CPSC, Universal Security Instruments Announce Recall of Smoke Alarms
Home product recall 00-115. Announced by CPSC on May 25, 2000.
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The short answer
Announced by CPSC on May 25, 2000. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The smoke alarms can fail to alarm when smoke or fire is present. A capacitor in the alarm can burn out, releasing smoke and melting the cover.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: Consumers may call Universal Security Instruments Inc. toll-free at (800) 390-4321 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Which ones are recalled?
Consumers can identify the recalled models by removing the alarm cover from its base and looking for the manufacture date code and model number. The smoke alarms are made of white plastic and have the manufacture date code and model number imprinted on the back of the alarm. Brand Model Number Description Date Code Safe T Alert SA-785 AC only unit BCSR Universal SS-785 AC unit only BCSR Universal SS-795 AC/DC unit w/ battery backup BESS USI Electric USI-1203 AC/DC unit w/ battery backup BESS Some alarms do not have the brand name printed on the unit. Consumers should look at the model number to determine if it is a recalled alarm.
About 34,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Smoke alarms.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Universal Security Instruments Inc., Owings Mills, Md.
- Electrical distributors, housing suppliers, and hardware stores sold these smoke alarms nationwide, from April 1998 through June 1999, for between $10 and $15. Most of these smoke alarms were pre-installed in homes during construction.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Universal has received three reports of alarms failing, releasing smoke. There has been one report of minor smoke damage to the wall of a mobile home. No injuries have been reported.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.