General Electric light bulbs
35 reports to CPSC, the latest made Apr 19, 2024. A report isn’t a recall.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own search is on saferproducts.gov.
At a glance
From SaferProducts.gov, released Oct 31, 2026.
- 35reports to CPSC
- Apr 19, 2024the latest report was made
- Jun 3, 2011the earliest
- 1with the company’s comments
- Brand
- General Electric
- Makers
- GE Lighting, GE Appliances & Lighting and GE Lighting, a Savant CompanyMakers, importers or sellers, as the reports name them
- Product
- Light bulbsCPSC’s product type: Light Bulbs (code 627), in Furniture, Furnishings & Decorations: Indoor Lighting
Other ways the reports write the brand (5)
“GE General Electric”, “General Electric “REVEAL” 60 watt light bulbs”, “General Electric (GE Hungary Kft.)”, “General Electric (GE)” and “General Electric Halogen”
By month
The numbers, as a table
| Month | Reports |
|---|---|
| April 2024 | 1 |
| December 2023 | 1 |
| November 2021 | 1 |
| April 2021 | 1 |
| March 2021 | 1 |
| January 2021 | 1 |
| April 2019 | 1 |
| July 2018 | 1 |
| May 2018 | 1 |
| March 2018 | 1 |
| December 2017 | 1 |
| July 2017 | 1 |
| May 2017 | 1 |
| April 2017 | 1 |
| March 2017 | 1 |
| January 2017 | 1 |
| December 2016 | 1 |
| October 2016 | 2 |
| August 2015 | 2 |
| June 2015 | 1 |
| March 2015 | 1 |
| December 2014 | 1 |
| July 2014 | 1 |
| June 2014 | 1 |
| November 2013 | 1 |
| June 2013 | 1 |
| February 2013 | 1 |
| January 2013 | 2 |
| March 2012 | 1 |
| October 2011 | 1 |
| July 2011 | 1 |
| June 2011 | 1 |
How badly anyone was hurt
- Seen by a doctor or nurse 1 CPSC: Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
- First aid 2 CPSC: Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
- Hurt, no treatment 3 CPSC: Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
- No one hurt 26 CPSC: Incident, No Injury
- Not said 3 CPSC: Unspecified
As each report says it, in short words; CPSC’s own words are under each.
The reports, as CPSC published them
Reports people made to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC publishes each one after sending it to the company named, and doesn’t guarantee they’re accurate. A report isn’t a recall.
Each report is the words of the person who made it, as CPSC published them. The company’s comments, where CPSC published any, are set apart as the company’s own.
CPSC, SaferProducts.gov public database export. Released Oct 31, 2026. Updated daily.
-
First aid Made Apr 19, 2024, sent to the company May 10, 2024, published by CPSC May 24, 2024
The product, in the report: 800 Lumen LED Lightbulb
The consumer indicates that when he went to turn off a great room lamp after it had been on for approximately two hours, he noticed that its lightbulb was extremely hot to the touch, and he burned his finger. The consumer’s wife used a cream to treat him. Upon inspection, the consumer noticed that the unit had a vertical crack on its plastic base from the heat. The consumer is very concerned because his local firehouse is fifteen miles away.
The consumer contacted the Manufacturer and explained the situation; the representative he spoke to advised him to send the unit back and they received it on April 11, 2024. The consumer called back later to inquire about its status however they had none; the consumer is expecting a call back.
The consumer states that the lightbulb has been used approximately a dozen times total.
I called GE for follow up. (Bulbs (3) vi [REDACTED]) 1st they said didn’t get them I challenged them with Track #. Oh yes we did get them. “We tested them for a week” All fine (Nothing to see here) No further follow up. I did put a [REDACTED] brand LED in same fixture + it only got mildly warm. Nothing like GE 800 Lum where I burned my hand
- Model
- 2700K LED 10DA19/
827 - Bought from
- Walmart, Minnesota
- Bought
- Oct 15, 2023
- Where
- Pine River, Minnesota: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 73, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting, a Savant Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
-
Seen by a doctor or nurse Made Dec 12, 2023, sent to the company Mar 13, 2024, published by CPSC Mar 27, 2024
The product, in the report: soft white, 3-pack incandescent light bulb
Ordered several packages of GE light bulbs from Amazon.com (Amazon product code: 80020U2i08). One of the package of bulbs arrived at my house with broken bulbs & thus broken glass inside. Arrived 7-20-2023.
Opened package on 7-20-2023. Broken glass inside product box and product package. Had eye pain. Visited an urgent care center. contacted Amazon Customer Service. Was told someone would email me, rather than a phone call.
As of 8-10-2023, no emails, and no phone calls. Amazon order involved [REDACTED]. Emailed Amazon again on 8-10-2023 asking for a phone call from someone at Amazon who deals with customer injuries resulting from damaged products & broken glass in product boxes which then result in medical visits. Escalating to request help also because the front-line customer service agents at Amazon seem largely useless on this front. People who can actually help with safety & injjry issues at Amazon appear unreachable.
