The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·04534·Announced 2004-02-12

GE Security Recalls Carbon Monoxide Alarms Due to Software Error

GE Security is recalling approximately 74,000 carbon monoxide alarms that fail to detect carbon monoxide after one year due to a software error.

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 (carbon monoxide alarm) that fails to detect a high-risk hazard (carbon monoxide) without providing an indication of inoperability. Although no injuries have been reported, the risk of harm from undetected carbon monoxide exposure justifies a High severity rating under the rubric for risk-of-harm products.

Plain-English summary

GE Security, Inc. is recalling approximately 74,000 ESL SafeAir 240-COE Carbon Monoxide alarms. These hard-wired units are white, rectangular, and measure about 6 inches long by 2.75 inches high. The front of the units displays "CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM" and "DO NOT PAINT," while the back displays "240-Coe," "SENTROL," and a four-digit date code ending in "T." Only units with date codes ranging from 0045T (November 2000) to 0235T (August 2002) are included in this recall.

The recalled units fail to detect carbon monoxide after one year of operation due to an internal software error. Additionally, these alarms do not provide an "end of life" signal or other indication of inoperability, even when the test button is depressed. GE Security has received one report that a CO detector did not operate properly in the presence of carbon monoxide, but no injuries have been reported.

The alarms were sold nationwide through distributors, dealers, and installers of security systems from November 2000 through October 2003 for about $49. Consumers should contact their system installer or service provider to arrange for the free installation of a replacement CO alarm. Alternatively, consumers can call UTC Fire and Security (formerly GE Security) at 855-286-8889, option 2, between 8am and 8pm ET Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Manufacturer
GE Security, Inc., (GE Security) of Tualatin, Ore.
Category
Consumer Product — Safety Alarms
Hazard
Affected units
74,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · carbon monoxide exposure

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