smoke detectors and duracell batteries

Just wanted to let y'all know what happened in our house tonight because after searching the internet, this may be a serious concern for more homeowners around here:

This evening our smoke detectors became active for about a minute. After checking things out we could find nothing out of the ordinary. Our daughter was upstairs and heard a loud 'pop' and then a smoke detector started the slow beep of a low battery. When we figured out which detector was acting up, my husband had a very hard time opening up the door to check the battery. Once he got the door open, he discovered the battery had swelled and popped open. We replaced the battery, and I put the old battery in a plastic bag in the trash. While eating dinner, we head the pop again. Checking the bag, the battery was still hot and it had exploded a little more. A few minutes after that it popped again and a cylinder actually came out of the battery and made a hole in the bag.

Searching the internet, there have been several news reports about BRK First Alert 4120b model smoke detectors causing duracell batteries to explode. This pertains to ones manufactured before Oct., 2000. One report said the problem is that the electricity to the smoke detector actually winds up charging the battery somehow.

I'll be going out tomorrow to look for new batteries (these have only been in for a week) and may be looking to replace my smoke detectors very soon!

http://www.wral.com/money/9357708/detail.html
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=consumer&id=3939992
http://www.firstalert.com/4120b.pdf

 

These were builder-installed detectors. We live near Chickacoan and Vestals Gap in an Engle home, but I imagine that the other builders probably used the same standard detectors. We moved here in mid-2000. And even though First Alert said they changed their products Oct., 2000, there still could have been a supplier/builder inventory to go through. I think it will affect alot of my neighbors.

I think the word should get out about this too. I thought I was doing the right thing, going to Costco every six months and getting my pack of Duracell batteries to change my detectors. I had NO idea that First Alert knew there was a problem and hasn't done much to protect the public.

 

I am confused??? Which is normal Anyway are you talking about 6 year old batteries???? These battteries should be replaced every year. In any case batteries should not be popping (exploding) ever!!!

Never heard of this situation!!!!! I believe you!!!! Just very unusual!!!!! Yes we all should be aware of this very dangerous potential situation.

Lee j

 

No, I replace the batteries every 6 months, when we change the clocks. This battery that exploded has only been in the detector for one week.

Looking more into this, earlier this year there were multiple issues of this in a community in St. Louis. Looks like First Alert gave the fire department new detectors to install in that community. But then others have been told by First Alert that unless the detector has damage to it, First Alert will do nothing to help replace.

 

Ok the smoke detectors are six years old or older. In that case they should be replaced and a warning to all should go out. The thing is how many are not on this forum and will never know unless there is a door to door warning!!!!!

Lee j

 

Sounds like a good idea to put it in the newsletter. I already filed with the Comsumer Products Safety Commission. I'll call the fire dept. in a little while.