Later found that the glass from the broken bulb product box had also leaked out into the shipping container. Disposed of the shipping container. Examined the other bulb boxes for broken glass powder. Wiped them off so as to remove such powder (other product boxes which weren’t broken, but whcih were in the same shipping box as the bulb box which was broken).
Had to take time out of my workday to visit an urgent care clinic and to deal with this issue also. One day of personal time regarding impact, resulting and the eye pain.
(03/13/2024): I request that you forward my report to you, not only to the product manufacturer but also to the retailer Amazon.com. Note that the product manufacturer refused to provide any compensation for my time & trouble and medical visit & time off work. Amazon.com also refused to help. In any case, I wanted to ensure that Amazon.com will receive a copy of the report also, as sent to them by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Model
- G.25 Globe Incandescent E26
- Bought from
- Amazon.com
- Where
- Cottonwood Heights, Utah: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting, a Savant Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, Seen by Medical Professional
-
First aid Made Nov 30, 2021, sent to the company Dec 2, 2021, published by CPSC Dec 16, 2021
The product, in the report: 72 watt General Electric lightbulb made in Hungary.
A General Electric lightbulb exploded.
- Model
- 72watt softwhite
- UPC
- Can’t find
- Serial number
- Not sure
- Where
- Eagle, Idaho: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 61, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting, a Savant Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, First Aid Received by Non-Medical Professional
-
No one hurt Made Apr 30, 2021, sent to the company May 5, 2021, published by CPSC May 19, 2021
The product, in the report: Generic round “globe style” bathroom bulb. About 4” in diameter.
GE decorative bulb, round globe for above sink bathroom fixture. I heard a loud bang and two of the bulbs had exploded above my sink showering glass all over the place. If I had been at the sink, I would have probably been seriously injured.
- Model
- 40 WATT DECORATIVE BULB
- Serial number
- NONE
- Bought from
- Amazon.com
- Bought
- Mar 16, 2016
- Where
- Santa Fe, New Mexico: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 76, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting, a Savant Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Mar 2, 2021, sent to the company Apr 5, 2021, published by CPSC Apr 19, 2021
The product, in the report: 8-pack, 40 watt LED Lightbulb
The consumer indicates that he turned his lightbulb on and after about thirty minutes the unit exploded. The consumer notes that there are still four of the same lightbulbs installed on the same fixture.
The consumer states that the unit was used twice daily for about forty minutes each use, and that it is advertised as having a thirteen-year lifespan.
The consumer plans on keeping the lightbulb for at least the next thirty days in case an investigation ensues.
- Model
- A19
- Bought from
- Lowe’s, Georgia
- Bought
- Feb 1, 2021
- Where
- Brunswick, Georgia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting, a Savant Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 28, 2021, sent to the company Mar 3, 2021, published by CPSC Mar 17, 2021
The product, in the report: GE refresh LED Energetic Daylight HD light bulb, description LED8DAGDL9-LT4. Model Refresh Energetic Light LED UPC 4316844931
GE refresh LED energetic daylight light bulb, A19 medium base separates from the glass bulb causing possible shock or fire hazard. We purchased one box of these bulbs on 11/28/2020 and another 2 boxes on 12/10/2020. So far we have had three of these bulbs fail as shown in attached photos. I have 8 of these bulbs in use in a bathroom. Upon entering the room I cut on the light switch and notice when one of the bulbs is not illuminating. I reach to change the bulb and upon the slightest touch the glass portion it falls downward from the point where it separates from the A19 base. If one would to attempt to change the bulb without cutting the switch off then an electrocution hazard does exist. Even if power is removed by cutting off the switch a cut hazard exist if one does not catch the glass portion as it falls from the A19 base.
- Model
- Refresh Energetic Light LED
- UPC
- 4316844931
- Bought from
- Lowes
- Bought
- Dec 10, 2020
- Where
- Rio Rancho, New Mexico: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 64, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric (GE), made or sold by GE Lighting, a Savant Company
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Apr 8, 2019, sent to the company Apr 18, 2019, published by CPSC May 2, 2019
The product, in the report: GE 100 watt light bulb - product number 66249
On Friday night (3/29/2019) a light bulb exploded in a bedroom lamp. There were no injuries, however this was the third incident in the last year of these type light bulbs exploding. The second incident was in a bathroom fixture that casued slight burns to the marble sink and linoleum flooring. The product inquestion is a General Electric soft white 100W bulb that claims to use less energy (72w) and is sold in a four pack product number 66249. The packaging has a warning label that these bulbs may cause a fire or personal injury. This is totally unacceptable to have a product like this in the home in every room. I have been using thesee bulbs for about 2 years and only now have come to realize how utterly dangerous they are. They are imported from Hungry. Please do all you can to remove these from the US market place. My next action is to remove all of these from my home.
