Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall
Please call 855-283-7991 between 8AM and 5PM EST Monday through Friday, except holidays, or visit www.kidde.com
Kidde has identified a quality issue with black plastic Zytel® nylon valve disposable fire extinguishers. In a small number of instances, Kidde found that a supplier built a component that is out of specification. When the lever is pressed repeatedly, the extinguisher may fail to fully discharge as designed. The company is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to recall these affected models.
The specific fire extinguishers are ABC- and BC-rated disposable models that were manufactured between July 23, 2013 and October 15, 2014 and sold between August 2013 and November 204. The models are as follows:
FX340SC
RESSP
FC110
FX340GW
Mariner 5 G
FX10
2A10BC
Mariner 5
FX210R
FA10G
FA5B
5BCW
FA110
FX5II
5BC
Mariner 110
FC5
1A 10BC
Mariner 10
FX210
10BC
FX10BC
KFH Twin
1A 10BCW
FX10K
M110 Twin
FH/RESSP
FC10
M5 Twin
XL 5MR
FX210W
FA5B
Kidde has made this issue a high priority, with a number of teams assigned to investigate, resolve and communicate the issue. In a small number of instances, Kidde found that a supplier built a component that is out of specification. Follow-up field testing found a low risk of the potential extinguishers not working as designed. However, there is no way to identify which units may fail to discharge as designed. Out of an abundance of caution, we have stopped shipment of affected extinguishers, are working cooperatively with the CPSC to recall any units on store shelves, and are working to replace affected units in homes. Out of an abundance of caution, the CPSC is recalling about 4,640,000 fire extinguishers.
To get a replacement unit, no proof of purchase is required. Please supply the model number, year of manufacture, the unit’s date code and serial number. Additional information may also be requested. You can find the model number and serial number on the unit’s label.
The date code is part of an ink jet 10-digit number stamped on the cylinder near the bottom. To determine the date code, look at digits 5-9. They convey the date and year of manufacture.
For example: Date code is 0101273145. You look at digits 27314, which signify it was manufactured on the 273rd day of 2014, or September 30, 2014. This unit would be affected.
We are looking for units with these five digits in the date code:
2013: XXXX20413X through XXXX36513X
2014: XXXX00114X through XXXX28814X
Kidde extinguishers will be replaced with extinguishers of similar capacity and fire rating. It may be the exact same model or a similar model, and it may either be a red or white color. Regardless of the model and color, all replacements will have in-specification components. The safety and quality of Kidde products are a top priority. We have determined the cause of this issue and have taken corrective action on future production of this product. Replacement units will be shipped within approximately 10 to 15 business days following your call to the Recall Center.
You will want to dispose of the affected unit. Before doing so, you should contact your local waste or recycling authority to find out what extinguisher disposal rules apply where you live. The instructions for fire extinguisher disposal may be available through your county government’s website. Next, you may be asked to relieve pressure from the extinguisher by discharging it outside. To avoid inhaling powder, wear a dust mask. Stand upwind and quickly activate the extinguisher (for a period of 1 to 2 seconds). The discharge of powder will compromise the pressure seal in the valve and will relieve pressure over a period of time. Set the extinguisher in a secure location and check the gauge periodically. When the gauge needle is in the red (empty) range, you may dispose of the unit in accordance with state/local regulations.
The powder inside the extinguisher is non-toxic and will not harm vegetation. However, it could cause minor irritation if it gets in your eyes or throat. Never activate an extinguisher in or near your face, and never point it in the direction of another person.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact our customer service directly for additional assistance - (855-283-7991).
WARNING: Never unscrew the extinguisher’s valve and handle from the cylinder body. Any pressure remaining inside could cause the valve and handle to separate spontaneously, and result in injury.