180,000 smoke detectors recalled because they may not work during a fire

Nearly 180,000 smoke and battery-powered fire detectors were recalled due to the risk of failure.

According to the recall on the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website, alarms may have a misaligned internal switch, which prevents them from activating properly, which may not alert consumers in the event of a fire.

The recall involves Universal Instruments 10-year battery-operated smoke and fuse detectors, model numbers MI3050S and MI3050SB, and date codes between January 19 and 19. July 2016. The smoke detectors are white in color and 5½ inches in diameter. "Universal" and "Smoke and Fire Alarm" are printed on the alarm cover. The label on the back of the alarm indicates the model number and the date code.

The recall suggests consumers inspect their smoke detectors to determine if they will activate properly by pressing the test button. If the alarm sounds, no further action is required. If the sound does not sound, consumers should contact Universal Security for a replacement.

There have been 134 reports of proper activation failure during installation.

The alarms were sold online from July 2015 to December 2016.

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