If you've got a Kidde dual sensor smoke alarm, check the model number, because it might not work when you need it to.
Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc. is recalling the Kidde Model PI2000 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said because they could fail to warn of a fire. About 94,000 units are involved in the recall.
The CPSC said the alarms can be damaged by electrostatic discharge. The model being recalled has two buttons: one labeled "HUSH" and the other "PUSH AND HOLD TO TEST WEEKLY." They are on the front of the unit.
Only those with date codes from Aug. 1, 2008 through May 4, 2009 are subject to the recall. The model number and manufacture date are on the rear of the alarms. The Chinese-made alarms were sold nationwide from August through May for $30 to $40.
Having both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarm sensors is ideal since one is more sensitive to flames and the other to smoke. To resolve the problem, Kidde will replace the recalled alarms for free.
Call Kidde at (877) 524-2086 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time
I know ours works. My bride tests it regularly.
ReplyDeleteand let me guess.. it says made in china on the back?
ReplyDeleteMany Kidde models of smoke alarms have both "test" and "hush" buttons on them. It appears that only recently installed units with the model number PI2000 are affected in this recall.
ReplyDeleteHere is the website from the manufacturer concerning this issue.
One thing to consider is that electro static discharge is another way of saying lightning. In other words, a bad storm can ruin these smokes, and your house does not even have to be directly struck!
FWIW, a bad storm can ruin just about any brand of smoke alarm as well as other important electronically driven devices such as your ground-fault circuit interrupter [GFCI] outlets, or the newer AFI breakers.
We get service calls on an occasional basis to repair/replace any or all of these items and it appears that lightning storms have a lot to do with their failure.
Most of these products are made in China these days as well.
Bottom line? TEST YOUR UNITS MONTHLY. And test them immediately after a storm as well. You never know when important protection has been lost due to electro static discharge.