What was recalled
In the quiet corners of our homes and yards, we often rely on outdoor lighting to provide both security and ambiance. However, a significant recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on October 11, 2018, has brought attention to a specific subset of these everyday fixtures that may not be performing as safely as intended. The recall centers on solar-powered, motion-activated outdoor LED light fixtures manufactured by Cooper Lighting. These products were marketed under two well-known consumer brands: All-Pro and Defiant. While the visual design varies slightly between models to suit different aesthetic preferences, they all share a common electrical vulnerability that prompted this widespread safety notice.
The affected inventory is quite specific, allowing consumers to easily identify if their units are part of this batch. The recall covers four distinct model numbers, each with its own physical configuration. First, there is the Defiant MST1000LWDF. This model features a design with two light sources positioned on top of a housing, accompanied by a round motion sensor located on the bottom of that same housing. Second and third are the All-Pro models: the MST800L and the MST800LW. These share a similar design language to the Defiant unit, also utilizing two light sources on top with a round motion sensor on the bottom. Finally, the All-Pro WPS2040M offers a different form factor, characterized by a flat housing where the LED light source is centered, with an integrated motion sensor lens and dimmer situated above the motion sensor itself.
A defining characteristic of all these recalled items is that they are connected by wire to a solar panel. This connection allows the fixtures to charge during the day and illuminate at night, but it is also the site of the reported malfunction. Unfortunately, the official recall notice does not specify the exact number of units sold or distributed globally. It does, however, confirm that these products were sold in various retail locations across the United States. If you purchased solar-powered outdoor lighting from major home improvement stores, garden centers, or online retailers between the time these models were introduced and the recall date, it is crucial to inspect your fixtures against the model numbers listed above.
The scope of this recall highlights the importance of verifying product details, especially for items that integrate electrical components with renewable energy sources like solar power. By identifying whether you own one of the Defiant MST1000LWDF, All-Pro MST800L, All-Pro MST800LW, or All-Pro WPS2040M models, you can take the necessary steps to ensure your home remains safe from potential fire hazards associated with battery overheating.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a specific and concerning failure mode involving the power source of these outdoor light fixtures. Cooper Lighting has identified that the batteries installed in certain models of solar-powered, motion-activated LED lights can overheat during operation. While lithium-ion and similar rechargeable batteries are standard components in modern electronics, they rely on precise thermal management to remain safe. In these recalled units, the internal chemistry or structural integrity of the battery appears to be compromised under normal usage conditions, causing it to generate excessive heat.
This is not merely a case of the device becoming warm to the touch; the temperature rise is significant enough to impact the surrounding materials. The primary physical consequence of this overheating is the melting of the light fixture’s housing. Most outdoor security lights are constructed from durable plastics or polymer composites designed to withstand rain, sun, and temperature fluctuations. However, these materials have specific melting points. When the battery generates heat beyond its intended design parameters, that thermal energy transfers directly to the adjacent plastic casing. The result is a loss of structural integrity in the housing itself, which can lead to deformation, cracking, or complete failure of the enclosure.
Why does this matter for your safety? The danger lies in the combination of heat and combustible materials. When the housing melts, it exposes internal electrical components that are no longer insulated by their protective shell. This creates a direct pathway for ignition. According to the CPSC record, there have been seven confirmed incidents where this overheating led to property damage. While no injuries have been reported in these specific cases, the potential for fire is real and immediate. A melting plastic housing can drip burning material onto decks, siding, or nearby vegetation, potentially starting a blaze that spreads beyond the light fixture itself.
It is important to understand that this hazard is latent. The lights may appear to function normally on the surface—turning on when motion is detected and charging during the day—but the internal battery defect remains active. You cannot see or feel the overheating risk from the outside of the unit. This is why visual inspection alone is insufficient for safety. The danger persists as long as the faulty battery pack remains installed, regardless of whether the light is currently in use or simply sitting in storage. Understanding this mechanism underscores why the remedy involves replacing the battery pack entirely rather than attempting to repair or reset the existing one.
Who is most at risk
The individuals most directly affected by this recall are homeowners and property managers who have installed Cooper Lighting solar-powered, motion-activated outdoor LED fixtures under the All-Pro or Defiant brands. Specifically, you are at risk if you own any of the following models: the Defiant MST1000LWDF, the All-Pro MST800L, the All-Pro MST800LW, or the All-Pro WPS2040M. Because these units are powered by batteries that can overheat and cause the housing to melt, anyone living in a home where these lights are installed faces a potential fire hazard within their immediate living environment. The risk is not limited to the exterior of the house; melted plastic components near wiring or entry points can compromise the structural integrity of your home’s exterior and create a serious safety threat.
