CPSC recall 19-162, announced July 10, 2019, covers Universal Security Instruments Battery powered smoke and fire alarms (about 180,000 units). The smoke alarms can have a misaligned internal switch causing the alarms to not activate properly, posing a risk of failure to alert consumers to a fire. The notice cites 134 incident reports. Consumers should immediately inspect their smoke alarms to determine if it will activate appropriately. Recall contact: call 877-612-6955, or go to www.UniversalSecurity.com.
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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 label on the back of the alarm lists the model number and date code.
Which products are included?
This recall involves Universal Security Instruments 10 year battery-operated ionization smoke and fire alarms with model numbers MI3050S and MI3050SB and with date codes between 2015JAN19 through 2016JUL11. The smoke alarms are white in color and 5½ inches in diameter. "Universal" and "Smoke & Fire Alarm" are printed on the front cover of the alarm. The label on the back of the alarm lists the model number and date code.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Model numbers
- 2 listed, all starting with
MI3050S. Yours must match one exactly. - Also in the notice
- Date codes. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
the label on the back of the alarm
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- July 2015 through December 2016
- Price paid
- $20
Why it was recalled
The smoke alarms can have a misaligned internal switch causing the alarms to not activate properly, posing a risk of failure to alert consumers to a fire.
Incidents and injuries
The company has received 134 reports of failure to properly activate during installation.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately inspect their smoke alarms to determine if it will activate appropriately. Press the test button to determine if it is operating properly. If the alarm sounds no further action is required. Additional instructions are located on the firm's website. If smoke alarm does not sound during the test, consumers should immediately contact Universal Security for a replacement.
What to do now
- Check the label. Compare your model number with the 2 listed in this recall, then check the date codes the notice lists.
- Contact the firm. Call 877-612-6955, or go to www.UniversalSecurity.com.
- Get the remedy. This recall offers a replacement.
- 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
- Product type
- Smoke alarms
- Recall number
- 19-162
- Units
- About 180,000
- Manufactured in
- Hong Kong
- Sold at / sales period
- Online through specialty wholesalers and others from July 2015 to December 2016 about $20
- Importer
- Universal Security Instruments, of Owings Mills, Md.
This recall in context
Compared with the 36 smoke alarm recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 180,000 units: the 9th-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.
- Remedy
- Replacement: offered in 12 of 36 smoke alarm recalls, the most common remedy.
- Brand history
- Universal Security Instruments is named in 3 CPSC notices in this index, from 2000 to 2022. This recall is the 2nd. The one before: Universal Security Instruments Smoke alarms (00-115, May 2000). 2 of them are smoke alarm recalls.
- Time on sale
- 18 months. Recalled 31 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Universal Security Instruments at 877-612-6955 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.UniversalSecurity.com and click on “Product Safety Notice” for more information.
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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