Electro Signal Lab, Inc. (ESL) smoke alarms
CPSC Recall #83-055 - October 31, 1983
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 83-055 |
| Recall Date | October 31, 1983 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | Approximately 500,000 |
Product
Electro Signal Lab, Inc. (ESL) smoke alarms
Description
Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Electro Signal Lab, Inc. (ESL) of Rockland, Massachusetts, today announced a voluntary recall affecting approximately 500,000 of its smoke alarms, some of which may not sound or fail to sound loudly when smoke is present. These alarms were manufactured in both 120V AC and battery-powered models and may be installed in hotels, motels, apartments, institutions and consumers homes, There have been no reports of any injuries associated with this problem.The alarms are circular in shape with an off-white plastic cover, and a white test button that lies flush with the cover's face. The brand name (ESL, ADT, Aritech, or Edwards) and the words "Smoke Alarm" appear in raised lettering just above a half-moon-shaped grill on the face.ESL produced the alarms, which were sold nationwide, between July, 1981, and February, 1983. They were sold under the following names and model numbers:120V AC-POWERED ESLADTEDWARDSARITECH311M7539417ES671321 417TFS672321CC 417TCFS673321CX 321H 321CXX 321M ESLADTARITECHBATTERY-POWERED 3307545FS681330C FS682330M FS683331 331C 331M The model number for both AC and battery-powered units can be found on the back of the alarm and is contained on the cover of the instruction booklet included with each unit. The affected alarms have a six digit date code between 070181 and 022383 on a rectangular white sticker on the back of the smoke alarm.ESL urges users to immediately check to determine if the smoke alarm is working properly by pushing the test button and holding for a minimum of 20 seconds. If the alarm does not sound or fails to sound loudly when tested, users should contact ESL on its toll-free number 800-225-8632, or write ESL, 1022 Hingham Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370 to obtain instructions for returning units postage- paid for repair or replacement with a comparable model. There is no need for the alarm to be removed from the wall or ceiling unless the consumer has tested it and it has failed to sound loudly.Both ESL and the Consumer Product Safety Commission strongly recommend the use of smoke alarms and further recommend that users follow the manufacturer's instructions and test smoke alarms frequently, regardless of brand, to ensure proper operation.Consumers wishing further information may call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.
Hazard
Smoke of the smoke alarms may not sound or fail to sound loudly when smoke is present.
Incidents & Injuries
There have been no reports of any injuries associated with this problem.
Remedy Instructions
ESL urges users to immediately check to determine if the smoke alarm is working properly by pushing the test button and holding for a minimum of 20 seconds. If the alarm does not sound or fails to sound loudly when tested, users should contact ESL on its toll-free number 800-225-8632, or write ESL, 1022 Hingham Street, Rockland, Massachusetts 02370 to obtain instructions for returning units postage-paid for repair or replacement with a comparable model.
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.
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.