Aug 2019

Honeywell Recalls Photoelectric Smoke Sensors

As of June 21, 2019 Honeywell is recalling their Gamewell-FCI and Notifier Photoelectric Smoke Sensors sold with fire alarm systems. They have noticed that certain sensor models can possibly malfunction and not alert the occupants of the building in the case of a fire. These models are being recalled to reduce the potential risk of harm to people working in buildings with these smoke sensors installed. The purpose of this article is to inform you of the recall and how to identify if your smoke sensor needs to be replaced to ensure your building has the proper devices to protect the lives of the workers.

The smoke sensor models being recalled consist of intelligent photoelectric smoke sensors that have model numbers that end in “-IV” which were sold with fire alarm systems at Gamewell-FCI and Notifier distributors between March 2018 and January 2019. The recalled smoke sensor can be seen below in Figure 1. These smoke sensors are small and round with a diameter of 4 inches and are an ivory color. The affected models and other information about the recalled smoke sensors can be seen in Figure 2 below.

Figure 1: Recalled “-IV” Intelligent Photoelectric Smoke Sensor

BrandModelDate Code RangeOperating ModeConnected to Panels
Gamewell-FCIASD-PL3-IV8034 to 9013CLIPS3 series and E3 series
 ASD-PL3R-IV   
 ASD-PTL3-IV   
     
NotifierFSP-951-IV  NFS-3030 and NFS2-3030
 FSP-951R-IV   
 FSP-951T-IV   

Figure 2: Table Indicating Affected Models

The data shown in the table above indicates the models that are affected by this recall. Using this information, you can determine if the smoke sensor in your facility needs to be replaced. If you remove the smoke sensor from the wall and look at the back, there is a label that has important information about the sensor including the model number and date code. Both pieces of information can be used to identify if your sensor is affected by this recall. An example of the product label on a recalled device can be seen in Figure 3 below. The model number can be seen in the top left of the label and the date code is usually 4 numbers on the label that indicate the date the device was manufactured. The first digit represents the last digit of the year, the second and third digits represent the month, and the fourth digit represents the week in the month. For example, 9013 would represent the third week of January 2019. Other information including the operating mode of the sensor and the type of control panel the sensor is connected to can also be used to identify if the sensor is affected by the recall.

Honeywell model no. sticker example.

Figure 3: Example product label indicating data code location

If you determine that your smoke sensors are affected by this recall, you should immediately contact Gamewell-FCI or Notifier to get a free replacement photoelectric smoke sensor. Any sensors that are affected by the recall need to be replaced to ensure the safety of the occupants of the building. Smoke sensors are an important part of the fire alarm system in a building because they notify the people in the building of a fire so they can evacuate and contact the fire department. It is important from a property owner standpoint to ensure that your facility is properly protected by a working fire alarm system to reduce the risk of injuries and/or fatalities. You should check the smoke sensors in your building to see if you are affected by this recall and if so, you should take the proper steps to replace your smoke sensors.

If you are looking for more information and/or have any questions regarding the recall, you can contact Gamewell-FCI by cell at 800-633-1311 or Notifier at 800-289-3473. More information can also be found on the Gamewell-FCI website or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. These websites contain a lot of helpful information about this recall. The figures used in this article are from the CPSC website.

Risk Logic advises on all aspects of fire-related property loss prevention. Contact Risk Logic with any questions you may have regarding the Honeywell Photoelectric Smoke Sensor recall.

References:
www.gamewell-fci.com/en-US/Safety_Bulletin/Pages/default.aspx

www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/Honeywell-Recalls-Gamewell-FCI-and-Notifier-Photoelectric-Smoke-Sensors-Sold-with-Fire-Alarm-Systems-Due-to-Failure-to-Alert-of-a-Fire#