The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·92130·Announced 1992-09-04

BRK Recalls Wired-In Smoke Detectors Due to Potential Alarm Failure

BRK is recalling approximately 3.5 million wired-in smoke detectors because the horns may fail to sound during a fire due to corrosion.

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 life-safety product (smoke detector) with a potential for alarm failure during a fire, which fits the rubric criterion for 'risk-of-harm products where injury has not yet been reported.'

Plain-English summary

BRK Electronics is voluntarily recalling approximately 3.5 million wired-in (AC-powered) smoke detectors manufactured between October 1987 and March 1990. These detectors were marketed under the brand names BRK, First Alert, and Family Gard and were wired into the electrical circuits of new homes, apartments, and hotels between November 1987 and March 1990. Battery-operated detectors are not involved in this recall.

The recall is being conducted because the horns on the detectors may fail to sound during a fire. BRK determined in its own testing programs that this failure could occur due to corrosion on the horns' electrical contacts. The company has not received any reports of incidents or injuries associated with this horn failure.

Consumers who believe they have the recalled models should contact BRK toll-free at 1-800-228-2250 to obtain a replacement wired-in smoke detector free of charge. Because the recalled detectors are wired into the building's electrical system, consumers should not attempt to remove or replace a recalled detector before speaking with a BRK representative. Affected model numbers include BRK 1839I, 1839WI-M, 1839WI-12, 1839I12R, 2839I, 2839WI, 2839TH; First Alert SA1839WI; and Family Gard FG1839I, FG1839IHD.

The recalled product

Product
BRK Electronics wired-in (AC-powered) smoke detectors
Manufacturer
BRK

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.