Smoke Alarms Recalled by Universal Security Instruments

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2000
Release # 00-115

Universal Recall Hotline: (800) 390-4321
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Yolanda Fultz-Morris, (301) 504-7066

CPSC, Universal Security Instruments Announce Recall of Smoke Alarms

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 34,000 smoke alarms. The smoke alarms can fail to alarm when smoke or fire is present. A capacitor in the alarm can burn out, releasing smoke and melting the cover.

Universal has received three reports of alarms failing, releasing smoke. There has been one report of minor smoke damage to the wall of a mobile home. No injuries have been reported.

Consumers can identify the recalled models by removing the alarm cover from its base and looking for the manufacture date code and model number. The smoke alarms are made of white plastic and have the manufacture date code and model number imprinted on the back of the alarm.

Brand	Model Number	Description	Date Code
Safe T Alert	SA-785	AC only unit	BCSR
Universal	SS-785	AC unit only	BCSR
Universal	SS-795	AC/DC unit w/ battery backup	BESS
USI Electric	USI-1203	AC/DC unit w/ battery backup	BESS

Some alarms do not have the brand name printed on the unit. Consumers should look at the model number to determine if it is a recalled alarm.

Electrical distributors, housing suppliers, and hardware stores sold these smoke alarms nationwide from April 1998 through June 1999 for between $10 and $15. Most of these smoke alarms were pre-installed in homes during construction.

Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. toll- free at (800) 390-4321 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free, replacement alarm.