fixes.

The process for obtaining this refund is designed to be handled directly by RH, rather than through the store where you may have originally bought the lamp. The company has stated that they are contacting all known purchasers directly to inform them of the recall and initiate the return process. However, if you have not yet heard from them, or if you simply want to take proactive steps to ensure your safety and financial protection, you should reach out to RH yourself. Do not wait for a notification letter if you already know you own one of these lamps. Time is of the essence when dealing with electrical fire hazards, so initiating contact promptly is the best course of action.

To process your refund, you can contact RH through several convenient channels. You may call their dedicated toll-free number at 844-623-7500. It is helpful to know their hours of operation so you can reach a representative when they are available: the line is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday and Sunday. Alternatively, you can send an email to recall@rh.com. If you prefer to manage this online, you can visit www.restorationhardware.com and scroll to the very bottom of the page to click on the “Safety Recalls” link. This section will guide you through the specific steps for your model.

When you contact RH, be prepared to provide the SKU number printed on the label located on the bottom of your lamp base. The recalled SKUs are 68270175IRON, 68270500IRON, 68270734IRON, 68270734TSLV, 68270913ANCK, 68270915ANCK, 68270913IRON, or 68270915IRON. Having this number ready will help the customer service team verify your product quickly and process your refund without unnecessary delays. Remember, your safety is the priority here; by securing a full refund and removing the lamp from your home, you are effectively eliminating the risk of fire associated with the overheating foot switch.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to unplug a beautiful piece of furniture like the RH Camino floor lamp. These lamps are significant investments in home decor, designed to provide both ambient lighting and aesthetic elegance to your living space. The foot switch, located conveniently at the base of the electrical cord, offers effortless control, making it a favorite feature for many users. However, ignoring the recall notice is not merely an inconvenience; it is a gamble with your home’s safety that relies on luck rather than engineering. When you continue to use a product known to have a defective component, you are effectively allowing a latent danger to remain active in your daily environment.

The core issue with this specific hazard is the nature of electrical failure. The recall notice indicates that the on/off foot switch can overheat, melt, or even catch fire. This does not happen because the lamp is "bad" in a general sense, but because the internal components of the switch are failing under normal operating conditions. As the plastic casing melts due to excessive heat, it exposes live electrical wires and combustible materials. If this melting progresses unchecked, it can ignite nearby flammable objects. The most immediate risk is to the flooring beneath the lamp base. According to reports received by RH, there have already been five instances where this overheating resulted in minor property damage to the floor. Imagine coming home to find scorch marks on your hardwood, carpet burn patterns, or worse, a smoldering pile of debris at the foot of your favorite chair.

While the current incident reports mention only property damage and no injuries, it is crucial to understand that fire hazards are unpredictable. A small electrical fire can escalate rapidly, especially in a dimly lit room where the initial signs—such as smoke or a burning smell—might be overlooked at night. The six reported cases of overheating serve as a warning signal from the manufacturer. These are not isolated glitches; they are evidence of a systemic flaw in the design or manufacturing of that specific batch of switches. By ignoring the recall, you are betting that your unit will be the one lucky exception to this rule. However, electrical fires do not discriminate based on how well-maintained your home is or how carefully you use the device. Once the internal temperature exceeds safe limits, the plastic components degrade, leading to short circuits that can spark flames.

Beyond the immediate risk of fire, continuing to use the lamp puts your entire household at risk. A fire starting at the base of a floor lamp can quickly spread to curtains, rugs, or furniture nearby. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to significant structural damage to your home and, tragically, endanger lives. The CPSC issues these recalls because the potential consequences far outweigh the cost of a refund. You are not just protecting a piece of decor; you are protecting your family’s safety. Dismissing the recall as an overreaction ignores the reality that electrical fires are one of the leading causes of home fire injuries and fatalities in the United States. The path from a "minor" overheating incident to a major house fire is often shorter than people realize, making immediate action the only responsible choice.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in the switch mechanism of certain RH floor lamps, the underlying principle is universal for all high-wattage lighting and electrical appliances: heat management and regular inspection are your best defenses against home fires. Floor lamps, particularly those with multiple bulbs or vintage-style filament designs, generate significant ambient heat. When combined with an older or worn electrical cord, this creates a potential hotspot that can degrade insulation over time. To mitigate these risks in your own home, start by auditing the age and condition of your frequently used lamps. Look for fraying wires, cracked sockets, or warm plastic housings during operation. If a lamp feels unusually hot to the touch after just an hour of use, it is signaling that its components are struggling to dissipate heat properly, and you should unplug it immediately.

Another critical habit is ensuring that your electrical outlets are not overloaded. Floor lamps often draw considerable current, especially if they feature dimmer switches or multiple light sources. Plugging a high-draw lamp into a power strip designed for low-wattage electronics can cause the strip to overheat and melt, leading to fire hazards similar to those described in this recall. Always plug heavy-use lamps directly into a wall outlet that is rated for the load. Furthermore, consider installing smoke detectors on every level of your home and inside each bedroom. Modern smoke alarms have become increasingly sensitive and reliable, providing precious minutes of warning if a small electrical fault escalates. Test these devices monthly by pressing the test button and replace the batteries at least once a year.

Finally, stay proactive about product safety by regularly checking for recalls. Manufacturers and federal agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issue alerts when hidden defects are discovered, but these notices only help if you know they exist. You can subscribe to email updates from the CPSC or register your major appliances and lighting fixtures with the manufacturer upon purchase. Registration often ensures that if a safety issue arises, you will be contacted directly before it becomes widespread. By combining vigilant maintenance of your current wiring with awareness of broader safety alerts, you create a layered approach to home fire prevention that protects not just your property, but your peace of mind.