ESL Smoke Detectors

CPSC Recall #03-552 — September 2, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-552
Recall DateSeptember 2, 2003
Remedy TypeReplace
Units Affected14,000
ManufacturerGE Interlogix (GEI), of Tualatin, Ore.
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

Distributors
dealers and installers of security systems nationwide sold or installed these smoke detectors from June 2002 through June 2003 for between $125 and $175.

Product

ESL Smoke Detectors

Description

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), GE Interlogix (GEI), of Tualatin, Ore. is voluntarily recalling ESL Smoke Detectors. These smoke detectors may fail to work properly upon installation or if there is an extended loss of power. If the smoke alarms fail to detect fire or smoke, it poses a serious hazard to occupants inside of the dwelling.Name of Product: ESL Smoke DetectorsUnits: 14,000Manufacturer: GE Interlogix (GEI), of Tualatin, Ore.Hazard: These smoke detectors may fail to work properly upon installation or if there is an extended loss of power. If the smoke alarms fail to detect fire or smoke, it poses a serious hazard to occupants inside of the dwelling.Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received no reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.Description: The ESL 500N smoke detectors are hard-wired and require professional installation. The recalled alarms have the following model numbers, which are located on the back of the detectors: 521NB, 521NCSXT, 541NB, 541NCSXT, 541NCXTE, 521NBXT, 521NCSRXT, 541NBXT, 541NCSRH, 541NCSXTE, 521NCRXT, 541NCRXT, and 541NCSRXT. Also on the back of the alarms are the letters, "ESL," and the manufacturing date code of "0223" through "0323" (23rd week of 2002 through 23rd week of 2003). Units that may not work properly can be identified by the lack of the flashing red indicator light, though all units with the aforementioned model and dates codes should be replaced.Sold At: Distributors, dealers and installers of security systems nationwide sold or installed these smoke detectors from June 2002 through June 2003 for between $125 and $175.Manufactured In: U.S.A.Remedy: Consumers should contact the company to receive free installation of a replacement smoke detector.Consumer Contact: Contact GEI at (800) 648-7422 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can contact their installer or service provider to determine if they have a recalled unit and/or to arrange for the free installation of a new unit.

Hazard

These smoke detectors may fail to work properly upon installation or if there is an extended loss of power. If the smoke alarms fail to detect fire or smoke, it poses a serious hazard to occupants inside of the dwelling.

Incidents & Injuries

The firm has received no reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should contact the company to receive free installation of a replacement smoke detector.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.