Smoke Detector Recall: May Not Alert During Fire

Universal Security Instruments is recalling around 180,000 ionization smoke and fire alarms due to a flaw that could be deadly – they may not work when smoke is in the air.

The recall involves10 year battery-operated ionization smoke and fire alarms with model numbers MI3050S and MI3050SB and with date codes between 2015JAN19 through 2016JUL11.

Image Credit: Universal Security Instruments

The detectors are white in color and 5½ inches in diameter and have “Universal” and “Smoke & Fire Alarm” printed on the front cover. The model number and date can be found on the back of the alarm.

The company has received 134 reports that the devices have failed to properly activate during installation.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the devices can have a misaligned internal switch which will cause the alarm to not activate properly.

The CPSC is asking consumers to immediately check their smoke alarms for proper activation, if they are part of this recall. To check, press the test button on the face of the alarm. If the alarm sounds, the device is good. If the device does not sound during the test, consumers should immediately contact Universal Security Instruments for a replacement.

The devices sold online through specialty wholesalers from July 2015 to December 2016 for $20, and were manufactured in Hong Kong.

For more information on impacted models, and a step-by-step guide of the testing process, click here.

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