- Model
- 66249
- Bought from
- PETERSON AFB BASE EXCHAGE, Colorado
- Bought
- Mar 1, 2019, about then
- Where
- jCoLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 74, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand GENERAL ELECTRIC, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 24, 2018, sent to the company Sep 7, 2018, published by CPSC Sep 21, 2018
The product, in the report: GE Reveal decorative 40-watt G25 light bulbs
We purchased a 3-bulb pack of 40-watt GE Reveal decorative G25 bulbs from a local Lowe’s Home Center on 1 July 2018. Later in the month, one bulb failed within 24 hours of being inserted in a bathroom fixture; for a second bulb, the glass fell out of the base and hung by the wires within a day of being inserted, then fell into the sink and shattered when we attempted to remove it from the fixture.
The quick failure of the first bulb was obviously a trait of poor reliability, not worthy of the money paid. The failure of the second bulb was an obvious safety hazard, resulting in broken glass (including some very fine particles of glass) in the sink and on the counter top and floor, as well as the difficulty of removing the empty base with the light switch off and using a pair of pliers while another person held a flashlight in the darkened room.
- Model
- 3-bulb pack, 40-watt GE Reveal G25 bulbs, UPC 43168 11658
- UPC
- 43168 11658
- Serial number
- CTNINCG253RV40GE11658AHUN-01
- Bought from
- Lowe’s Home Center, Maryland
- Bought
- Jul 1, 2018
- Where
- Glen Burnie, Maryland: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 65, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric (GE Hungary Kft.), made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made May 1, 2018, sent to the company May 16, 2018, published by CPSC May 31, 2018
The product, in the report: GE soft white 100 watt bulbs
GE soft white incandescent bulbs exploding. Contain pressurized capsule inside which can explode. Result was molten glass exploding outward from bulbs. No injuries...we were out of the room both times, but carpet was melted and molten glass adhering to carpet. Carpet burned, table burned. If a person had been switching lamp at the time of explosion, result would have been severe, deep burns, with molten glass stuck inside lower dermal layer of skin.
Apparently many others have experienced this. Why are these bulbs even permitted to sell?
- Model
- GE soft white 100 watt bulbs
- Where
- Boise, Idaho: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Mar 29, 2018, sent to the company Jun 21, 2018, published by CPSC Jul 6, 2018
The product, in the report: GE 100W Soft White 2x Longer Life “Uses 28% Less Energy” GE’s Best soft white incandescent line (but it’s halogen).
I was watching TV in the living room. My honey was making bread dough in the kitchen. Out of the blue a light bulb exploded that had been installed in a wall mounted socket near the ceiling. It did not have a cover. Glass went everywhere. Some of it hit my head. Some went into the bread my honey was cooking. The bulb had been working fine... I don’t remember when it was purchased. The bulb was not subjected to any trauma or abuse before this happened. It was totally out of the blue! It shattered into many many small pieces of glass. Enough fragments were found to positively identify the bulb.
- Model
- GE: 72AWH/
2X-4/ 12LTP - UPC
- 4316870334
- Serial number
- RES# 1438177
- Bought from
- Hansons (Safeway)
- Bought
- Oct 1, 2017, about then
- Where
- Nome, Alaska: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 42, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Dec 2, 2017, sent to the company Dec 13, 2017, published by CPSC Jan 8, 2018
The product, in the report: halogen light bulb
We had 2 separate incidents of light bulbs exploding and sending glass shards and hot particles in all directions. Hot particles melted strands of carpeting on the floor below. The bulbs were installed in a ceiling fixture that was open on top and had good air circulation around it. The bulbs were manufactured in Hungary for General Electric. From the pieces left over in the light bulb socket, we think they were all halogen type bulbs. The incidents occurred in September 2016 and December 2017.
- Where
- Mt. Dora, Florida: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Hurt, no treatment Made Jul 19, 2017, sent to the company Jul 27, 2017, published by CPSC Aug 17, 2017
The product, in the report: GE Reveal lightbulb
On Saturday, July 15,2017 a GE Reveal lightbulb exploded on my daughter and I, there was glass all over us and I had a white powder on my legs. It left burn marks and cuts on me, and it burned holes and melted glass in my bedding.
