CPSCMay 2, 2006

First Alert® Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/CO recall

First Alert® Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/CO Alarms Recalled for Rapidly Draining Battery Power

Why was First Alert® Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/CO recalled?

These alarms can drain the power from batteries rapidly, causing premature low battery power. Consumers will be alerted to the low battery power and the need to replace the battery by a chirping of the unit. If the batteries on the smoke/CO alarm are not replaced before the battery power terminates, the alarm will not detect smoke in the event of a possible fire and the presence of carbon monoxide.

What should I do if I have this product?

Consumers should contact First Alert Inc./BRK Brands Inc. immediately to receive a replacement alarm. Until a new alarm is received, consumers should test the batteries in the alarm weekly by pressing the "test" button. If the alarm signals a low battery alert, consumers should immediately replace the batteries. Consumers should not remove their alarms until they have received a replacement alarm. Contact: For more information, contact First Alert Inc./BRK Brands Inc. at (800) 323-9005 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.firstalert.com

What to do with a recalled product: refunds, receipts, safe disposal and how to report a problem.

Is my product affected?

Compare the item in your hand with every identifier below from the official CPSC record. Only products that match the listed product and identifiers are part of this recall.

Product
First Alert® ONELINK™ Battery-Powered Smoke and Combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Company
BRK Brands Inc., a subsidiary of First Alert Inc., of Aurora, Ill.
Quantity
About 145,890 (About 52,400 were sold to consumers)
Sold at
Department, home and hardware stores nationwide, from June 2005 through March 2006 for between $45 and $75.
Recall date
May 2, 2006
Incidents / injuries
CPSC and First Alert Inc./BRK Brands Inc. have received about 329 reports of premature low battery power in these alarms. There have been no reports of injuries, incidents or alarms failing to detect smoke or carbon monoxide.
Agency
CPSC

Product description

The recall involves ONELINK™ battery-powered smoke and combination smoke/CO alarms. "First Alert" and "ONELINK™" are printed on the front of the alarm. The model number and date code are printed on the back of the alarm. Model number SA500 or SCO500 with a date code prior to March 3, 2006 are included in this recall.

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