The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·03552·Announced 2003-09-03

GE Interlogix Recalls ESL Smoke Detectors Due to Failure Risk

GE Interlogix is recalling 14,000 ESL smoke detectors because they may fail to detect fire or smoke, posing a serious hazard to occupants.

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 risk-of-harm product (smoke detector failure) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

GE Interlogix (GEI) of Tualatin, Oregon, is recalling approximately 14,000 ESL 500N smoke detectors. The recall involves hard-wired units with specific model numbers (521NB, 521NCSXT, 541NB, 541NCSXT, 541NCXTE, 521NBXT, 521NCSRXT, 541NBXT, 541NCSRH, 541NCSXTE, 521NCRXT, 541NCRXT, and 541NCSRXT) and manufacturing date codes ranging from 0223 to 0323 (23rd week of 2002 through 23rd week of 2003). These units were sold or installed by distributors, dealers, and installers of security systems nationwide between June 2002 and June 2003 for between $125 and $17.

The recalled smoke detectors may fail to work properly upon installation or if there is an extended loss of power. If the alarms fail to detect fire or smoke, it poses a serious hazard to occupants inside the dwelling. The company has received no reports of incidents, and the recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries. Units that may not work properly can be identified by the lack of a flashing red indicator light, though all units with the aforementioned model and date codes should be replaced.

Consumers should contact GEI at (800) 648-7422 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday to receive free installation of a replacement smoke detector. Consumers can also contact their installer or service provider to determine if they have a recalled unit and to arrange for the free installation of a new unit.

The recalled product

Product
ESL Smoke Detectors
Manufacturer
GE Interlogix (GEI), of Tualatin, Ore.
Category
Consumer Product — Smoke Detectors
Hazard
Affected units
14,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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