The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·00115·Announced 2000-05-25

Universal Security Instruments Recalls Smoke Alarms Due to Failure Risk

Universal Security Instruments is recalling about 34,000 smoke alarms because a capacitor can burn out, causing the alarm to fail and release smoke.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a life-safety product (smoke alarm) that can fail to alarm during a fire, which is a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Universal Security Instruments Inc. is recalling approximately 34,000 smoke alarms sold nationwide from April 1998 through June 1999. The recall is due to a defect where a capacitor in the alarm can burn out, releasing smoke and melting the cover. This failure can prevent the alarm from sounding when smoke or fire is present.

The affected models are made of white plastic and include the Safe T Alert SA-785, Universal SS-785, Universal SS-795, and USI Electric USI-1203. Consumers can identify the recalled units by removing the alarm cover and checking the back for specific model numbers and manufacture date codes (BCSR or BESS). Most of these alarms were pre-installed in homes during construction and sold for between $10 and $15.

Universal has received three reports of alarms failing and releasing smoke, including one report of minor smoke damage to a mobile home wall. No injuries have been reported. Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. toll-free at (800) 390-4321 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, to receive a free replacement alarm.

The recalled product

Product
Smoke alarms
Manufacturer
Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md.
Category
Consumer Product — Smoke Detectors/Alarms
Hazard
Affected units
34,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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