Kidde Recalls Fire Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge and Nozzle Detachment: One Death Reported
Recall 18022 · Nov 2, 2017 · Kidde
37,800,000
units affected
37,800,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 18022
- Date
- Nov 2, 2017
- Company
- Kidde
- Units affected
- 37,800,000
- Product
- Kidde fire extinguishers with plastic handles
- Remedy
- Replacement
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
This recall involves two styles of Kidde fire extinguishers: plastic handle fire extinguishers and push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers. Plastic handle fire extinguishers: The recall involves 134 models of Kidde fire extinguishers manufactured between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017, including models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. The extinguishers were sold in red, white and silver, and are either ABC- or BC-rated. The model number is printed on the fire extinguisher label. For units produced in 2007 and beyond, the date of manufacture is a 10-digit date code printed on the side of the cylinder, near the bottom. Digits five through nine represent the day and year of manufacture in DDDYY format. Date codes for recalled models manufactured from January 2, 2012 through August 15, 2017 are 00212 through 22717. For units produced before 2007, a date code is not printed on the fire extinguisher. Plastic-handle models produced between January 1, 1973 and October 25, 2015 2A40BC Gillette TPS-1 1A10BC Sams SM 340 6 RAP Home 10BC Sanford 1A10BC 6 TAP Home 1A10BC Sanford 2A40BC Ademco 720 1A10BC Home 2A40BC Sanford TPS-1 1A10BC Ademco 722 2A40BC Home H-10 10BC Sanford TPS-1 2A40BC ADT 3A40BC Home H-110 1A10BC Sears 2RPS 5BC All Purpose 2A40BC Home H-240 2A-40BC Sears 58033 10BC Bicentenial RPS-2 10BC Honeywell 1A10BC Sears 58043 1A10BC Bicentenial TPS-2 1A-10BC Honeywell TPS-1 1A10BC Sears 5805 2A40BC Costco 340 J.L.
What can happen
The fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard.
The fix
Consumers should immediately contact Kidde to request a free replacement fire extinguisher and for instructions on returning the recalled unit, as it may not work properly in a fire emergency. Note: This recall includes fire extinguisher models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. Kidde branded fire extinguishers included in these previously announced recalls should also be replaced. All affected model numbers are listed in the charts above.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- The firm is aware of a 2014 death involving a car fire following a crash. Emergency responders could not get the recalled Kidde fire extinguishers to work. There have been approximately 391 reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment, including the fatality, approximately 16 injuries, including smoke inhalation and minor burns, and approximately 91 reports of property damage.
- Sold at
- Menards, Montgomery Ward, Sears, The Home Depot, Walmart and other department, home and hardware stores nationwide, and online at Amazon.com, ShopKidde.com and other online retailers for between $12 and $50 and for about $200 for model XL 5MR.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled kidde fire extinguishers with plastic handles?
Consumers should immediately contact Kidde to request a free replacement fire extinguisher and for instructions on returning the recalled unit, as it may not work properly in a fire emergency. Note: This recall includes fire extinguisher models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. Kidde.
What is the hazard?
The fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.