UTC Companies Recall 154,000 Smoke Detectors
The ESL and Interlogix brand 400/500 series smoke detectors are hard-wired into security systems. They're being recalled because radio interference can cause them to fail, according to CPSC.
About 141,000 ESL and Interlogix brand 400/500 series smoke detectors in the United States and another 13,000 in Canada have been recalled out of concern that radio frequency interference can cause them to fail to alert consumers of a fire. The units should be replaced, according to the recall notice posted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Both companies are owned by United Technologies Corporation (UTC).
This recall involves 33 models of the 400 and 500 series Edwards (ESL)-branded and Interlogix smoke detectors. The two types are identical two-wire or four-wire round, white detectors that measure 6 inches across by 2 inches high. They are made for professional installation and used primarily in commercial buildings, schools, hotels/motels, apartments, dormitories, and homes as part of their fire alarm systems. Recalled units have date codes 13084 through 14059, with the first two digits representing the year and the last three digits representing the day of the year. The initials ESL, the date code, and a model number are printed on a label on the back of the detector's cover and on the product's packaging.
No incidents or injuries have been reported with these products, which were sold from March 2013 to February 2014, according to the notice.
"Customers should immediately contact their security or fire system provider to determine if any of their units are included in the recall. If so, they will receive free replacement and free installation of new smoke detectors. Consumers should not take the alarms out of service until the replacement alarm has been installed. Only professional installers should remove and replace these units," it states.
The contact information for Edwards is 800-655-4497; select option 5 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EDT weekdays or visit www.edwardsfiresafety.com and click on Contact Us. Interlogix's toll-free line is 855-286-8889; select option 2, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT weekdays or visit www.interlogix.com and click on Customer Service for more information.