The recalled device should alert you to dangerous carbon monoxide levels. It might not
If a device meant to alert you to smoke, fire or carbon monoxide can’t live up to its raison d’etre, what good is it? That’s why Universal Security Instruments recalled 8,000 of its 2-in-1 Photoelectric Smoke & Fire + Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
The exact problem, as stated in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice, is “The alarms can fail to alert consumers to the presence of a hazardous level of carbon monoxide, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or death. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas.”
Universal knows of this failure happening twice, according to the recall notice, fortunately without injury.
This covers two models. No. MPC322S has 10-year sealed batteries and manufacturing date code 2017JUN09.
No. MPC122S is a hardwired alarm with 10-year sealed battery backup and manufacturing date code 2017JUN02.
Universal is offering a free replacement. For that replacement or to answer questions about this recall, either contact Universal online or by calling 877-220-0046, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern time.
This story was originally published March 31, 2022 at 3:59 PM with the headline "The recalled device should alert you to dangerous carbon monoxide levels. It might not."
