First Alert® Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/CO Alarms Recalled for Rapidly Draining Battery Power

The recall involves ONELINK™ battery-powered smoke and combination smoke/CO alarms. "First Alert" and "ONELINK™" are printed on the front of the alarm. The model number and date code are printed on the back of the alarm. Model number SA500 or SCO500 with a date code prior to March 3, 2006 are included in this recall.. Recalled by BRK Brands Inc., a subsidiary of First Alert Inc., of Aurora, Ill.. Units affected: About 145,890 (About 52,400 were sold to consumers).

These alarms can drain the power from batteries rapidly, causing premature low battery power. Consumers will be alerted to the low battery power and the need to replace the battery by a chirping of the unit. If the batteries on the smoke/CO alarm are not replaced before the battery power terminates, the alarm will not detect smoke in the event of a possible fire and the presence of carbon monoxide.

Consumers should contact First Alert Inc./BRK Brands Inc. immediately to receive a replacement alarm. Until a new alarm is received, consumers should test the batteries in the alarm weekly by pressing the "test" button. If the alarm signals a low battery alert, consumers should immediately replace the batteries. Consumers should not remove their alarms until they have received a replacement alarm.

This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 2, 2006. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 06151.