The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·77081·Announced 1977-07-29

Master battery-operated smoke alarms recalled for potential failure to alarm

Master Lock is recalling approximately 32,000 smoke alarms that may fail to detect smoke due to manufacturing defects.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

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 (smoke alarm) that may fail to detect fire, posing a risk of harm, but no injuries or deaths have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for risk-of-harm products without reported injury.

Plain-English summary

Master Lock Company, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary recall of approximately 32,000 "Master" number 2551 battery-operated smoke alarms and number 2553 dual-powered smoke alarms. These units were manufactured late in 1975 and during part of 1976.

The recalled smoke alarms may fail to alarm when relative humidity is over 70% because they were inadequately cleansed of soldering flux after initial assembly. Additionally, some units may not be sensitive enough to alarm at minimum smoke levels set by industry standards. The company has received one complaint from a consumer who noticed an alarm did not function properly during a routine test.

Consumers can identify affected units by checking the serial number located on the back cover under the mounting bracket. Affected serial numbers range from 1 to 10,000; 17,735 to 20,000; and 2,000,001 to 2,020,000. Consumers with affected units should write to Master Lock Company at 2600 N. 32nd Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53210, Attention: Department #16, including their name, address, telephone, and serial number. The company will send return instructions, and units will be replaced or corrected without cost.

The recalled product

Product
Master battery-operated smoke alarms
Manufacturer
Master Lock
Category
Consumer Product — Smoke Detectors/Alarms
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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