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Many smoke detectors may be defective as they are "ionizization-only" smoke detectors and by design fail to protect against smoldering fires.
Investigation Source
- Nationwide
Investigation Scope
Category Information
Investigation Topic
- Defective Product or Service
Product or Service
- Smoke Detectors
Injury Types
- Monetary Loss
- Risk of Injury
Investigation Details
Investigation and pending class action lawsuit against BRB Brands Inc., First Alert, Inc., Invensys Controls, United Technologies, Kidde Residential and Commercial Division (collectively the "Smoke Detector Manufacturers") claiming the most popular smoke detectors do not work in the most dangerous and common fires. The class action lawsuit also claims the Smoke Detector Manufacturers are not adequately warning consumers that additional detectors need to be purchased to ensure fire safety.
According to the class action lawsuit, 90 percent of all stand-alone fire alarms use "ionization-only" technology to detect a fire in a home and are a majority of the alarms sold. This technology only detects the large flames produced in a flaming fire but fails to protect families from smoldering fires. A smoldering fire can develop over a period of 45 minutes to several hours before producing a visible flame. During this time, dangerous and deadly toxins fill the home undetected by anyone sleeping or in another room. To adequately protect against smoldering fires a "photoelectric" device should be installed or better yet a combination device.
If you have purchased an "ionization-only" smoke detector from November 2000 until present, you are eligible to join this suit.
According to the class action lawsuit, 90 percent of all stand-alone fire alarms use "ionization-only" technology to detect a fire in a home and are a majority of the alarms sold. This technology only detects the large flames produced in a flaming fire but fails to protect families from smoldering fires. A smoldering fire can develop over a period of 45 minutes to several hours before producing a visible flame. During this time, dangerous and deadly toxins fill the home undetected by anyone sleeping or in another room. To adequately protect against smoldering fires a "photoelectric" device should be installed or better yet a combination device.
If you have purchased an "ionization-only" smoke detector from November 2000 until present, you are eligible to join this suit.
Defendant Details
| Name (Stock Symbol) | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| First Alert, Inc. | First Alert, Inc. manufactures and sells fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and other products for home safety. |
| Invensys Controls | Invensys Controls manufactures products encompassing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, thermostats, valves, zone controls, timers, electronic components, commercial control systems, marketed under leading brands such as Robertshaw, Ranco, Paragon and Invensys. |
| United Technologies Corporation (UTX) | United Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. |
| Kidde | Kidde is part of UTC Fire & Security, a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). Kidde manufacturers smoke and fire alarms and other home safety products. |
| BRK Brands Inc | BRK Brands Inc. manufactures smoke detectors. |