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CPSC, Universal Security Instruments Announce Recall of Smoke Alarms

U.S. CPSCFireBurnsMay 25, 2000
Recalled smoke alarm
Recalled smoke alarm

Photos from the official notice: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · image rights

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.

Remedy

Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm.

Incidents & injuries

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.

Product description

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.

Sold on

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.

Contact the company

Consumers may call Universal Security Instruments Inc. toll-free at (800) 390-4321 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

What should I do?

Stop using the product and follow the remedy below. Contact the company for a refund, repair or replacement — recall remedies are free.

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