ESL Recalls 500,000 Smoke Alarms That May Fail to Sound
Electro Signal Lab is recalling approximately 500,000 smoke alarms that may not sound or fail to sound loudly when smoke is present.
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 the source explicitly states that no injuries have been reported.
Plain-English summary
Electro Signal Lab, Inc. (ESL) of Rockland, Massachusetts, is voluntarily recalling approximately 500,000 smoke alarms in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The affected units, manufactured between July 1981 and February 1983, may not sound or may fail to sound loudly when smoke is present. These alarms were sold nationwide under the brand names ESL, ADT, Aritech, and Edwards, and were installed in hotels, motels, apartments, institutions, and consumer homes.
The recalled alarms are circular with an off-white plastic cover and a white test button. They are available in both 120V AC and battery-powered models. Specific model numbers and a six-digit date code between 070181 and 022383 on a rectangular white sticker on the back of the alarm identify the affected units. There have been no reports of injuries associated with this problem.
Consumers are urged to immediately test their smoke alarms by pushing the test button and holding it for a minimum of 20 seconds. If the alarm does not sound or fails to sound loudly, users should contact ESL at 800-225-8632 or write to 1022 Hingham Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370, for instructions to return the unit for repair or replacement. The alarm does not need to be removed from the wall or ceiling unless it fails the test.
The recalled product
- Product
- ADT Smoke Alarms
- Manufacturer
- Edwards
- Category
- Consumer Product — Smoke Alarms
- Hazard
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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