CPSC, Universal Security Instruments Announce Recall of Smoke Alarms
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall (2000-05-25). Hazards: fire, burn. About 34,000 units in the US.
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
|---|---|
| Recall number | 00115 |
| Published | 2000-05-25 |
| Last updated | 2000-05-25 |
| Product category | Smoke Detectors/Alarms |
| Products | Smoke alarms |
| Firm named in the title | Universal Security Instruments |
| Firms | Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md. (manufacturer) |
| Units (US) | 34,000 |
| Hazard classes | fire, burn |
| Remedy classes | replace |
| Trade facets | electrical, building products |
| Sold | Electrical distributors, housing suppliers, and hardware stores sold these smoke alarms nationwide, from April 1998 through June 1999, for between $10 and $15. Most of these smoke alarms were pre-installed in homes during construction. |
Description
Consumers can identify the recalled models by removing the alarm cover from its base and looking for the manufacture date code and model number. The smoke alarms are made of white plastic and have the manufacture date code and model number imprinted on the back of the alarm. Brand Model Number Description Date Code Safe T Alert SA-785 AC only unit BCSR Universal SS-785 AC unit only BCSR Universal SS-795 AC/DC unit w/ battery backup BESS USI Electric USI-1203 AC/DC unit w/ battery backup BESS Some alarms do not have the brand name printed on the unit. Consumers should look at the model number to determine if it is a recalled alarm.
Hazard
The smoke alarms can fail to alarm when smoke or fire is present. A capacitor in the alarm can burn out, releasing smoke and melting the cover.
Remedy
Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm.
Incidents and injuries
Universal has received three reports of alarms failing, releasing smoke. There has been one report of minor smoke damage to the wall of a mobile home. No injuries have been reported.
Machine access
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Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice (US Government work). Not affiliated with or endorsed by CPSC. Structured by Data Foundry (product-recall-structuring@2); last changed 2026-09-28. Always confirm with the agency notice.