The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·19162·Announced 2019-07-10

Universal Security Instruments Recalls Smoke Alarms Due to Activation Failure Risk

Universal Security Instruments is recalling about 180,000 battery-operated smoke alarms because a misaligned switch may prevent them from sounding during a fire.

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 alarms) where failure to alert consumers to a fire is a significant safety hazard, but no injuries or deaths have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Universal Security Instruments is recalling approximately 180,000 battery-operated ionization smoke and fire alarms. The recall involves models MI3050S and MI3050SB with date codes between 2015JAN19 and 2016JUL11. These alarms are white, 5½ inches in diameter, and were sold online through specialty wholesalers and others from July 2015 to December 2016 for about $20 each.

The company is recalling the alarms because a misaligned internal switch can cause them to fail to activate properly. This defect poses a risk that the alarms will not alert consumers to a fire. The company has received 134 reports of failure to properly activate during installation.

Consumers should immediately inspect their smoke alarms to determine if they will activate appropriately by pressing the test button. If the alarm sounds, no further action is required. If the alarm does not sound during the test, consumers should immediately contact Universal Security for a replacement. For more information, consumers can contact Universal Security Instruments at 877-612-6955 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.UniversalSecurity.com and click on “Product Safety Notice.”

The recalled product

Product
Battery powered smoke and fire alarms
Manufacturer
Universal Security Instruments, of Owings Mills, Md.
Category
Consumer Product — Smoke Alarms
Hazard
Affected units
180,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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