Recall Of Smoke Detectors Continues

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 1) -- BRK Electronics, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today issued a second notice of the recall of all BRK SS749 series smoke detectors manufactured before September 26, 1975. The first notice of this recall was issued January 25, 1977, but between 85-90,000 of these smoke detectors have not been located.

The recall was begun voluntarily by BRK when the company discovered that incorrectly- rated resistors were used in the SS749 series smoke detectors produced from March 1974 to September 26, 1975. These resistors could fail, making the unit inoperable, and may under certain circumstances cause a fire inside the detector. Although the detector is enclosed in self-extinguishing plastic, the units are being recalled as a precautionary measure.

According to BRK, all distributors who purchased the detectors have been contacted and with the company's help have been notifying the contractors who installed the detectors to organize factory supervised replacement programs.

The units subject to this recall are 110 volt AC-powered detectors which sold for a suggested retail price of $39.95. No battery-powered detectors are involved. Some models were manufactured with ordinary power cords (line cord) which plug into wall outlets, others have pigtail leads (hard wire) for installation directly into the household circuit

The units subject to this recall are 110 volt AC-powered detectors which sold for a suggested retail price of $39.95. No battery-powered detectors are involved. Some models were manufactured with ordinary power cords (line cord) which plug into wall outlets, others have pigtail leads (hard wire) for installation directly into electric wiring. The detectors were marketed by BRK, American Machine & Foundry (AMF), I-T-E Imperial Corporation (I-T-E) and Sears, Roebuck & Company (Sears). They have the following model numbers:

Homeowners who suspect they have one of these smoke detectors are urged to check the model number on their unit. (Caution: Before inspecting hard-wired detectors, electrical power to the unit must be turned off at the fuse box or circuit breaker; line cord detectors must be unplugged before inspection). Once the power is off, remove the cover and examine the side of the plastic base for a label which contains the model number.

Anyone who has one of the Sears units affected by this recall should contact the nearest Sears store, which will arrange for inspection and free replacement of the unit containing the defect.

People who believe they have any of the other detectors under recall should contact BRK to obtain a fact sheet, which gives very specific criteria for identifying potentially defective units, as well as replacement instructions.

Additional information concerning the recall can be obtained by contacting BRK Electronics, 780 McClure Avenue, Aurora, Illinois 60507, Attention: Dennis Wm. Clair, Project 749 Director; or by calling toll-free 800/323-9005 and asking for the Project 749 Department.