- Where
- Townsend, United States: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 40, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
-
No one hurt Made May 21, 2017, sent to the company Jul 26, 2017, published by CPSC Aug 9, 2017
The product, in the report: GE “Reveal” 72 watt energy saving light bulb
A GE Reveal lightbulb, 72 Watts, overheated and exploded very violently. The bulb was installed in a ceiling fixture in a kitchen. I was in another room and saw a flash of light around the corner and heard a loud bang. When I came into the kitchen there was a smell of burning, and, looking up, I could see that the glass dome of the light fixture was full of broken glass and other objects. It was quite difficult to remove the bulb at first because the fixture, the ceiling, and everything inside the fixture had overheated so badly. The shards of glass were projected out of the bulb soap fiercely violently that they scored the inside of the fixture. And now the kitchen has fine dust of broken glass spread about because the explosion was so vigorous that a fine powder of broken glass escaped the light fixture. It was challenging to get the broken bulb out of fixture, because the glass was almost entirely missing. I believe these bulbs pose an extreme hazard. The bulb could easily have blinded someone nearby. There was a considerable risk of eye injury involved just in the cleanup. Besides that, the fixture and bulb were so overheated that there appears to be a genuine risk of these bulbs causing a fire.
- Model
- GE Reveal 72 watt bulb
- Bought from
- I’m not sure. I bought a number of these bulbs from Home Dep, California
- Bought
- Mar 15, 2017, about then
- Where
- Piedmont, California: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 16, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Child
- As this report names them
- Brand GE General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Apr 24, 2017, sent to the company Jun 16, 2017, published by CPSC Jun 30, 2017
The product, in the report: Product SKU 043168787987 General Electric
GE 78798 clear 100 watt bulb
Exploded in my kitchen table fixture. Glass went as far 12 ft.
- Model
- GE 100W crystal clear bulb
- UPC
- 043168787987
- Bought from
- Trevarrow Hardware
- Bought
- Mar 2, 2017
- Where
- Unspecified: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 52, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Mar 15, 2017, sent to the company Apr 25, 2017, published by CPSC May 9, 2017
The product, in the report: GE lightbulb 72W Hungary Ultra SW 120v
My kids had their light on for about an hour. A few minute after we turned off the light, I heard a loud noise and my kids screaming. The GE bulb in the ceiling fixture exploded. There was glass all over the room including on my 8 year old. The biggest piece of the bulb says Hungary and 72. There is white dust too.
- Where
- Colorado Springs, Colorado: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 8, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Child
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jan 9, 2017, sent to the company Jan 27, 2017, published by CPSC Feb 10, 2017
The product, in the report: GE 53W Halogen (75-watt replacement) 1050-Lumen A19 Light Bulb with Medium Base 78797
GE 53W halogen bulb (model 78797) in an overhead fixture exploded after being turned off and sent glass shards over the bed below it. Luckily, nobody was in the bed and injured.
- Model
- 78797
- Bought from
- Valu Home Center, Pennsylvania
- Bought
- Mar 1, 2016, about then
- Where
- Erie, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Dec 18, 2016, sent to the company Dec 27, 2016, published by CPSC Jan 19, 2017
The product, in the report: GE General Electric Soft White interior light bulb. 72Watt 120 Volt. Made in Hungary. F6 1270 lumens
We had a light bulb explode from our overhead kitchen lighting fixture last night as we were eating supper. It is an open type of fixture so shards of glass flew everywhere, including into our food! A bit of Google work revealed that we are not the first people to experience this. These bulbs are: GE Soft White 72W F6 made in Hungary, 1270 lumens. The bulb exploded from the inside out; there is a melted/burned hole in the element inside. The bulb had been turned on for at least an hour, possibly 4+ hours. There were no outside influencing factors such as water, vibration, etc.
- Model
- Soft White 72 Watt 1270 lumens 120 volt
- Bought from
- Super One, Menards or Mills Fleet/
Farm, Minnesota - Bought
- Sep 7, 2016
- Where
- BRAINERD, Minnesota: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 54, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Not said Made Oct 21, 2016, sent to the company Oct 31, 2016, published by CPSC Nov 15, 2016
The product, in the report: GE Reveal 60 Watt Halogen clean beautiful light.
GE Reveal 60W Halogen light bulb exploded this AM in our bathroom sending shards of glass everywhere. Product Code: PC67770
Dangerous and was smoking - possible fire hazard. If someone had been in the bathroom at the time a serious injury might have resulted.
- Model
- PC:6770
- UPC
- 0431686777707
- Bought from
- Duvall Hardware
- Bought
- Mar 15, 2016, about then
- Where
- Duvall, Washington: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Unspecified
-
No one hurt Made Oct 15, 2016, sent to the company Oct 24, 2016, published by CPSC Nov 7, 2016
The product, in the report: GE LED light bulb (LED14DA21V/827W, 120 VAC, 60Hz, 14 W, 140 mA, 1100 lumens)
A GE LED bulb (LED14DA21V/827W, 120 VAC, 60Hz, 14 W, 140 mA, 1100 lumens) in a hanging chandelier above our kitchen table caught on fire. Fortunately, I was seated at the table when the incident occurred and promptly turned off electrical power to the chandelier.
The chandelier hangs about 2.5 feet from the ceiling and contains a single light bulb that is well ventilated from all sides. Room temperature during the incident was around 70 F and a window next to the table was open, drawing cool air from outside. Outside temperature was below 70 F. Time of day was around 10 am. The bulb was on for the 1 hour leading up to the incident.
