Fire Control Instruments Recalls Audio Evacuation Units for Sleep Mode Defect
Fire Control Instruments is recalling 276 Audio Evacuation Units that may enter a sleep mode, preventing audible evacuation signals from operating during emergencies.
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 (fire warning system) where failure could prevent occupants from being warned of an emergency, fitting the rubric criterion for risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.
Plain-English summary
Fire Control Instruments, of Westwood, Mass., is recalling 276 Audio Evacuation Units (AEUs) used in FireVac 7200 System Control Units. The recall includes all FCI AEUs (part number 1100-1171) manufactured prior to April 12, 2003, specifically V5 versions below V5.2-008 and V6 versions below V6.0.14. A label in the left center of the circuit board reads "FCI 7200" and "AEU."
The hazard is that the AEU can enter a "sleep" mode where it does not communicate with the system. When this occurs, audible evacuation signals associated with the failed AEU will not operate, and building occupants may not be warned of an emergency. Fire Control Instruments has received seven reports of AEUs unexpectedly entering this sleep mode, but no injuries have been reported.
The units were sold to FCI distributors nationwide from January 1998 through April 11, 2003, for a list price of $825. Fire Control Instruments will provide a new software chip set for each FireVac System at no charge. Distributors who do not receive the new software chip set or have additional questions should contact their customer service representative at (800) 633-1311 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
The recalled product
- Product
- Audio Evacuation Unit
- Manufacturer
- Fire Control Instruments, of Westwood, Mass.
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 276
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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