Fire Alarm Control Panel
CPSC Recall #04-508 - October 29, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 04-508 |
| Recall Date | October 29, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | 6,000 |
| Manufacturer | Notifier, of Northford, Conn. |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Notifier distributors nationwide from January 2000 through May 2002. The list price for the CPU and DIA combination for the model AM2020 is about $6 |
| 400 |
| and the list price for the CPU and DIA combination for the model AFP1010 is about $3 |
| 370. |
Product
Fire Alarm Control Panel
Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Notifier, of Northford, Conn., is voluntarily recalling 6,000 Fire Alarm Control Panels. A software problem can result in system devices unexpectedly changing their Type ID, making them appear to be photo detectors. This condition should result in several trouble signals. If the problem is not corrected, the system will not operate as programmed and will not provide the expected level of protection.Name of Product: Fire Alarm Control PanelUnits: 6,000Manufacturer: Notifier, of Northford, Conn.Hazard: A software problem can result in system devices unexpectedly changing their Type ID, making them appear to be photo detectors. This condition should result in several trouble signals. If the problem is not corrected, the system will not operate as programmed and will not provide the expected level of protection.Incidents/Injuries: Notifier has received eight reports of trouble signals alarming. In each case the problem was identified and corrected. No injuries have been reported.Description: The fire alarm control panel includes the central processing unit (CPU-2020 and CPU-2) and Display Interface Assembly (DIA-2020 and DIA-2) components of Notifier model AM2020 and AFP1010 fire alarm control panels with date codes from 0100 to 2003 and firmware version 3.0 and 3.01. The date codes appear on the back outer edge of the PC boards.Sold At: Notifier distributors nationwide from January 2000 through May 2002. The list price for the CPU and DIA combination for the model AM2020 is about $6,400, and the list price for the CPU and DIA combination for the model AFP1010 is about $3,370.Manufactured In: United StatesRemedy: Notifier will provide an upgraded CPU firmware set for each AM2020 and AFP1010 panel at no charge.Consumer Contact: Distributors should contact their Notifier customer service representative at (800) 289-3473 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday to receive the firmware upgrade.Media Contact: Leslie Craddock, (203) 484-7161.
Hazard
A software problem can result in system devices unexpectedly changing their Type ID, making them appear to be photo detectors. This condition should result in several trouble signals. If the problem is not corrected, the system will not operate as programmed and will not provide the expected level of protection.
Incidents & Injuries
Notifier has received eight reports of trouble signals alarming. In each case the problem was identified and corrected. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy Instructions
Notifier will provide an upgraded CPU firmware set for each AM2020 and AFP1010 panel at no charge.
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.