March 23, 2018 — Health Canada, the U.S. CPSC and Kidde have issued a joint recall for the Kidde dual-sensor (photoelectric and ionization) smoke alarms — models PI2010CA and PI9010CA.

A yellow cap can cover one of the two smoke sensors, which compromises the smoke alarms’ ability to detect smoke.

As of March 7, 2018 the company has received no reports of incidents or injuries in Canada or the U.S. There has been one report from a consumer who identified the yellow protective cap before installing the smoke alarm.

The affected smoke alarms have a pill-shaped design on the front of the unit and a yellow cap visible through the opening on the side of the alarm. “KIDDE” is printed on the front centre of the smoke alarm, while the model number and data code are located on the back of the unit.

To identify the presence of the yellow sensor cap:

1. Consumers should remove the alarm from the wall/ceiling and visually inspect.
2. Consumers should check the brand name and look for the unique design of the PI2010CA and PI9010CA smoke alarm.
3. Consumers should then locate the locking tab on the back of the alarm, turn the alarm on its side and look at the opening closest to the locking tab.
4. If a yellow cap can be seen in the opening, the unit is affected and must be replaced. Consumers should not attempt to take apart the alarm, open the casing, or otherwise remove the yellow cap themselves.
5. If no yellow cap is present, consumers should reinstall the smoke alarm and no further action is needed.

The recalled products were sold from November 1, 2016 to January 25, 2018. Approximately 40,000 units of the affected products were sold in Canada and 452,000 were sold in the U.S, reports Health Canada.

According to the CPSC, the affected units were sold at Menards, The Home Depot, Walmart and other department, home and hardware stores, as well as online at Amazon.com, ShopKidde.com and other websites.

Should you have a Kidde dual-sensor smoke alarm, contact Kidde to receive instructions on how to identify the presence of the yellow sensor cap and request a free replacement smoke alarm if your smoke alarm contains the yellow cap. Remove and discard the affected smoke alarm only after you receive and install the replacement alarm.

Identifying the presence of the yellow sensor cap.

All photos courtesy Health Canada.