FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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May 24, 1983 |
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Release # 83-029 |
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Honeywell To Recall Certain
Battery-Operated Smoke Detectors
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission, Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota,
today announced a voluntary recall affecting over 770,000 model
TC89B and TC89C battery-operated smoke detectors that may not work
when smoke is present.
Honeywell learned that, because of circuit board mounting
problems, some smoke detectors will not sound an alarm when smoke
is present, but may alarm when the test button is pushed. Honeywell
is asking consumers to return any detectors that have this defect
for a replacement. Since Honeywell no longer makes residential
smoke detectors, the firm will replace returned units with a
comparable model produced by another manufacturer.
Honeywell produced the affected detectors in 1977 and 1978.
These models, which were sold nationally and in Canada, carry the
model number TC89B and TC89C and have a date code between 7601 and
7820. The model numbers and date codes are found under the smoke
detector cover, inside the detector on a piece of gray cardboard.
To identify affected detectors, consumers should remove the
cover from the detector. If the first five characters of the
identification number contained on the piece of gray cardboard
are TC89B or TC89C, and the date code is ANY NUMBER FROM 7601
THROUGH 7820, the detector should be carefully checked for proper
operation in accordance with the instructions below. This action
does not apply to Honeywell smoke detectors with date codes of
7821 or higher.
Honeywell recommends that consumers check the battery and then
carefully check to determine if the smoke detector is working
properly by using an extinguished candle to create smoke near the
detector. Consumers should cease to use broom handles or similar
objects to push the test button on Honeywell smoke detectors.
If the detector does not alarm with the presence of smoke,
consumers should contact Honeywell on its toll-free number
800-328-8194 or write Honeywell Consumer Affairs, 10400 Yellow
Circle Drive, Minnetonka, Minn. 55343. to see if your detector is
covered by the recall.
Because smoke detectors are important warning devices, Honeywell
and the Commission urge consumers to replace non-working smoke
detectors with new ones immediately.
Both Honeywell and the Consumer Product Safety Commission
strongly recommend the use of smoke detectors and further recommend
that consumers regularly check smoke detectors, regardless of brand,
to ensure proper operation.
Consumers wishing further information may call the CPSC
toll free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC, A teletypewriter number for
the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently
announced the recall of certain Honeywell smoke
detectors. The model number (TC89B or TC89C) and
date code ( 7601 to 7820) are found under the smoke
detector cover, inside the detector on gray cardboard
(see illustration above). Consumers should call
Honeywell on 800-328-8194 for further information. |
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