Model 840 Gas Sniffer carbon monoxide detectors

CPSC Recall #96-028 - November 21, 1995

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-028
Recall DateNovember 21, 1995
Remedy TypeReplace
Units Affected10,043

Product

Model 840 Gas Sniffer carbon monoxide detectors

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Revco Products Inc., of Huntington Beach, Calif., is recalling 10,043 Model 840 Gas Sniffer carbon monoxide detectors. The detector's alarm may fail at hazardous levels of carbon monoxide and could expose consumers to serious injury or death. The rectangular, tan, plastic detectors measure approximately 3.5 inches wide by 4 inches tall by 1.5 inches deep. Horizontal and vertical vents and the words "Gas Sniffer" appear on the front of the detector next to an on/off switch and near two small red and green lights. The model number, company name and address are located on a sticker on the back of the detector. The detectors were sold in the eastern United States from June 1986 to August 1995 through various coal stove and fireplace accessory stores as accessories with coal stoves. The detectors were also sold separately for up to $74.95. The detectors, packaged in a rectangular, red and white cardboard box labeled in part, " Gas Sniffer ... Safety First ... FOR: Coal Stove ... Central Heating ... Portable Heaters...," were sold with a black plastic cord and black adaptor plug. Consumers who own a Model 840 carbon monoxide detector should stop using it immediately and return it to Revco Products, 5622-B Research Dr., Huntington Beach, Calif. 92649. Revco will provide consumers with a replacement carbon monoxide detector and will reimburse consumers for postage expenses up to $3. For more information on this recall, consumers can also call Revco Products at (800) 658-4658. CPSC and Revco Products are not aware of injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.  

Hazard

The detector's alarm may fail at hazardous levels of carbon monoxide and could expose consumers to serious injury or death.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC and Revco Products are not aware of injuries involving this product.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers who own a Model 840 carbon monoxide detector should stop using it immediately and return it to Revco Products, 5622-B Research Dr., Huntington Beach, Calif. 92649. Revco will provide consumers with a replacement carbon monoxide detector and will reimburse consumers for postage expenses up to $3.

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.