Manchester Fire Officials: Incidents Plagued By Cheap Smoke/CO Detectors Purchased Online That Don't Work

MANCHESTER, CT — Fire officials in Manchester are warning residents about cheap, knockoff smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors that can be purchased online.

Quite simply, they said, the alarms may never sound.

"The Manchester Fire Marshal’s Office has been finding numerous non-listed smoke alarms in the community, particularly in residential occupancies," the warning said. "Some of these devices—often purchased online—are fraudulently advertised as 'manufactured to UL standards' but are not actually UL or ETL listed."

UL refers to Underwriters Laboratories, which is a third-party testing, inspection, and certification company.

There have been local "documented incidents" in which non-listed smoke and carbon monoxide alarms "failed to operate when needed," fire officials said.

"Because these devices are not independently tested or certified, their reliability cannot be trusted during a fire or carbon monoxide emergency," fire officials said.

According to Manchester fire officials, here is what residents should look for:

• A genuine UL or ETL listing mark on the alarm and packaging
• Devices that only claim to “meet UL standards” without a recognized listing
• If the cost is significantly lower, it is most likely non-listed

"Your safety depends on tested and certified alarms," fire officials said. "If you are unsure whether your alarm is listed, replace it."

Officials said residents can contact the Manchester Fire Marshal’s Office for guidance.