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PQL Inc. announced on February 26, 2026 that it is recalling approximately 186,520 High Bay Linear LED light fixtures because retaining pins used to secure the LED board inside some units can degrade, allowing the LED board to come loose inside the fixture and posing a fire hazard. [1] The company has received one report of a LED light fixture catching fire, but no injuries have been reported. [1]
Retaining Pin Degradation Defect
The recalled light fixtures contain retaining pins designed to secure LED boards inside the units. These retaining pins degrade over time, failing to hold the LED board in its proper position within the fixture.
When retaining pins degrade, the LED board becomes loose inside the fixture, creating contact with other components and generating excessive heat. The loose LED board can cause electrical arcing, short circuits, and ignition of fixture materials, resulting in fires that can spread to surrounding structures.
Affected Products
The recall includes rectangular, white, metal High Bay Linear LED light fixtures available in 2-foot or 4-foot-wide configurations. Model numbers are located on the back of the fixtures.
2-foot-wide models: 55202, 55203, 55208, 55209, 55209-WC, 55213, 55214, 55222, 55223, 55225, 55226, 55227, 55228, 55360, 55361, 55362, 55363, 55477, 55478, 55480, 55481, 55482, 55483, 55484, 55485, 55504, 55505, 55506, 55507, 55508, 55511, 55512, 55514, 55515, 55518, 55534, 55535, 55536, 55537, 55538, 55539, 55710, 55711, 55712, 55713, 55714, 55715.
4-foot-wide models: 55213, 55214, 55215, 55230, 55231, 55232, 55364, 55365, 55366, 55367, 55487, 55491, 55492, 55510, 55521, 55716, 55717, 55720, 55722.
Distribution and Sales
PQL sold the defective High Bay Linear LED light fixtures at stores nationwide including LED Indy, Universal Lighting of America Inc., and Independent Lighting from January 2016 through June 2025. The fixtures were also sold online during this period for prices ranging from $50 to $350.
Jiangsu Ever-Tie Lighting Co., Ltd. of China manufactured the fixtures, which were labeled as made in Hong Kong. PQL Inc. of Simi Valley, California imported and distributed the products throughout the United States.
Fire Incident Reported
PQL received one report of a recalled LED light fixture catching fire. While no injuries have been reported, the fire demonstrates the serious danger posed by degrading retaining pins and loose LED boards.
Commercial and Industrial Exposure
High bay LED fixtures are typically installed in commercial warehouses, manufacturing facilities, gymnasiums, retail stores, and other buildings with high ceilings. The defective fixtures pose fire hazards in occupied commercial spaces where employees, customers, and visitors are present during business hours.
Fires in commercial and industrial facilities can spread rapidly, threatening lives and causing millions of dollars in property damage, inventory loss, and business interruption. The nine-year distribution period means defective fixtures remain installed in thousands of locations across the United States.
Remedy and Consumer Actions
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled High Bay Linear LED light fixtures and contact PQL for free replacement retaining pins. Consumers must register their products at pqlighting.com/product-recall-notice to receive replacement parts.
PQL can be contacted toll-free at 805-416-5251 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, by email at safety@pqlighting.com, or online at pqlighting.com. The recall is designated as a Fast Track Recall under CPSC recall number 26-278.
Manufacturing Defect
The retaining pin degradation represents a fundamental manufacturing or design defect that allows critical components to fail during normal use. PQL and Jiangsu Ever-Tie Lighting Co., Ltd. failed to ensure retaining pins would maintain structural integrity throughout the expected lifespan of the LED fixtures.
Inadequate Quality Control
The widespread nature of the defect affecting 186,520 units demonstrates inadequate quality control and testing during manufacturing and importation. PQL failed to detect retaining pin degradation issues before distributing products nationwide over nearly a decade.
Legal Claims
Strict products liability claims allege PQL and Jiangsu Ever-Tie Lighting manufactured and sold defective LED light fixtures with retaining pins that degrade and fail to secure LED boards, creating fire hazards. Manufacturing defect claims assert the degrading retaining pins deviate from product specifications and industry safety standards.
Design defect claims allege the retaining pin system is inherently flawed and unable to maintain LED board security throughout the product’s expected lifespan. Negligence claims assert PQL breached its duty to implement adequate quality control testing to identify retaining pin degradation before distribution.
Property Damage Claims
Property owners who suffered fire damage from defective PQL High Bay LED fixtures may recover for building repairs, replacement of damaged inventory and equipment, business interruption losses, and diminished property values. Commercial tenants may seek damages for destroyed inventory, lost business income during repairs, and relocation expenses.
Personal Injury Claims
Individuals injured in fires caused by defective LED fixtures may recover damages for burn injuries, smoke inhalation injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. Wrongful death claims may arise if fires caused by defective fixtures result in fatalities.
Class Action Potential
The recall of 186,520 defective LED fixtures sold nationwide over nine years creates a class of consumers and businesses who purchased identical products with the same retaining pin defect. Class action litigation allows efficient resolution of common claims regarding PQL’s manufacturing defects and failure to ensure product safety.
Economic Loss
Even property owners who did not experience fires suffered economic losses from purchasing defective LED fixtures that pose fire hazards. Consumers paid for safe, functional lighting products but received dangerous fixtures requiring immediate shutdown and replacement.
Contact an Attorney
If you experienced a fire caused by a PQL High Bay Linear LED light fixture, or suffered property damage or injuries, contact a product liability attorney immediately. Preserve the fixture, purchase receipts, photographs of fire damage, fire department reports, and all communications with PQL regarding the recall.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/PQL-Recalls-High-Bay-Linear-LED-Light-Fixtures-Due-to-Fire-Hazard