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Smoke detectors sold under the names Chloride Pyrotector, Archer, Masterguard, Vanguard, Vantage ...

CPSC Recall #81-020 - August 2, 1981

Recall Summary

Recall Number81-020
Recall DateAugust 2, 1981
Remedy TypeReplace, Repair
Units AffectedApproximately 185,000

Product

Smoke detectors sold under the names Chloride Pyrotector, Archer, Masterguard, Vanguard, Vantage I and Protect-er Systems

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 3, 1981) -- Some Commercial and residential battery-operated photoelectric smoke detectors sold since 1979 under the brand names of Chloride Pyrotector, Archer, Masterguard, Vanguard, Vantage I and Protect-er Systems are being recalled because a potentially defective electronic microchip may prevent the alarm from sounding in the presence of smoke. The recall is being conducted voluntarily by the Chloride Pyrotector Division of Chloride, Inc., Hingham, Mass., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Some of the firm's 185,000 smoke detectors manufactured from March 1, 1979 to March 15, 1981 may contain a transistor array semiconductor that will not operate in the presence of smoke. Owners of the smoke detectors have been asked by the manufacturer to remove the back plate of the product so that the model or code number may be checked on the interior hosing. Potentially defective smoke detectors include the following: Chloride Pyrotector - Models 3077,3078,3079; Archer number 275453 sold through Radio Shack; Masterguard MGB 360; Vanguard 817; and Protect-er Systems P365. Potentially defective models also will have a 6-digit data code on the housing showing dates between 030179 and 031581. Consumers wishing to verify the model number should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772. Commercial and residential users may verify the integrity of the smoke detectors by testing the horn with a fresh factory specified 9-volt battery. If the horn sounds when the test button is pressed, the detector does not contain a defective microchip; if the horn does not sound, the user is requested to call Roberta Calla of Chloride Pyrotector at 1-800-343-5647 for instructions on where to send the product for a free replacement or repair.

Hazard

Some of the firm's 185,000 smoke detectors manufactured from March 1, 1979 to March 15, 1981 may contain a transistor array semiconductor that will not operate in the presence of smoke.

Remedy Instructions

Commercial and residential users may verify the integrity of the smoke detectors by testing the horn with a fresh factory specified 9-volt battery. If the horn sounds when the test button is pressed, the detector does not contain a defective microchip; if the horn does not sound, the user is requested to call Roberta Calla of Chloride Pyrotector at 1-800-343-5647 for instructions on where to send the product for a free replacement or repair.

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.

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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.

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.

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