CPSC recall · Reported May 25, 2000
CPSC, Universal Security Instruments Announce Recall of Smoke Alarms
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.
Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md. recalled Consumers can identify the recalled models by removing the alarm cover from its base and ….
CPSC, Universal Security Instruments Announce Recall of Smoke Alarms was recalled by Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md. in May 25, 2000. Reason: The smoke alarms can fail to alarm when smoke or fire is present. A capacitor in the alarm can burn out, rele…. Remedy: Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement a…. Verify recall #00115 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md. issued this CPSC recall-The smoke alarms can fail to alarm when smoke or fire is present. A capacitor in the alarm can burn out, rele….
- None
- agency class
- May 25, 2000
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #00115 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #00115) was formally reported on May 25, 2000. The CPSC does not publish a hazard classification for its recalls, so this record carries no agency severity grade, with a current status of Active. Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 34,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: 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. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Electronics recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 618 electronics recalls on record
Product description
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.
Reason for recall
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.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 00115 |
| Date reported | May 25, 2000 |
| Date initiated | May 25, 2000 |
| Recalling firm | Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md. |
| Affected scope | About 34,000 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm.
- Check the recall number (00115) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
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Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
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Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Electronics · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026