CPSC recall 00-115, announced May 25, 2000, covers Universal Security Instruments Smoke alarms (about 34,000 units). The smoke alarms can fail to alarm when smoke or fire is present. The notice cites 3 incident reports. Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm. Recall contact: call (800) 390-4321.
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Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Consumers can identify the recalled models by removing the alarm cover from its base and looking for the manufacture date code and model number.
Which products are included?
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.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Also in the notice
- Date codes. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
the back of the alarm
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- April 1998 through June 1999
- Price paid
- $10 to $15
Why it was recalled
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.
Incidents and injuries
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. No injuries have been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers should call Universal Security Instruments Inc. to receive a free replacement alarm.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Contact the firm. Call (800) 390-4321.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Manufacturer
- Universal Security Instruments Inc., of Owings Mills, Md.
- Product type
- Smoke alarms
- Recall number
- 00-115
- Units
- About 34,000
- Sold at / sales period
- 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.
Smoke alarms
CPSC product type: Smoke Detectors/Alarms
This recall in context
Compared with the 36 smoke alarm recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 34,000 units: the 13th-largest of 28 smoke alarm recalls that state a unit count. The median is 28,500 units.
- Hazards
- Fire: named in 32 of 36 smoke alarm recalls, the most common hazard among them. Burn: named in 8 of 36 smoke alarm recalls.
- Brand history
- Universal Security Instruments is named in 3 CPSC notices in this index, from 2000 to 2022. This recall is the earliest. 2 of them are smoke alarm recalls.
- Time on sale
- 15 months. Recalled 11 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Consumers may call Universal Security Instruments Inc. toll-free at (800) 390-4321 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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