CPSC Recall in 1992: BRK Recalls Some Wired-In Smoke Detectors Because Of Potential Alarm Failure

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), BRK Electronics of Aurora, IL, is voluntarily recalling certain models of wired-in (AC-powered) smoke detectors marketed under the BRK, First Alert, and Family Gard brand names because the horns may fail to sound during a fire. Approximately 3.5 million of these smoke detectors were manufactured between October 1987 and March 1990. None of the company's battery-operated detectors are involved in this action.BRK determined in its own testing programs that the horns on these detectors might fail due to corrosion on the horns' electrical contacts. These detectors were wired into the electrical circuits of new homes, apartments, and hotels between November 1987 and March 1990. Although BRK has received no reports of incidents or injuries associated with horn failure, the company is recalling the smoke detectors to prevent the possibility that a smoke detector horn might fail in a fire.Consumers can identify the detectors from the attached line drawings and the owners manuals. BRK is recalling the following brand names and model numbers of wired-in smoke detectors:BRK Models1839I, 1839WI-M, 1839WI-12, 1839I12R, 2839I, 2839WI, 2839THFirst AlertSA1839WIFamily GardFG1839I, FG1839IHDA remedy is no longer available. Discard this product.The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this recall as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.BRK and the Commission remind consumers to test every smoke detector regularly as instructed in the owners manual or on the detector.

The horns on the detectors may fail due to corrosion on the horns' electrical contacts.

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Although BRK has received no reports of incidents or injuries associated with horn failure, the company is recalling the smoke detectors to prevent the possibility that a smoke detector horn might fail in a fire.