Incident: while seated at the kitchen table reading the newspaper, I heard a sudden buzzing sound from the chandelier. The led bulb then started smoking from the top with sparks and flames following. My first thought was, “is this going to catch my house on fire!” I promptly got up and switched off electrical power to the chandelier, which immediately stopped the sparks and flames. Smoking continued.
- Model
- LED14DA21V/
827W (also see photos of bulb) - UPC
- 043168309134
- Serial number
- CTNLEDA21214GE30913ASCH-01
- Bought
- Feb 1, 2016, about then
- Where
- Bloomington, Indiana: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 50, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Aug 21, 2015, sent to the company Aug 31, 2015, published by CPSC Sep 22, 2015
The product, in the report: GE 72 w 120 volt bulb.
A GE lightbulb being used in our bedroom light fixture literally exploded and all the fragments burned whole through my bed linens and carpet. It smelled of smoke. In all my years if using and replacing light bulbs this has never happened. I couldn’t believe it actually exploded.
- Where
- Unspecified: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 2, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Child
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Not said Made Aug 9, 2015, sent to the company Aug 17, 2015, published by CPSC Aug 31, 2015
The product, in the report: A GE Helical 17W fluorescent light bulb part number FLE17HLX/8/SW
A GE Helical 17W fluorescent light bulb part number FLE17HLX/8/SW caught fire while in use. Lucky for us our daughters were in the room and saw this or it very likely would have caught our house on fire as it was installed in a ceiling fixture. The fixture does not have a dimmer and is turned on and off ~ 4-5 times/day.
- Model
- Helical 17W FLE17HLX/
8/ SW - Where
- Burlington, Wisconsin: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Unspecified
-
No one hurt Made Jun 9, 2015, sent to the company Jun 17, 2015, published by CPSC Jul 1, 2015
The product, in the report: GE Halogen energy-efficient soft white 72 watt light bulb A19/67295
I was in a small closed in room (bathroom) when one of our GE Halogen 72 watts, 100 watt replacement, A19/67295 bulbs exploded. If I had been facing the bulb which was over the sink I probably would have lost an eye. As it is, I was several feet away from the bulb when it exploded and I still had pieces of the bulb stuck in my shirt and in my hair.
- Model
- A19/
67295 - UPC
- 4316813881
- Where
- Carrabelle, Florida: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 65, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric Halogen, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Mar 19, 2015, sent to the company Jun 15, 2015, published by CPSC Jun 29, 2015
The product, in the report: Incandescent Light Bulb (Pack of 2) 120V 1270 Lumens Soft White 72 Watts PC: 66249 Made in China Explanation: The consumer’s intention was to have this bulb examined by the proper personnel at a lab to determine why this happened, and to require GE to issue a recall. Changes could then be made to the product by GE. In addition, and aquaintenance to the consumer afterward that the same thing happened to her! What this means, potentially, is that lightbulbs of this kind are exploding all over the United States, but most people will not take the time to report to you. The consumer hopes you will take the necessary steps to get this dangerous item off the market. In the meantime, the consumer will hold on to the broken pieces, should anyone at CPSC want to examine them. They are in a box cushioned by tissue paper, so they can be safely handled or mailed to a lab.
The consumer stated that she entered the bedroom where the light was on.
When she walked in, there was a loud bang and she heard glass falling within 3-4 feet radius of the floor lamp.
The consumer stated that she noticed that the light bulb had exploded. The consumer stated that when she looked at the remains of the bulb, it looks different from usual bulbs. She does not believe it was tested properly.
The consumer picked up and vacuumed the glass, retaining larger pieces for their identifying info. The consumer bought this in a pack of 2. She still has the second bulb.
- Model
- Incandescent Light Bulb
- UPC
- 043168662499
- Bought
- Jul 1, 2014, about then
- Where
- Washington DC, District of Columbia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Dec 31, 2014, sent to the company Jan 9, 2015, published by CPSC Feb 2, 2015
The product, in the report: ge reveal 100w bulb
A GE 110W reveal light bulb exploded in the bathroom fixture as I was in the bathroom showering me with glass
- Model
- 100watt ge reveal halogen bulb
- UPC
- 043168626187
- Serial number
- ?
- Bought from
- home depot
- Bought
- Dec 2, 2014, about then
- Where
- lockport, New York: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 55, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand general electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Not said Made Jul 7, 2014, sent to the company Jul 17, 2014, published by CPSC Jul 31, 2014
The product, in the report: Compact fluorescent light bulb, 27 watt.
When I turned the lamp, it light up only dimly. I left it on thinking it would warm up and come to full brightness. Within 5 minutes I smelled smoke and there was smoke and a small visible flame coming out of the base of the light bulb, where the flourescent tube comes out of the ceramic base. Had no one been home, it could have very easily caught the lamp and then the whole house on fire.
