Safety regulator, Universal Security Instruments Announce Recall of Smoke Alarms
Recall 00115 · May 25, 2000 · Universal Security Instruments Inc.
34,000
units affected
34,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 00115
- Date
- May 25, 2000
- Company
- Universal Security Instruments Inc.
- Units affected
- 34,000
- Product
- Smoke alarms
- Product type
- Smoke Detectors/Alarms
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
Consumers can identify the recalled models by removing the alarm cover from its base and looking for the manufacture date code and model number. The smoke alarms are made of white plastic and have the manufacture date code and model number imprinted on the back of the alarm. Brand Model Number Description Date Code Safe T Alert SA-785 AC only unit BCSR Universal SS-785 AC unit only BCSR Universal SS-795 AC/DC unit w/ battery backup BESS USI Electric USI-1203 AC/DC unit w/ battery backup BESS Some alarms do not have the brand name printed on the unit. Consumers should look at the model number to determine if it is a recalled alarm.
What can happen
The smoke alarms can fail to alarm when smoke or fire is present. A capacitor in the alarm can burn out, releasing smoke and melting the cover.
The fix
Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Universal has received three reports of alarms failing, releasing smoke. There has been one report of minor smoke damage to the wall of a mobile home. No injuries have been reported.
- Sold at
- Electrical distributors, housing suppliers, and hardware stores sold these smoke alarms nationwide, from April 1998 through June 1999, for between $10 and $15. Most of these smoke alarms were pre-installed in homes during construction.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled smoke alarms?
Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm.
What is the hazard?
The smoke alarms can fail to alarm when smoke or fire is present. A capacitor in the alarm can burn out, releasing smoke and melting the cover.
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.