CPSC, GE Interlogix Announce Recall of Smoke Detectors
Home product recall 03-552. Announced by CPSC on Sep 3, 2003.
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The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Sep 3, 2003. 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?
These smoke detectors may fail to work properly upon installation or if there is an extended loss of power. If the smoke alarms fail to detect fire or smoke, it poses a serious hazard to occupants inside of the dwelling.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should contact the company to receive free installation of a replacement smoke detector.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: Contact GEI at (800) 648-7422 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can contact their installer or service provider to determine if they have a recalled unit and/or to arrange for the free installation of a new unit.
Which ones are recalled?
The ESL 500N smoke detectors are hard-wired and require professional installation. The recalled alarms have the following model numbers, which are located on the back of the detectors: 521NB, 521NCSXT, 541NB, 541NCSXT, 541NCXTE, 521NBXT, 521NCSRXT, 541NBXT, 541NCSRH, 541NCSXTE, 521NCRXT, 541NCRXT, and 541NCSRXT. Also on the back of the alarms are the letters, “ESL,” and the manufacturing date code of “0223” through “0323” (23rd week of 2002 through 23rd week of 2003). Units that may not work properly can be identified by the lack of the flashing red indicator light, though all units with the aforementioned model and dates codes should be replaced.
14,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
ESL Smoke Detectors.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by GE Interlogix (GEI), Tualatin, Ore.
- Distributors, dealers and installers of security systems nationwide sold or installed these smoke detectors, from June 2002 through June 2003, for between $125 and $17.
- Made in United States, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
The firm has received no reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.
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.