Kidde Recalls Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms; Can Fail to Warn of a Fire

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Kidde Model PI2000 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms
Units: About 94,000
Manufacturer: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.
Hazard: An electrostatic discharge can damage the unit, causing it not to warn consumers of a fire.
Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reported incidents of smoke alarm malfunctions involving electrostatic discharge during installation. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves Kidde dual sensor smoke alarms model PI2000. The alarms can be identified by two buttons, “HUSH” and “PUSH AND HOLD TO TEST WEEKLY,” which are located on the front/center of the alarm. The model number and date code are on the back of the smoke alarm. Only date codes 2008 Aug.01 through 2009 May 04 are included in this recall.
Sold at: Retail, department, and hardware stores and through electrical distributors nationwide from August 2008 through May 2009 for between $30 and $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should contact Kidde immediately to receive a free replacement smoke alarm.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde toll-free at (877) 524-2086 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kidde.com

All buildings or structures occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes upon the sale or transfer, shall be equipped by the seller with approved smoke detectors as required by MGL Chapter 148 Section 26F, or smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors as required by MGL Chapter 148 Section 26-1/2F.

Smoke Detector Placement

The State Law requires an operating smoke detector on every habitable level, including the basement. Finished attic spaces also need smoke detector coverage.

• First Floor – An approved smoke detector shall be installed on the ceiling in the vicinity of the stairway leading to the floor above, but not within the stairwell. If there is a bedroom on this floor, a smoke detector shall also be placed outside the bedroom door.

• Second Floor – An approved smoke detector shall be installed on the ceiling in the hallway at the top of the stairs and in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.

A single detector can satisfy multiple location requirements, if sited properly.

• Basement – An approved smoke detector shall be installed on the ceiling of the basement near the base of, but not within, the stairwell leading to the floor above.

If the ceiling is unfinished, place the detector on the joist (not in the bay between the ceiling/ floor joists).

• General Information – Detectors placed within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom must be of the PHOTOELECTRIC type (not ionization).

• Detectors over 10 years old must be replaced. If there is no date on the detector then it is over 10 years old.

• Combination smoke/CO detectors must have simulated voice and tone alarm (i.e., talks to you).

• Ceilings that are sloped or vaulted, the detector shall be placed on the higher side.

•  Detectors placed within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom must be of the PHOTOELECTRIC type (not ionization).
• BEGINNING APRIL 5, 2010: “ In homes built prior to 1975, detectors outside of the 20 foot requirement above need to utilize both PHOTOELECTRIC and IONIZATION technology or use TWO SEPARATE detectors.”

• Detectors over 10 years old must be replaced. If there is no date on the detector then it is over 10 years old.

• Combination smoke/CO detectors must have simulated voice and tone alarm (i.e., talks to you).

• Ceilings that are sloped or vaulted, the detector shall be placed on the higher side.

Construction prior to 1975, approved monitored battery powered smoke detectors.

Construction done between 1975-1997, require hard-wired interconnected smoke detectors.

Construction done between 02/28/97- present, must have hard-wired interconnected smoke detectors with battery backup throughout the house including all bedrooms.

     Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The State law requires Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors in all residences that contain fossil fuel burning equipment (i.e., oil, gas, wood, coal, pellet’s, etc.) or contains enclosed parking (i.e., attached or enclosed garage).

·         CO detectors are required on all habitable levels except crawl spaces and unfinished attics.

·         On any level with a bedroom, the CO detector must be outside the bedroom but within 10 feet of the bedroom door.

·         Co detectors may be battery powered, plug-in with battery backup, or hardwired with battery backup.

·         Combination Smoke/CO detectors must have simulated voice and tone alarm (i.e., talks to you), and if placed within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom must be Photoelectric type smoke detector.

Single family or condo	$50.00
Two family	$100.00
3-5 family	$150.00
6 or more units	$300.00/ max $500.00