CPSC recall 03-552, announced September 3, 2003, covers GE Interlogix (GEI) ESL Smoke Detectors (14,000 units). These smoke detectors may fail to work properly upon installation or if there is an extended loss of power. Consumers should contact the company to receive free installation of a replacement smoke detector. Recall contact: call (800) 648-7422.
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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.
Affected model numbers
Check the product label for these CPSC-listed model numbers: 521NB, 521NCSXT, 541NB, 541NCSXT, 541NCXTE, 521NBXT, 521NCSRXT, 541NBXT, 541NCSRH, 541NCSXTE, 521NCRXT, 541NCRXT, 541NCSRXT.
Which products are included?
The ESL 500N smoke detectors are hard-wired and require professional installation. The recalled alarms have the following model numbers, which are located on the back of the detectors: 521NB, 521NCSXT, 541NB, 541NCSXT, 541NCXTE, 521NBXT, 521NCSRXT, 541NBXT, 541NCSRH, 541NCSXTE, 521NCRXT, 541NCRXT, and 541NCSRXT. Also on the back of the alarms are the letters, "ESL," and the manufacturing date code of "0223" through "0323" (23rd week of 2002 through 23rd week of 2003). Units that may not work properly can be identified by the lack of the flashing red indicator light, though all units with the aforementioned model and dates codes should be replaced.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Model numbers
- 13 listed. Yours must match one exactly.
- Also in the notice
- Date codes. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
the back of the detectors
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- June 2002 through June 2003
- Price paid
- $17 to $125
Why it was recalled
These smoke detectors may fail to work properly upon installation or if there is an extended loss of power. If the smoke alarms fail to detect fire or smoke, it poses a serious hazard to occupants inside of the dwelling.
Incidents and injuries
The firm has received no reports of incidents. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.
Official remedy
Consumers should contact the company to receive free installation of a replacement smoke detector.
What to do now
- Check the label. Compare your model number with the 13 listed in this recall, then check the date codes the notice lists.
- Contact the firm. Call (800) 648-7422.
- 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
- Brand
- GE Interlogix (GEI)
- Manufacturer
- GE Interlogix (GEI), of Tualatin, Ore.
- Product type
- Smoke alarms
- Recall number
- 03-552
- Units
- 14,000
- Manufactured in
- United States
- Sold at / sales period
- Distributors, dealers and installers of security systems nationwide sold or installed these smoke detectors, from June 2002 through June 2003, for between $125 and $17.
ESL Smoke Detectors
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
- 14,000 units: the 16th-largest of 28 smoke alarm recalls that state a unit count. The median is 28,500 units.
- Hazard
- Fire: named in 32 of 36 smoke alarm recalls, the most common hazard among them.
- Time on sale
- 13 months. Recalled 3 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Contact GEI at (800) 648-7422 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can contact their installer or service provider to determine if they have a recalled unit and/or to arrange for the free installation of a new unit.
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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