Honeywell battery-operated smoke detectors, models TC89B and TC89C
CPSC Recall #83-029 - May 23, 1983
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 83-029 |
| Recall Date | May 23, 1983 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | Over 770,000 |
Product
Honeywell battery-operated smoke detectors, models TC89B and TC89C
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, today announced a voluntary recall affecting over 770,000 model TC89B and TC89C battery-operated smoke detectors that may not work when smoke is present.Honeywell learned that, because of circuit board mounting problems, some smoke detectors will not sound an alarm when smoke is present, but may alarm when the test button is pushed. Honeywell is asking consumers to return any detectors that have this defect for a replacement. Since Honeywell no longer makes residential smoke detectors, the firm will replace returned units with a comparable model produced by another manufacturer.Honeywell produced the affected detectors in 1977 and 1978. These models, which were sold nationally and in Canada, carry the model number TC89B and TC89C and have a date code between 7601 and 7820. The model numbers and date codes are found under the smoke detector cover, inside the detector on a piece of gray cardboard.To identify affected detectors, consumers should remove the cover from the detector. If the first five characters of the identification number contained on the piece of gray cardboard are TC89B or TC89C, and the date code is ANY NUMBER FROM 7601 THROUGH 7820, the detector should be carefully checked for proper operation in accordance with the instructions below. This action does not apply to Honeywell smoke detectors with date codes of 7821 or higher.Honeywell recommends that consumers check the battery and then carefully check to determine if the smoke detector is working properly by using an extinguished candle to create smoke near the detector. Consumers should cease to use broom handles or similar objects to push the test button on Honeywell smoke detectors.If the detector does not alarm with the presence of smoke, consumers should contact Honeywell on its toll-free number 800-328-8194 or write Honeywell Consumer Affairs, 10400 Yellow Circle Drive, Minnetonka, Minn. 55343, to see if your detector is covered by the recall.Because smoke detectors are important warning devices, Honeywell and the Commission urge consumers to replace non-working smoke detectors with new ones immediately.Both Honeywell and the Consumer Product Safety Commission strongly recommend the use of smoke detectors and further recommend that consumers regularly check smoke detectors, 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. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced the recall of certain Honeywell smoke detectors. The model number (TC89B or TC89C) and date code ( 7601 to 7820) are found under the smoke detector cover, inside the detector on gray cardboard (see illustration above). Consumers should call Honeywell on 800-328-8194 for further information.
Hazard
Because of circuit board mounting problems, some smoke detectors will not sound an alarm when smoke is present, but may alarm when the test button is pushed.
Remedy Instructions
Honeywell is asking consumers to return any detectors that have this defect for a replacement. Since Honeywell no longer makes residential smoke detectors, the firm will replace returned units with a comparable model produced by another manufacturer.
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.