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Recall data is sourced from official U.S. government agencies (CPSC, FDA, NHTSA, USDA) and processed using AI to improve readability. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Always refer to the original agency notice for authoritative information.

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Medium RiskCPSC
Electronics & Technology/Smart Home

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

Agency Publication Date: July 10, 2019
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Summary

Universal Security Instruments is recalling about 180,000 battery-operated smoke and fire alarms because an internal switch can be misaligned, preventing the alarm from activating during a fire. This recall affects 10-year ionization models MI3050S and MI3050SB with date codes between January 19, 2015, and July 11, 2016. There have been 134 reports of these units failing to activate properly during installation. Consumers should immediately test their alarms to see if they function correctly, and the company will provide free replacements for any units that fail the test.

Risk

A misaligned internal switch can cause the smoke alarm to fail to sound during a fire, preventing residents from being alerted to the danger and increasing the risk of serious injury or death. While no injuries have been reported, there are 134 confirmed reports of the device failing to activate.

What You Should Do

  1. Check the front of your smoke alarm to see if it is white, measures 5½ inches in diameter, and has "Universal" and "Smoke & Fire Alarm" printed on the cover.
  2. Remove the alarm from its mounting bracket and inspect the label on the back to confirm if it is model MI3050S or MI3050SB with a date code between 2015JAN19 and 2016JUL11.
  3. Immediately test the alarm by pressing and holding the test button. If the alarm sounds, it is operating properly and no further action is required.
  4. If the smoke alarm does not sound during the test, immediately contact Universal Security Instruments at 877-612-6955 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.UniversalSecurity.com and click on “Product Safety Notice” to request a free replacement.
  5. For additional information or questions regarding this recall, contact the CPSC Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Your Remedy Options

📋Replace

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.

Contact: Universal Security Instruments at 877-612-6955 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.UniversalSecurity.com and click on “Product Safety Notice” for more information.

Affected Products

Product: Universal Security Instruments 10 Year Battery-Operated Ionization Smoke and Fire Alarm (Model MI3050S)
Model:
MI3050S
Date Ranges: 2015JAN19 through 2016JUL11, July 2015 to December 2016
Product: Universal Security Instruments 10 Year Battery-Operated Ionization Smoke and Fire Alarm (Model MI3050SB)
Model:
MI3050SB
Date Ranges: 2015JAN19 through 2016JUL11, July 2015 to December 2016

Product Images

Smoke Alarm (front)

Smoke Alarm (front)

Smoke Alarm (back) Brand Name, Model, and Manufacture Date Codes

Smoke Alarm (back) Brand Name, Model, and Manufacture Date Codes

Additional Information

Agency: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Recall ID: 19162
Status: Active
Sold By: Online through specialty wholesalers and others from July 2015 to December 2016 about $20
Manufactured In: Hong Kong
Units Affected: About 180,000
Distributed To: Nationwide
Importer: Universal Security Instruments, of Owings Mills, Md.
Contact: Universal Security Instruments at 877-612-6955 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.UniversalSecurity.com and click on “Product Safety Notice” for more information.
Agency Last Updated: July 10, 2019

Were You Affected by This Recall?

If you or a family member were harmed by this recalled product, you may have legal rights. Consider consulting a consumer protection attorney to understand your options for compensation.

Find an Attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. Go Backs is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.

AI-Enhanced Content: The summary, action steps, and risk assessment on this page were generated by AI from official government recall data to improve readability. This is not legal or medical advice. Always refer to the official agency sources below for authoritative information.

Sources: CPSC Notice · Raw API Response