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CPSC recall · Reported July 10, 2019

Universal Security Instruments Recalls to Inspect Smoke Alarms Due to Risk of Failure to Alert Consumers to a Fire

The smoke alarms can have a misaligned internal switch causing the alarms to not activate properly, posing a risk of failure to alert consumers to a fire.

Recall #
19162
Affected scope
About 180,000
Verify with CPSC →
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The CPSC recalled This recall involves Universal Security Instruments 10 year battery-operated ionization s… - a moderate-severity action.

Universal Security Instruments Recalls to Inspect Smoke Alarms Due to Risk of Failure to … was recalled and listed by the CPSC in July 10, 2019. Reason: The smoke alarms can have a misaligned internal switch causing the alarms to not activate properly, posing a …. Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect their smoke alarms to determine if it will activate …. Verify recall #19162 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The smoke alarms can have a misaligned internal switch causing the alarms to not activate properly, posing a ….

Moderate
severity level
July 10, 2019
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #19162 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #19162) was formally reported on July 10, 2019. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. The recalling firm is not specified in the federal record. Federal records list the affected scope as About 180,000.

The documented reason for this recall is: The smoke alarms can have a misaligned internal switch causing the alarms to not activate properly, posing a risk of failure to alert consumers to a fire. 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 immediately inspect their smoke alarms to determine if it will activate appropriately. Press the test button to determine if it is operating properly. If the alarm sounds no further … - 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 - 609 electronics recalls on record

1020304050 20052008201120142017202020232026 36
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 180,000

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

This recall involves Universal Security Instruments 10 year battery-operated ionization smoke and fire alarms with model numbers MI3050S and MI3050SB and with date codes between 2015JAN19 through 2016JUL11. The smoke alarms are white in color and 5½ inches in diameter. "Universal" and "Smoke & Fire Alarm" are printed on the front cover of the alarm. The label on the back of the alarm lists the model number and date code.

Reason for recall

The smoke alarms can have a misaligned internal switch causing the alarms to not activate properly, posing a risk of failure to alert consumers to a fire.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately inspect their smoke alarms to determine if it will activate appropriately. Press the test button to determine if it is operating properly. If the alarm sounds no further action is required. Additional instructions are located on the firm's website. If smoke alarm does not sound during the test, consumers should immediately contact Universal Security for a replacement.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 19162
Date reported July 10, 2019
Date initiated July 10, 2019
Recalling firm Not disclosed
Affected scope About 180,000
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 immediately inspect their smoke alarms to determine if it will activate appropriately. Press the test button to …

  • Check the recall number (19162) 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
This recall involves Universal Security Instruments 10 year battery-operated ionization smoke and fire alarms with model numbers MI3050S and MI3050SB and with date codes between 2015JAN19 through 2016JUL11. The smoke alarms are white in color and 5½ inches in diameter. "Universal" and "Smoke & Fire Alarm" are printed on the front cover of the alarm. The label on the back of the alarm lists the model number and date code.. Units affected: About 180,000.
Why was this product recalled?
The smoke alarms can have a misaligned internal switch causing the alarms to not activate properly, posing a risk of failure to alert consumers to a fire.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately inspect their smoke alarms to determine if it will activate appropriately. Press the test button to determine if it is operating properly. If the alarm sounds no further action is required. Additional instructions are located on the firm's website. If smoke alarm does not sound during the test, consumers should immediately contact Universal Security for a replacement.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on July 10, 2019. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 19162.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (19162) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported July 10, 2019. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.