Following complaints of the lithium-ion batteries in the umbrella's solar panel overheating, almost 400,000 solar-powered patio umbrellas have been recalled due to dangerous fire and burn concerns.
What Happened to the Umbrellas?
According to Health Canada Press Release and U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there is a risk of fire and burns if the lithium-ion batteries overheat. The company has only had one case of a battery overheating and an umbrella catching fire in Canada as of June 9. There have been no reports of injuries. Meanwhile, the company has received five reports of batteries overheating, four of umbrellas catching fire, and one of a smoke inhalation incident in the U.S.
What Are The Affected Products?
NBC New York and Forbes reported that the item, marketed as "10' Solar LED Market Umbrellas" by Sunvilla Corporation exclusively at Costco warehouses and online, featured LED lights on the umbrella's arms and a black solar panel battery puck on top.
The umbrellas were marketed in a range of colors between the dates of December 2020 and May 2022, and the solar panel pucks had a mark that reads "YEEZE 1" or "YEEZE."
The following are the list of affected products as per Health Canada Press Release:
Recalled products | ||
1372976 | FY21 | 888806012379 |
1503642 (Canada only) | FY21 | 888806012966 |
1902386 | FY21 | 888806012362 |
1902401 | FY21 | 888806012539 |
1902438 | FY21 | 888806012348 888806012324 888806012331 |
2127206 | FY22 | 888806013512 888806013697 888806013529 |
2127215 | FY22 | 888806013536 |
2127250 | FY22 | 888806013703 |
2127266 | FY22 | 888806013710 |
2127270 | FY22 | 888806013727 |
What Did the Authorities Say About the Product?
Customers can get a full refund by returning the umbrella and solar panel puck to any Costco Warehouse. Consumers that are unable to return the umbrella and puck to a Costco Warehouse can contact SunVilla.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada said that from 8 a.m., customers can call SunVilla at 866-600-3133. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, Pacific Time, and via email at LEDrecall@sunvilla.com.
What Should You Do if You Happen To Have Affected Models?
According to a statement from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, everyone who owns one of these umbrellas should:
Immediately stop using the item
Take the Solar Panel off the umbrella's top.
Don't use the AC adaptor to charge the panel.
Keep the panel away from combustible materials and the sun when storing it.
Forbes reported that consumers should keep the puck away from the sun and anything that could burst into flames. This means that you shouldn't put the puck in a drawer that contains clothing or in your own drawers, which would be your underwear. Otherwise, this can end up in a fire incident.
In addition, Forbes reminded that anytime batteries or any other electronic components are included in a product, it is important to double-check to make sure that none of the parts could become overheated during usage, especially if there are any potentially combustible items nearby.
