Recall Radar

CPSC, The First Years Inc. Announce Recall to Replace "Elmo Nitelights"

Recall 00-141 · July 6, 2000 · The First Years

What to doConsumers should immediately remove the "Elmo Nitelights" from their sockets and throw them away. If wires are exposed, turn off the power before removing. Consumers should contact The First Years to receive a free replacement nightlight.

Read the official CPSC notice

Recall at a glance

Recall number
00-141 (CPSC)
Recall date
July 6, 2000
Brand
The First Years
Category
Lighting and electrical
Products
Sesame Street "Elmo Nightlights"
Hazard
Electric shock hazard
Hazard type
Electric shock
Units
About 123,000
Last updated by CPSC
July 6, 2000

What was recalled

The "Elmo Nitelight" shows the Sesame Street character Elmo, who is red, hanging onto a green lamp post set on a blue background. A moon and stars surround the light part of the lamp post, which illuminates when the light is plugged in. It measures 4.25 inches long by 2.75 inches wide and fits over the entire standard outlet coverplate. "Henson" and "the first years" are imprinted on the back of the nightlights. The cardboard packaging shows a picture of the Sesame Street character Big Bird, and includes the writing, "SESAME STREET" and "nitelight."

Is my product affected?

Compare your product with the details below, including model numbers where listed.

  • Sesame Street "Elmo Nightlights" · About 123,000 units

Photos from the recall notice

Recalled Sesame Street "Elmo Nightlight"
Recalled Sesame Street "Elmo Nightlight"

Where it was sold

Companies named in the notice: Discount, drug, grocery and toy stores sold these nightlights, from July 1997 through March 2000, for between $5 and $6.; The First Years Inc., of Avon, Mass..

Injuries or incidents reported

CPSC and The First Years have received three reports of the faceplates on these nightlights breaking off resulting in two 1-year-old girls and an adult receiving an electrical shock when touching the exposed wires.

Consumer contact

Consumers may contact The First Years at (800) 533-6708 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Consumers also can write to The First Years, One Kiddie Drive, Avon, MA, 02322-1171.

Recall history and context

The First Years appears in 4 CPSC recalls on record. See all The First Years recalls.

Since 2019 CPSC has recorded 112 recalls in the lighting and electrical category, 47 recalls of them in the past 12 months.

Frequently asked questions

What was recalled?

Sesame Street "Elmo Nightlights" (About 123,000 units). The "Elmo Nitelight" shows the Sesame Street character Elmo, who is red, hanging onto a green lamp post set on a blue background.

Why was it recalled?

CPSC lists the reason as: Electric shock hazard.

What should I do if I own one?

Consumers should immediately remove the "Elmo Nitelights" from their sockets and throw them away. If wires are exposed, turn off the power before removing. Consumers should contact The First Years to receive a free replacement nightlight.

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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall data, shown as published and last updated by CPSC on July 6, 2000. Details can change; the official notice is the authority. If your product may be recalled, stop and read the notice before deciding what to do. Terms and disclaimer.