Home Gas Sentry Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
CPSC Recall #96-181 — August 5, 1996
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 96-181 |
| Recall Date | August 5, 1996 |
| Remedy Type | No Remedy Available |
| Units Affected | 6,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| Coal and wood stove dealers sold the detectors in the northeastern United States from February 1988 to May 1996 for approximately $80. The detectors were packaged in a rectangular white box labeled in part |
| "Home Gas Sentry...120 Volts AC...Model Z-1604-KM... |
Product
Home Gas Sentry Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C.- CPSC is urgently warning consumers about 6,000 Home Gas Sentry carbon monoxide (CO) detectors imported and distributed by Stanley Solar & Stove Inc. of Manchester, N.H. that may fail to alarm. As a result, consumers could be exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, toxic gas, which could lead to serious illness or death. CPSC tested the detectors and found that the detectors could fail to alarm at concentrations of CO at 100 and 200 parts per million. Concentrations at this level can cause serious illness or death. CPSC requested that Stanley Solar & Stove recall the detectors, remove them from store shelves, and contact retailers and consumers about this recall. CPSC is unilaterally issuing this press release concerning the Home Gas Sentry CO detectors because Stanley Solar & Stove is unable to participate in a recall and has not warned the public about potential risks associated with the CO detectors. The rectangular, off-white, plastic detectors measure approximately 4.75 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 1.75 inches deep with the words "Gas Sentry" on the front of the detector. A green "Power" light and a red "Alarm" light appear in the center of the detectors. The company name, manufacturing date, and manufacturing number are located on a sticker on the back of the detector. The detectors have a white cord and plug. Coal and wood stove dealers sold the detectors in the northeastern United States from February 1988 to May 1996 for approximately $80. The detectors were packaged in a rectangular white box labeled in part, "Home Gas Sentry...120 Volts AC...Model Z-1604-KM... Consumers are urged to stop using the Home Gas Sentry CO detectors and replace them with new detectors that meet Underwriters Laboratories Standard 2034 effective October 1, 1995. CO is produced when fuel is burned with incomplete combustion. CO poisoning from home fuel-burning appliances and camping equipment kills at least 250 people each year and sends another 5,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu (without the fever). They include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and irregular breathing. Common sources of carbon monoxide include room heaters, furnaces, charcoal grills, ranges, water heaters, and fireplaces.
Hazard
The detectors imported and distributed by Stanley Solar & Stove Inc. of Manchester, N.H. that may fail to alarm. As a result, consumers could be exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, toxic gas, which could lead to serious illness or death.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC tested the detectors and found that the detectors could fail to alarm at concentrations of CO at 100 and 200 parts per million.
Remedy Instructions
CPSC requested that Stanley Solar & Stove recall the detectors, remove them from store shelves, and contact retailers and consumers about this recall. Consumers are urged to stop using the Home Gas Sentry CO detectors and replace them with new detectors that meet Underwriters Laboratories Standard 2034 effective October 1, 1995.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a No Remedy Available 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 (No Remedy Available) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
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.