- Model
- Helical 27W FLE27HLX/
8/ SW - Serial number
- N6AFJEEJL0898
- Where
- Boalsburg, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Unspecified
-
No one hurt Made Jun 18, 2014, sent to the company Jul 11, 2014, published by CPSC Jul 25, 2014
The product, in the report: GE light bulb, J3, 12 W, 120 V Lumens 2XLife
Dear U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
I am sharing my experience with a General Electric (GE) light bulb that is a potential hazard. See enclosed photos for identification.
On Mothers Day, May 11th, 2014 we had three of these light bulbs installed in a fixture in our bathroom. One of the light bulbs exploded sending hot debris all over the bathroom. The expelled debris from the bulb burned a half-dozen spots in the vinyl flooring, similar to a small cigarette burn.
Luckily my wife who was in the bathroom at the time was not injured, but it certainly made a terrible mess with broken glass all over the place. Looking at the bum marks on the floor there was the potential of serious personal injury from the flying hot flying glass chards and possibly molten metal. The bulb was in a fixture that pointed up (see enclosed photos). The force of the explosion ejected the remnants against the ceiling and as far away as 6 feet.
This was no simple popped bulb, but a small explosion. I have witnessed popped bulbs before in applications where they were abused such as rough service applications, dropped, hit with water, overheated and the like. But never anything like this, this was truly scary and a hazard. I immediately removed the other two bulbs and replaced them with different style of bulbs that I have used for years.
There were not a storm lightening event, no voltage surges, and no, water spray was not the cause despite the location in the bathroom. Even if a water drop did manage to touch the bulb, it should have merely broken the bulb, not caused an explosion. There is no warning these bulbs are not to be used in a bathroom, although I doubt that to be the problem.
The problem appears to me to be the very design of the bulb. These bulbs appear to be of a very different design from standard incandescent bulbs, nothing like I have seen before. Normal bulbs appear to have a very small gauge conductors leading from the base to the filament. Inside these bulbs is actually a smaller bulb that appears to be halogen or some other type of light. See enclosed picture. This inner bulb has very thick glass. My theory is the outer shell had some type of leak in it allowing air and oxygen to enter causing the conductors to the inner light to overheat which caused the explosion. Regardless of my theory, the thing is a suspect design and poses a huge risk to anyone that uses it. It didn’t just go “pop”, it went “boom”. It’s an 110 volt bomb.
This is a scary product and I’m hoping by sharing my experience I can avoid someone being seriously hurt. If that hot debris struck the floor and melted it struck someones eye that could have caused very serious injuries. We could have spent Mother’s Day in the ER. Luckily next year we are planning on replacing the tub and at the same time replacing the flooring, so we will just put up with the burn marks in the mean time thankful no one got hurt. Something like this should never happen ... ever. If someone does not look into this, someone will be seriously injured or blinded.
- Model
- J3
- Where
- Wauconda, Illinois: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Nov 4, 2013, sent to the company Nov 13, 2013, published by CPSC Nov 27, 2013
The product, in the report: GE Soft white Long Life 60 W (uses 43W) modified spectrum general purpose halogen bulbs. UPC code 4316870336
Purchased GE Soft White Long Life general purpose Halogen Bulbs. Put one into a lamp and used the light for several hours. Turned lamp switch and light went out. Then, several minutes later, light bulb exploded.
- Model
- DESC: 43AW/
H2X-4/ 12LTP - UPC
- 4316870336
- Bought from
- Lowes
- Bought
- Oct 19, 2013, about then
- Where
- Montclair, Virginia: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 62, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jun 9, 2013, sent to the company Jun 17, 2013, published by CPSC Jul 1, 2013
The product, in the report: Light bulbs used in ceiling fans. 60 watt clear glass intermediate “A15” base, by GE.
In November of 2008 I purchased a [REDACTED] ceiling fan, unknown model number (photo attached), which included a three light light package. Within months of installing and using the fan in a breakfast nook, I experienced never before seen light bulb issues. The glass bulbs in this fan would separate from the base and detach, leaving the glass bulb to hang. The bulb would stop functioning.
I soon learned that the only location I could purchase the correct sized bulb was at Home Depot. Home Depot apparently had special arrangements with GE for the sale of this replacement bulb. The bulb is a 60 watt, “multi use A15 intermediate base” bulb, for use in ceiling fans.
As the glass part of the bulb was no longer attached to the base, I was forced on at least five different occasions over the past 4 years to unscrew the base from the socket using needle nose pliers, in order to replace the broken bulbs.
On the night of April 7, 2013 I turned the lights on, and immediately began hearing a strange buzzing and humming noise. The fan was not on. One of the light bulbs began flickering, and soon started making an arching noise, as the bulb dropped away from the base. The sound from the bulb was like nothing I had heard before. Luckily I was in the adjacent room at the time, and was able to get to the light switch and shut off the power to the fan lights.
