Millions of devices meant to protect may fail when push comes to shove.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling 3.6 million smoke and carbon monoxide detectors made by Kidde.
The Kidde NightHawk combination smoke/CO alarms makes a “chirp” sound every 30 seconds when it reaches the end of its useful life. However, if the batter is replaced when the unit is at the end of its life and the “test button” is pressed within 10 seconds, the unit won’t issue a chirp anymore, possibly leading customers to think it is still working.
Here’s the exact wording from the company of the issue: “The alarm can fail to continue to chirp when it reaches its seven year end of life if the batteries are replaced, leading consumers to believe it is still working. This poses a risk of consumers not being alerted to a fire or CO incident in their home.”
This can pose a risk if a fire or carbon monoxide incident occurs because the alarm won’t work properly.
There have been eight reported incidents, but no one has been injured.
The model number for the impacted devices is KN-COSM-IB, and was manufactured between June 1, 2004 and December 31, 2010. The device is hard-wired into a house’s electric power.
Click here to determine if your device is impacted. If it is, call Kidde toll-free at 855-239-0490 or go online. Kidde will replace the alarms for free or offer a discount on a new alarm.
