The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·77083·Announced 1977-08-01

BRK AC-Powered Smoke Detectors Recalled Due to Fire Risk

BRK Electronics is recalling SS749 series smoke detectors manufactured before September 26, 1975, because defective resistors could cause internal fires or render units inoperable.

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 (fire hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

BRK Electronics, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is recalling all BRK SS749 series smoke detectors manufactured before September 26, 1975. This is a second notice for the recall, which was initially issued on January 25, 1977. The recall involves 110-volt AC-powered detectors that were sold under the brands BRK, American Machine & Foundry (AMF), I-T-E Imperial Corporation, and Sears, Roebuck & Company. Battery-powered detectors are not affected.

The recall was initiated voluntarily by BRK after the company discovered that incorrectly rated resistors were used in units produced between March 1974 and September 26, 1975. These resistors could fail, making the smoke detector inoperable, and may cause a fire inside the detector under certain circumstances. Although the detectors are enclosed in self-extinguishing plastic, the units are being recalled as a precautionary measure.

Homeowners are urged to check the model number on their units to see if they are affected. Affected model numbers include BRK SS749AC, SS749ACS, SS749L, SS749SL; AMF 2000AC, 2000ACL; I-T-E IT0l-AC; and Sears 9-57049, 9-57047, 9-57048. Before inspecting hard-wired detectors, electrical power must be turned off at the fuse box or circuit breaker; line cord detectors must be unplugged. Owners of affected Sears units should contact their nearest Sears store for inspection and free replacement. Owners of other affected units should contact BRK Electronics for a fact sheet and replacement instructions.

The recalled product

Product
BRK AC-powered smoke detectors
Manufacturer
BRK
Category
Consumer Product — Smoke Detectors
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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