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Heat Detectors

CPSC Recall #99-092 — April 7, 1999

Recall Summary

Recall Number99-092
Recall DateApril 7, 1999
Remedy TypeReplace
Units AffectedAbout 40,000

Where It Was Sold

These heat detectors were sold nationwide primarily through in-home demonstrations and sales parties from May 1998 through December 1998 for about $225 or higher. Prices were determined by Interstate Engineering's private label resellers.

Product

Heat Detectors

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Interstate Engineering, of Dallas, Texas, voluntarily recalled about 40,000 heat detectors. These heat detectors can fail to alarm or alarm for a shorter period of time than intended when fire is present. Interstate Engineering and CPSC are aware of one incident when a heat detector failed to operate properly during a retail demonstration. Subsequent testing by Interstate Engineering produced approximately 38 additional failures. CPSC is not aware of any failures during use by consumers, and no injuries have been reported. The heat detectors are round, have an off-white aluminum cover, are roughly 7 inches in diameter and 3 inches high, and have a round, brass-colored metal disk at the center of the cover. They are mechanical, and do not use batteries or electricity. The heat detectors were sold under the following private label brand names and models, which were printed on labels on the back of the detectors: MasterGuard model MG-50/70; Responsive model TRI70; Rescue II model R-50FT The recalled heat detectors have the following serial numbers on the label that is beneath the removable mounting bracket on the back of each unit: 980400001 through 981108112. These heat detectors were sold nationwide primarily through in-home demonstrations and sales parties from May 1998 through December 1998 for about $225 or higher. Prices were determined by Interstate Engineering's private label resellers. Consumers should stop using these heat detectors immediately and call Tri Star Enterprises at (800) 854-6185 for a free replacement. Heat detectors are intended to supplement smoke detectors to warn of fire, but CPSC reminds consumers they should not rely on heat detectors as substitutes for smoke detectors.

Hazard

These heat detectors can fail to alarm or alarm for a shorter period of time than intended when fire is present.

Incidents & Injuries

Interstate Engineering and CPSC are aware of one incident when a heat detector failed to operate properly during a retail demonstration. Subsequent testing by Interstate Engineering produced approximately 38 additional failures. CPSC is not aware of any failures during use by consumers, and no injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using these heat detectors immediately and call Tri Star Enterprises at (800) 854-6185 for a free replacement.

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.

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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.

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