The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently alerted the public to a new recall of Kidde dual-sensor smoke alarms. About 450,000 units in the U.S. are affected by the recall, with another 40,000 in Canada.
The distributor implemented the recall on March 21, 2018, because of a defect that could prevent the alarm from detecting smoke, presenting a potential fire hazard.
KIDDE Smoke Alarms Recalled for Potential Fire Dangers
These smoke alarms are made by Fyrnetics Limited of Hong Kong, which specializes in the production of a variety of alarms, including smoke, carbon monoxide, explosive gas, and heat, as well as fire extinguishers. These products were imported into the U.S. and Canada by Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Company Inc. of Mebane, North Carolina, which operates as a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. The same company distributed the products, and they announced the recall.
The recall involves models PI2010 and PI9010 Kidde dual sensor smoke alarms that were sold at a number of locations, including Menards, The Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and other department, home, and hardware stores nationwide. They were also available through Amazon.com, ShopKidde.com, and other online retailers.
The word “KIDDE” may be printed on the front center of the alarm, with model number and date codes printed on the back. The PI9010 is battery powered, while the PI2010 is hardwired. The affected models have the following date codes:
- 2016 Sep. 10 through October 2017 Oct. 13
- 2016 Sep. 10 through 2017 Oct. 13
The issue causing the recall stems from a manufacturing defect. A yellow cap left on during the manufacturing process “can cover one of the two smoke sensors and compromise the smoke alarm’s ability to detect smoke,” the CPSC states, “posing a risk of consumers not being alerted to a fire in their home.”
Consumers Advised to Inspect Smoke Alarms
Kidde has advised consumers to remove the alarms immediately from the wall or ceiling and look closely through the opening in the side for the presence of the yellow cap. They warn that consumers should not take the alarm apart, or open it. Instead, if they see the cap, they are to contact Kidde to receive instructions on getting a free replacement. Once they receive the replacement, they should discard the recalled smoke alarm.
Consumers can find more information by calling Kidde at 1-833-551-7739 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They can also get more information online at http://www.kidde.com/ and click on “product safety recall.”
Exclusively focused on representing plaintiffs, especially in mass tort litigation, Eric Chaffin prides himself on providing unsurpassed professional legal services in pursuit of the specific goals of his clients and their families. Both his work and his cases have been featured in the national press, including on ABC’s Good Morning America.
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