The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·06151·Announced 2006-05-02

First Alert Smoke and CO Alarms Recalled for Battery Drain

First Alert recalls ONELINK smoke and CO alarms because batteries drain rapidly, potentially preventing detection of fire or carbon monoxide.

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/CO alarm) where failure could lead to fire or CO exposure, but the source explicitly states no injuries or incidents have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.

Plain-English summary

First Alert Inc. and BRK Brands Inc. are recalling approximately 145,890 ONELINK battery-powered smoke and combination smoke/carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. The recall involves model numbers SA500 or SCO500 with a date code prior to March 3, 2006. These alarms were sold at department, home, and hardware stores nationwide from June 2005 through March 2006 for between $45 and $75.

The alarms can drain battery power rapidly, causing premature low battery alerts. If the batteries are not replaced before power terminates, the alarm will not detect smoke or carbon monoxide in the event of a fire or CO exposure. CPSC and the manufacturer have received about 329 reports of premature low battery power, but there have been no reports of injuries, incidents, or alarms failing to detect smoke or carbon monoxide.

Consumers should contact First Alert Inc./BRK Brands Inc. immediately to receive a replacement alarm. Until a new alarm is received, consumers should test the batteries weekly by pressing the "test" button and replace them immediately if a low battery alert signals. Consumers should not remove their alarms until they have received a replacement.

The recalled product

Product
First Alert® ONELINK™ Battery-Powered Smoke and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Manufacturer
BRK Brands Inc., a subsidiary of First Alert Inc., of Aurora, Ill.
Category
Consumer Product — Smoke Detectors/Alarms
Hazard
Affected units
145,890

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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