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 (301) 595-7054.

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.