On May 15, 2008, Maple Chase Company recalled about 280,000 FireX Branded 10000 Series Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms and 12000 Series CO/Smoke Combo Alarms because of a carbon monoxide poisoning risk.

The Maple Chase alarms included in the recall can make a “double chirp,” or fault alarm sound in the presence of CO, before it goes into full alarm. The Owner’s Manual accompanying the recalled alarms advise consumers to take the alarm out of service upon hearing a double chirp, which could expose customers to hazardous levels of CO.

FireX branded 10000 and 12000 series alarms with the following item numbers are included in the recall:

• 10000,
• 12000,
• 12000C,
• 12000-6,
• 12200,
• 12220,
• 12400, and
• 12400C.

The alarms were manufactured between June 1, 2007 and February 1, 2008. Date codes are found on the back of the alarm, with a four digit year, three digit month and day (for example: 2007JUN1 stands for June 1, 2007). Alarms with a manufacture date code prior to June 1, 2007 are not included in the recall.

Commercial electrical distributors and electrical contractors and builders sold the recalled FireX Branded 10000 Series Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms and 12000 Series CO/Smoke Combo Alarms for installation into new home construction. Some were also sold at Menard’s nationwide from June 2007 through February 2008 for between $20 and $30.

Customers should immediately contact Maple Chase at 888-879-3906 if they own a recalled alarm to receive a replacement. Customers should not take the alarms out of service until receiving a replacement alarm. For more information, consumers may also visit Maple Chase’s website.

Source: “Maple Chase Co. Recalls Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Combo Alarms Due to Alarm Malfunction,” US Consumer Product Safety Commission Release #08-267, May 15, 2008.