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:

Consumers who believe they have the recalled models should contact BRK, toll-free, at 1-800-228-2250. The company will provide a new wired-in smoke detector free-of-charge to replace each recalled detector. Because the recalled detectors are wired into the building's electrical system, consumers should not attempt to remove or replace a recalled detector before speaking with a BRK representative.

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.

Consumers should call 1-800-323-9005 to obtain replacement wired-in smoke detectors free of charge.

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.