Recall #04-534 · Published February 12, 2004

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

CPSC, GE Security, Inc. Announce Recall of Carbon Monoxide Alarms

CPSC published a recall notice for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms from GE Security, Inc., (GE Security) on February 12, 2004. CPSC identifies this hazard: The recalled units fail to detect carbon monoxide after 1 year of operation, due to an internal software error. These CO alarms do not provide an "end of life" signal or other indication of inoperability, even if the test button is depressed. The official remedy states: Consumers should contact their system installer or service provider to arrange for the free installation of a replacement CO alarm.

Recalled ESL SafeAir 240-COE Carbon Monoxide alarm
Recalled ESL SafeAir 240-COE Carbon Monoxide alarm
Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

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.

Which products are included?

These ESL SafeAir 240-COE Carbon Monoxide alarms are hard-wired and require professional installation. The white, rectangular units are about 6 inches long and 2.75 inches high. "CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM" and "DO NOT PAINT" are written on the front of the units. "240-Coe, "SENTROL," (a former name of the company) and the date code are written on the back. The date code is a four-digit number ending with a "T." The four digits denote the year and week of manufacture. For example, the date code "0045T" refers to a unit that was manufactured in the 45th week of 2000. Only units with date codes 0045T (November 2000) through 0235T (August 2002) are included in the recall.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

The recalled units fail to detect carbon monoxide after 1 year of operation, due to an internal software error. These CO alarms do not provide an "end of life" signal or other indication of inoperability, even if the test button is depressed.

Incidents and injuries

GE Security has received one report that the CO detector did not operate properly in the presence of CO. No injuries have been reported.

Official remedy

Consumers should contact their system installer or service provider to arrange for the free installation of a replacement CO alarm.

Product and sales details

Brand
GE Security, Inc., (GE Security)
Manufacturer
GE Security, Inc., (GE Security) of Tualatin, Ore.
Recall number
04-534
Units
About 74,000
Manufactured in
China
Sold at / sales period
Distributors, dealers and installers of security systems nationwide, from November 2000 through October 2003, for about $49.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

CPSC product type: Carbon Monoxide Detectors/Alarms

Recall contact information

Call UTC Fire and Security (formerly GE Security) at 855-286-8889 option 2 between 8am and 8pm ET Monday through Friday.

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

Related recalls

Selected by shared brand or household-product category.

No. 06-151Smoke & CO Alarms

First Alert® Smoke Alarms and Combination Smoke/CO Alarms Recalled for Rapidly Draining Battery Power

BRK Brands

Hazard: These alarms can drain the power from batteries rapidly, causing premature low battery power. Consumers will be alerted to the low battery power and the need to replace the battery by a chirping of the unit. If the batteries on the smoke/CO alarm are not replaced before the battery power terminates, the alarm will not detect smoke in the event of a possible fire and the presence of carbon monoxide.