Amazon’s Ring Recalls 2nd-Gen Video Doorbells for Fire Hazard
The potential fire hazard impacts around 350,000 second generation Ring doorbells sold in the U.S. and roughly 8,700 more sold in Canada.
Ring explained that using incorrect screws to install the 2nd generation video doorbell can be screwed too far and strike the battery, increasing the risk of overheating and fire.
BETHESDA, Md. — Ring, the Amazon-owned manufacturer of smart home devices, has issued a recall for its second-generation video doorbell camera due to a risk of fire if installed incorrectly.
In a recall notice released Tuesday, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) states that the Ring device’s “battery can overheat when the incorrect screws are used for installation, posing fire and burn hazards.”
The potential fire hazard impacts around 350,000 second generation Ring doorbells sold in the United States and roughly 8,700 more sold in Canada, according to the notice. Consumers who have the video doorbell are cautioned to “immediately stop installing the recalled video doorbells and contact Ring for revised installation instructions or download them here,” according to the CPSC.
In an update to its site detailing the product recall, Ring said, “If the doorbell is installed correctly, there is no risk to consumers or potential hazard present.”
The company explained that using incorrect screws to install the device can be screwed too far and strike the battery, increasing the risk of overheating and fire. The recall applies to Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) model number 5UM5E5 smart doorbell cameras, and only certain serial numbers, which can be checked on the Ring website.
The CPSC said that Ring received 85 reports related to incorrect screws used for installation, 23 of which caught fire and caused minor property damage. There have been eight reported minor burns, according to the CPSC.
The CPSC announcement said the devices under the recall number 21-028 were sold at electronics and home goods stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and Ring.com from June 2020 through October 2020 for approximately $100.
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About the Author
Rodney Bosch, Senior Editor
Although Bosch’s name is quite familiar to those in the security industry, his previous experience has been in daily newspaper journalism. Prior to joining SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in 2006, he spent 15 years with the Los Angeles Times, where he performed a wide assortment of editorial responsibilities, including feature and metro department assignments as well as content producing for latimes.com. Bosch is a graduate of California State University, Fresno with a degree in Mass Communication & Journalism. In 2007, he successfully completed the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association’s National Training School coursework to become a Certified Level I Alarm Technician.
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