Smoke Detector Systems
CPSC Recall #05-526 - December 21, 2004
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 05-526 |
| Recall Date | December 21, 2004 |
| Remedy Type | Replace, Repair |
| Units Affected | Approximately 246,800 |
| Manufacturer | GE Security Inc., of Austin, Texas |
| Manufactured In | United States |
Where It Was Sold
| Distributors |
| dealers and installers of security systems nationwide from June 2002 through October 2004. The smoke detectors and the control panels were sold separately as individual components |
| and were also sold together as part of a security system for between $180 and $1 |
| 150. |
Product
Smoke Detector Systems
Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), GE Security Inc., of Austin, Texas. is voluntarily recalling approximately 246,800 smoke detectors. The smoke alarms can fail to activate during a fire or emergency, if installed in combination with certain control panels.Name of product: Smoke Detector SystemsUnits: Approximately 246,800 smoke detectorsManufacturer: GE Security Inc., of Austin, TexasHazard: The smoke alarms can fail to activate during a fire or emergency, if installed in combination with certain control panels.Incidents/Injuries: None reportedDescription: The recalled smoke detection systems involve hard-wired S10A ESL smoke detectors that are incompatible with certain ITI control panels as well as certain S09A/S10A listed ESL smoke detectors that may be incompatible with control panels from other manufacturers. Model numbers are printed on the back of the smoke detectors. Inside the ITI control panel is a label that lists the name and model number of the unit. The following model names and model numbers of ITI control panels are incompatible when installed with the following model numbers of ESL smoke detectors: Smoke Detector Model Numbers429C429CT511C521B (when SW1 is OFF)521BXT (when SW1 is OFF)521NB*521NBXT*521NCSXT711U711UT721U721UT*In addition, the models 521NB and521NBXT detectors, if installed in theS09A configuration, may self-adjust toan S10A configuration. Thus, these twomodel detectors may not be compatiblewith other manufacturer's control panelsthat are only S09A compatible.ITI Control Panel Model Names and Model NumbersConcord: - 60-734-01- 60-801- 60-801-01- 60-792-01-95R-16Z- 60-792-01-95R-32Z- 60-792-95R-32ZAdvent:- 60-562 (-01 through -06)Concord Express: - 60-806-95R-16Z- 60-806-95RSold by: Distributors, dealers and installers of security systems nationwide from June 2002 through October 2004. The smoke detectors and the control panels were sold separately as individual components, and were also sold together as part of a security system for between $180 and $1,150.Manufactured in: United StatesRemedy: Consumers should contact their system installer or service provider to arrange for a free repair or replacement to make the smoke detectors and control panel systems compatible.Consumer Contact: Call UTC Fire and Security (formerly GE Security) at 855-286-8889 option 2 between 8am and 8pm ET Monday through Friday.
Hazard
The smoke alarms can fail to activate during a fire or emergency, if installed in combination with certain control panels.
Incidents & Injuries
None reported.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should contact their system installer or service provider to arrange for a free repair or replacement to make the smoke detectors and control panel systems compatible.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace, Repair 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, Repair) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident, they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
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.