The light bulb was smoking. Pieces of black charcoal debris had fallen to the table below. The glass part of the bulb had fallen to the table, leaving the base and filament attached to the socket. This time I had a much more difficult time extracting the base from the socket, as it appeared to have melted to the socket.
That particular socket will no longer function, as no bulbs work in it anymore.
I plan on contacting [REDACTED] to see if I can get a replacement light package. If not, I will just buy one to replace this light package. If that isn’t an option, I will replace the whole fan setup. I do not want to have to use these GE bulbs any longer, as I feel they are a significant fire and electrocution hazard. I’m thankful I was home at the time of the bulb failure, and that none of my children, or my wife, was near the kitchen at the time.
The light bulb was smoking. Pieces of black charcoal debris had fallen to the table below. The glass part of the bulb had fallen to the table, leaving the base and filament attached to the socket. This time I had a much more difficult time extracting the base from the socket, as it appeared to have melted to the socket.
That particular socket will no longer function, as no bulbs work in it anymore.
I plan on contacting [REDACTED] to see if I can get a replacement light package. If not, I will just buy one to replace this light package. If that isn’t an option, I will replace the whole fan settup. I do not want to have to use these GE bulbs any longer, as I feel they are a significant fire and electrocution hazard. I’m thankful I was home at the time of the bulb failure, and that none of my children, or my wife,was near the kitchen at the time.
- Model
- 60 Crystal Clear A15 Intermediate base multi-purpose bulb
- Bought from
- Home Depot
- Bought
- Jan 16, 2013, about then
- Where
- Chandler, Arizona: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 46, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Hurt, no treatment Made Feb 20, 2013, sent to the company Feb 28, 2013, published by CPSC Mar 15, 2013
The product, in the report: General Electric CFL Light Bulb FLE 20 HT3/2/SW
CFL Light Bulb malfunctioned and emitted smoke and flames from it’s base causing smoke incident.
- Model
- FLE 20 HT3/
2/ SW - Where
- Girdwood, Alaska: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 59, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
-
No one hurt Made Jan 28, 2013, sent to the company Mar 4, 2013, published by CPSC Mar 26, 2013
The product, in the report: Light bulbs shape like flames
The consumer stated that she had the light on in her dining room for approximately 3 hours. The consumer stated that she came in to the dining room and found the bulb was hanging from the base of the bulb. The consumer stated that it seemed as though the bulb had exploded and it was black.
The consumer stated that the bulb exploded from the base. The consumer stated that her light fixture was not damaged.
The consumer stated that she had purchased a pack of 6 bulbs and she experienced the same problems with 4 of them.
The consumer stated that no one was injured.
The consumer stated that she believes this product should be investigated do to the safety hazard that it poses to the consumer.
- Model
- Unknown
- UPC
- Unknown
- Serial number
- Unknown
- Bought from
- Walmart, Pennsylvania
- Bought
- Jan 1, 2012, about then
- Where
- Bethel Park, Pennsylvania: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
Hurt, no treatment Made Jan 17, 2013, sent to the company Feb 7, 2013, published by CPSC Feb 22, 2013
The product, in the report: General Electric REVEAL brand , light bulbs. 60-Watt Reveal Decorative Blunt Candelabra Bulb - 2-Pack
We purchased several General Electric GE 60-Watt Reveal Decorative Blunt Candelabra Bulbs about 10 months ago. Out of the 12 bulbs we purchased all but two had the glass come out of the screw-in base. The adhesive used to hold the glass bulbs in place fails, leaving the bulb dangling by the wires until it too fails!
Not only is this dangerous as it may short and cause fires, but once they fail and fall out of their screw-in socket, the bulbs socket remains in the lamp and is Very Difficult to remove! Cut my finger attempting to get the base out of the lamp
- Model
- 120 volt 60 watt reveal
- Bought from
- Menards
- Bought
- Jan 31, 2012, about then
- Where
- plainfield, Illinois: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 59, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric “REVEAL” 60 watt light bulbs, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Injury, No First Aid or Medical Attention Received
-
No one hurt Made Mar 13, 2012, sent to the company May 11, 2012, published by CPSC Jun 1, 2012
The product, in the report: General Electric Incandescent Light bulb
The consumer wanted to illustrate that her light bulb is a potential fire hazard as the light began a near fire. The consumer stated that the 100 watt incandescent bulb was inserted into a lamp in her living. The consumer saw that the light bulb began to spark and smoke after the bulb was on for 30 minutes. The consumer unplugged the lamp from the wall outlet immediately after. The consumer is unsure if the light bulb is UL listed.
The consumer stated that the bulb remained intact but the bulb is blacked at the insertion and the insertion of the lamp is also blackened. The consumer feels that the incident was called by the light bulb. The consumer purchased the light in a pack of multiple bulbs. (exact amount unknown) The consumer stated that there was no extensive property damage. The consumer has not tried to put another bulb in that light fixture as of yet.
