Two models from a well-known brand of smoke alarms are being recalled this week because of a manufacturing error that could cause the device to fail, according to a leading consumer products agency.
Recall alert: Kidde smoke alarm presents safety risk
“A yellow cap left on during the manufacturing process can cover one of the two smoke sensors and compromise the smoke alarm’s ability to detect smoke, posing a risk of consumers not being alerted to a fire in their home,” says a March 21 recall notice issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Consumers are encouraged to take the device down from the wall or ceiling and “visually inspect it through the opening on the side of the alarm for the presence of a yellow cap,” the recall notice says.
If you see the protective yellow cap, don’t try to remove it. Instead, immediately contact Kidde to receive instructions and request a free replacement smoke alarm.
Upon visible inspection, if you don’t see a yellow cap, consumers can place the smoke alarm back on the wall or ceiling “and no further action is needed,” the CPSC says.
