Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 34,000 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 has received three reports of alarms failing, releasing smoke. There has been one report of minor smoke damage to the wall of a mobile home.

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. Electrical distributors, housing suppliers, and hardware stores sold these smoke alarms nationwide from April 1998 through June 1999 for between $10 and $15. Most of these smoke alarms were pre-installed in homes during construction.

Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. toll- free at (800) 390-4321 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free, replacement alarm.

Universal Security Instruments Inc.
10324 S. Dolfield Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117-3510
TEL: 410-363-3000