While the physical danger applies to anyone with these fixtures, certain demographics may be more vulnerable to the consequences of such an incident. Elderly homeowners often rely on these motion-activated lights for security and navigation around their property at night. If a battery failure causes the light fixture to malfunction or catch fire, it could disrupt their sense of security and create an immediate emergency situation that may be difficult to manage physically. Furthermore, households with young children present a unique risk profile. Children are naturally curious and may attempt to touch, climb near, or investigate outdoor lights. If the housing has melted due to overheating, exposed internal components or sharp, deformed plastic edges could pose burn or cut risks in addition to the fire hazard. Additionally, if a fire were to start, young children may not recognize the danger quickly enough to evacuate, making prevention critical.
It is also important to consider people who live in older homes or properties with aging electrical infrastructure. Although these lights are solar-powered and do not draw from your home’s main grid, the fact that they are connected by wire to a solar panel means there is still an active electrical circuit involved. If the battery overheats significantly, it could potentially damage the wiring connection to the solar panel, creating a secondary hazard if that wiring runs too close to combustible materials like dry leaves, wood siding, or insulation. This is particularly relevant for homeowners in areas prone to wildfires or extreme heat, where an additional ignition source on your property is disproportionately dangerous.
Finally, renters and temporary residents should also be considered at risk. They may not be aware of the specific model numbers installed by previous tenants or landlords and might not know how to identify the hazard until it is too late. Since Cooper Lighting has received seven reports of property damage from these units overheating, the likelihood of encountering a defective unit is real. The absence of reported injuries so far is fortunate, but it does not mean the risk is zero. Anyone using these lights for regular outdoor illumination should treat this recall with urgency, as the potential for property loss and personal harm increases with time and continued use of the faulty battery packs.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your outdoor lighting fixtures are part of this specific recall requires a close look at both the branding and the physical design of the unit. Cooper Lighting has issued this safety notice for solar-powered, motion-activated outdoor LED light fixtures sold under two well-known brands: All-Pro and Defiant. If your lights do not bear one of these specific brand names, they are likely not subject to this particular recall, but it is always wise to check the manufacturer's label on any solar-powered device for peace of mind.
The most reliable way to confirm if your fixture is affected is to locate the model number. This number is critical because the recall targets specific configurations within these product lines. You must open the interior of the light fixture to find this information. The model number is displayed on the inside panel or housing, so you will need to carefully detach or look into the back of the unit where the battery compartment is located. Do not rely solely on the packaging or a receipt; the physical label inside the fixture is the definitive source of truth for identification.
There are four specific model numbers listed in this recall. You have one of these recalled items if your interior label reads Defiant MST1000LWDF, All-Pro MST800L, All-Pro MST800LW, or All-Pro WPS2040M. To help you visualize which units are at risk, it is helpful to look at the physical design of the light sources and sensors, as these models have distinct appearances.
The Defiant MST1000LWDF, along with the All-Pro MST800L and All-Pro MST800LW models, share a similar structural design. These fixtures feature two light sources positioned on top of the main housing. On the bottom portion of that same housing, you will find a round motion sensor. If your light looks like this dual-source unit with a circular sensor below, and the model number matches one of these three, it is included in the recall.
The All-Pro WPS2040M model has a different design profile. This fixture features a flat housing with the LED light source located directly in the center. Above the motion sensor, you will see an integrated motion sensor lens and dimmer. Like the other models, this unit is also connected by wire to a solar panel. If your light matches this description of a central LED on a flat base with an integrated dimmer lens, and the model number is WPS2040M, it is part of this safety notice.
Remember that all items in this recall are connected by wire to a solar panel, which is their power source. While color or size variations might exist among different batches, the model number inside the fixture and the presence of these specific design features are your primary indicators. If you are unsure about the model number or cannot find it, do not attempt to guess. Contact the Eaton Customer Service Center directly using the contact information provided in the recall notice for assistance in verifying your specific unit.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Cooper Lighting solar-powered fixtures, your immediate priority is simple: stop using the product right now. The risk here is not theoretical; Cooper Lighting has already documented seven separate incidents where these specific units overheated and caused property damage due to melted housing. While no injuries have been reported as of the recall date in October 2018, the potential for fire remains a serious threat to your home and family. Therefore, the first and most critical step is to physically disconnect the affected light fixtures from their solar panels and remove them from your outdoor spaces. Do not wait for a replacement part to arrive before taking this action. By cutting power to the unit immediately, you eliminate the source of the heat that can lead to melting and fire. It may feel inconvenient to take down a working light, but treating it as hazardous equipment until further notice is the only safe approach. Once the fixtures are safely disconnected and stored in a cool, non-flammable area away from flammable materials like dry leaves or wooden decks, you need to initiate the remedy process. The company behind this recall, Cooper Lighting (which operates under Eaton), has arranged for consumers to receive a free replacement battery pack. This is not a return-for-refund scenario where you send the entire unit back; instead, they are providing the specific component that causes the hazard so you can restore your lighting safely. To get this fix, you must contact their Customer Service Center. You have three convenient options for reaching them: you can call their toll-free number at 866-461-7819, send an email to LT-consumerreplacements@eaton.com, or visit their website at www.cooperlighting.com. If you choose the online route, navigate to the "Resources" tab and click on "Safety Notices" to find detailed instructions. When you reach out to Cooper Lighting, be prepared to provide the model number of your fixture, which is located on the interior of the unit. This step is vital because the remedy applies to specific models: Defiant MST1000LWDF, All-Pro MST800L, All-Pro MST800LW, and All-Pro WPS2040M. Once your contact information and model details are verified, Eaton will ship the replacement battery pack directly to you. The package will include clear, step-by-step instructions for replacing the old battery with the new one. Follow these instructions carefully. If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, consider asking a neighbor or a handyman to help, but ensure they also understand that the old battery must be disposed of properly and not reused. By following these steps, you transform a dangerous product back into a safe, functional outdoor light without incurring any cost.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified one of the recalled Cooper Lighting fixtures in your home, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a clear and accessible path to resolve the issue without costing you a penny. It is important to understand right away that this recall does not require you to return the entire light fixture or send it back for a refund of the purchase price. Instead, the remedy is focused specifically on the component causing the danger: the battery pack. Cooper Lighting, through its parent company Eaton, is providing free replacement battery packs to all affected consumers. This approach is designed to be less burdensome for you while effectively neutralizing the fire hazard by removing the defective power source.