The consumer has not called the firm about the incident. The consumer took the product to the retailer today and will help her file a complaint on these incidents. The store has noticed 245 plus complaints on this matter. The consumer did not call her local fire department at the time of the incident and was not injured.
- Bought from
- Ye Olde Lamp Design and Shade, LTD
- Where
- Brandon, Mississippi: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Oct 11, 2011, sent to the company Oct 18, 2011, published by CPSC Nov 1, 2011
The product, in the report: GE FLE 20HT3/2/SW Compact florescent bulb.
A GE Compact florescent bulb type FLE20HT3/2/SW was located in a lamp (inverted free standing bulb,) which was located in our living room. The lamp is a 120v and was plugged into a home outlet powered by 110v. On the night of 10 Oct 11 at approx 11:30 pm, my wife had gone to the kitchen and noticed a strong “ burning smell” and summoned me to the room. A quick examination noted that the florescent bulb was smoking from its base and putting out light at approx 5% of its normal.
I immediately reached down and unplugged the lamp. The bulb continued to smoulder for several minutes. Upon taking it out of the lamp, the base was noted to be very hot to the touch.
We later replaced the bulb with a conventional incandescent bulb. The lamp was plugged in and turned on and functioned without problem.
I have enclosed pictures of the bulb.
I have no doubt that should this have continued it would have lead to a fire.
- Model
- GE FLE 20HT3/
2/ SW - UPC
- unknown
- Serial number
- None
- Bought from
- Wal Mart
- Bought
- Jul 1, 2009
- Where
- Claremore, Oklahoma: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 53, Male
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Self
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jul 27, 2011, published by CPSC Sep 15, 2011
The product, in the report: Light bulb Z019 Helical 15W 120VAC 50Hz 230m,A FLE 15HT 3/2/5W UL Listed 6G49
Consumer stated that the light bulb was on for approximately 1 hour, she noticed that the light started fading in and out and then she heard a rattling noise and discovered that flames were emitting from the base of the bulb. She immediately power the switch off and her spouse removed the light bulb to prevent any damages. Consumer stated that had she not have been home, there would have been a house fire.
Consumer stated that she emailed the manufacturer and was advised that the bulbs will smoke but will not emit flames.
Consumer is concerned that this light bulb is a fire hazard and should be reported.
- Model
- Z019 Helical 15W 120VAC 50Hz 230m,A FLE 15HT 3/
2/ 5W - UPC
- n/
a - Serial number
- unknown
- Bought from
- Walmart, Michigan
- Bought
- Jul 1, 2010, about then
- Where
- East Tawas, Michigan: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Unspecified
- The reporter’s relation to them
- Unspecified
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
-
No one hurt Made Jun 3, 2011, published by CPSC Jun 24, 2011
The product, in the report: General Electric compact fluorescent light-bulb: Helical 20 Watt 120 VAC 60 Hertz 300 milliampere Part number FLE 20HT3/2/SW followed by a marking “FC”. Underwriter’s Laboratory # 6G49. UL is in a circle that also contains a registered trademark logo R. The words shock listed are next to the 6G49 number.
I smelled a burning odor and went to the living-room and found smoke coming from the top of the floor lamp. I immediately unplugged the floor lamp. I then tilted the lamp to see what the problem was and noticed the base of the CFL bulb had a burnt appearance. I removed the bulb and, on closer inspection, found charring near the base of the helical tubes. It also appears that the base was starting to melt. I could not determine if the helical glass had broken. I know CFL bulbs contain mercury, so I checked the bulb for a Hg (mercury) marking, which I found. I am worried not only about the potential fire hazard these bulbs present, but that my wife and I may have either handled mercury or inhaled it’s vapors. I did some research on the Internet and found numerous incidents where CFLs had either “smoked or burned” exactly as mine (I could not see the bulb until after I unplugged the light and don’t know if it was actually burning). I think these bulbs are both a fire hazard and a potential health risk.
- Model
- FLE 20HT3/
2/ SW - Bought from
- Walmart, Montana
- Bought
- Nov 15, 2010, about then
- Where
- Missoula, Montana: Home/
Apartment/ Condominium - Who was involved
- Age 56, Female
- The reporter’s relation to them
- My Spouse
- As this report names them
- Brand General Electric, made or sold by GE Appliances & Lighting
- How badly, in CPSC’s words
- Incident, No Injury
CPSC’s disclaimer
Disclaimer: CPSC does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of the Publicly Available Consumer Product Safety Information Database on SaferProducts.gov, particularly with respect to information submitted by people outside of CPSC.
Word for word, from the disclaimer in CPSC’s export.
Sources
Sources
-
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, SaferProducts.gov public database export.
Released Oct 31, 2026 and checked Oct 31, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Reports of harm are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on SaferProducts.gov. CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record.