The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has posted advisories and recalls on 3 smoke detectors from Digital Security Controls, First Alert and BRK.
Digital Security Controls has recalled its FSA and FSB series photo-electric smoke detectors. These detectors are hard-wired into the home’s electrical service. Owners are advised to contact their installer and have an inspection to determine if their units are part of the recall. The company will replace any affected unit with a free replacement, fully installed. Customers with questions may contact Digital Security Controls at 1-877-666-1250 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday or visit their web site at www.dsc.com.
First Alert OneLink battery-powered smoke alarms and combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with model numbers SA500 or SCO500 and a date code prior to March 3, 2006 are being recalled. Hard-wired units are not affected by this recall. The units in question have a premature low-battery reading, signaled by a chirping sound. The company insists that the units continue to sense smoke and carbon monoxide while the battery is low. The company is urging customers to contact them at 1-800-323-9005 to receive free replacement alarm(s). Until the alarms arrive, customers should keep the alarms in working order by testing the batteries weekly and replacing them when dead or low. Customers will be required to return a portion of the defective alarm in a postage-paid envelope provided. When calling, customers should be prepared to give the date code on the alarm in question.
BRK Brands hard-wired smoke detectors with batter backup, model numbers 4120B and 4120SB, manufactured prior to October 2000, must have their batteries replaced. The original Eveready Heavy-Duty batteries numbered 1222 or Eveready Energizer Max batteries numbered 522 must be replaced with Eveready batteries to ensure safe operation. Reports show that replacing the battery with another brand could result in deterioration or splitting of the battery. Owners should always wash hands after replacing batteries and avoid touching their eyes after handling batteries. For further questions, contact BRK Brands, Inc. at 1-800-323-9005.
Reminder: check batteries regularly and replace battery-powered detectors that are more than 5 years old and hard-wired detectors that are 10 years old.