To initiate this process, you will need to contact the Eaton Customer Service Center directly. You can reach them by calling their toll-free number at 866-461-7819. Their support team is available to assist you from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you may also email them directly at LT-consumerreplacements@eaton.com. These are the official and only channels authorized for this specific recall remedy, so please avoid contacting third-party retailers for the replacement parts, as they do not have the authority to fulfill this safety fix.
Once you have made contact with customer service, they will guide you through the verification of your product model. As noted in the recall details, the affected models include the Defiant MST1000LWDF, and several All-Pro models such as the MST800L, MST800LW, and WPS2040M. You can also find additional information and verify your specific unit by visiting www.cooperlighting.com and clicking on “Safety Notices” under the Resources tab. This step ensures that you are indeed part of this specific safety campaign.
After your eligibility is confirmed, Eaton will ship the new battery pack directly to your home at no charge. Crucially, this shipment will include detailed, step-by-step instructions for replacing the old battery pack yourself. You do not need to hire an electrician or pay for professional installation services to complete this fix. The process is designed to be a straightforward DIY task that you can manage safely from your kitchen table. By following these provided instructions carefully, you will effectively remove the overheating risk and restore the functionality of your motion-activated light fixture.
Please remember that while the replacement battery pack is free, you are responsible for the act of installation. Ensure you have a screwdriver or whatever tools were originally used to open the fixture’s housing. Once the new battery is installed according to the guide, your light should function normally again, but without the risk of melting the housing or starting a fire. This remedy addresses the root cause of the seven reported incidents of property damage, ensuring your outdoor lighting remains both functional and safe for your family.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to take action right now. Perhaps the light fixture is installed in a hard-to-reach spot on your patio, or maybe you are simply busy and want to deal with it later. You might even think that because it is currently working fine, the risk is minimal. However, ignoring this recall is not just an inconvenience; it is a direct invitation for a dangerous situation to develop in your home. The core issue here is not that the light will stop working, but that the internal components are failing in a way that generates intense heat. When you continue to use these specific Cooper Lighting fixtures, you are allowing a known chemical and electrical instability to persist unchecked.
The hazard described by the CPSC is specific: the batteries within these solar-powered units can overheat. This is not a minor warmth; it is enough heat to physically melt the plastic housing of the light fixture itself. Imagine your outdoor security light, which you rely on for safety and visibility, suddenly becoming a source of intense thermal energy. As the housing melts, it loses its structural integrity and its ability to contain the electrical components. This creates a pathway for fire to start. Because these fixtures are often installed near dry leaves, wooden siding, or other combustible materials in your yard, a melting component can quickly ignite nearby objects. The result is not just a broken light, but a potential house fire that could destroy your property and endanger your family.
We must look at the reality of what has already occurred with these units. Cooper Lighting has documented seven separate incidents where these specific models overheated and caused property damage. While it is very reassuring that no injuries have been reported so far, we cannot predict the outcome of the next failure. Property damage in this context often means scorched walls, damaged fencing, or ignited landscaping. In a worst-case scenario, unchecked heat buildup can lead to an electrical fire that spreads beyond the fixture itself. No one wants to wake up to smoke or find their yard in flames because they delayed a simple battery replacement.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall leaves you without support. By not contacting Eaton for the free replacement battery pack, you are effectively choosing to keep a defective product in your home. The remedy offered is straightforward and free, but it requires immediate action. If you wait until you see smoke or smell burning plastic, the opportunity to prevent a disaster will have passed. The seven reported incidents serve as a stark warning: this is not a theoretical risk. It is happening right now to other consumers. Do not become the next statistic by assuming that "it won't happen to me." The cost of inaction is far higher than the time it takes to swap out a battery.