Ring Recalls 350,000 Video Doorbells after Some Catch Fire and Cause Burns
Around 350,000 video doorbells from Ring in the U.S., and about 8,700 in Canada, have been recalled following reports of some catching fire, causing burns and property damage, according to the latest report Tuesday by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Eight reports of minor burns among users have been received so far by the home security company owned by Amazon.
The battery of the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation), model number 5UM5E5, "can overheat when the incorrect screws are used for installation, posing fire and burn hazards," the report noted.
"Ring has received 85 incident reports of incorrect doorbell screws installed with 23 of those doorbells igniting, resulting in minor property damage. The firm has received eight reports of minor burns," according to the report.
The commission advised: "Consumers should immediately stop installing the recalled video doorbells and contact Ring for revised installation instructions," which can also be downloaded at the Ring website.
Speaking to Newsweek, a spokesperson for Ring said: "The safety of our customers is our top priority. We [have and continue to work cooperatively with the CPSC on this issue, and] have contacted customers who purchased a Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) to ensure they received the updated user manual and follow the device installation instructions. Customers do not need to return their devices."
The product should resume normal functioning once properly installed, according to the company.
The latest recall applies to Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) models with certain serial numbers. Customers can verify whether their doorbell falls under the recall by entering the product's serial number at the Ring website.
The product was sold at stores nationwide as well as online at the Amazon and Ring websites from June to October for around $100 each.
The recalled doorbells each feature a blue ring at the front and come with a mounting bracket and a USB charging cable. The two-way audio doorbell can be hardwired or battery-powered and supports night vision, the report noted.
Customers are advised to visit the websites of the CPSC as well as Health Canada, the country's government health department, for more information.
Other fire-related product recalls
Back in September, 7,500 portable generators from MWE Investment were recalled following reports of fuel leaking from the fuel valve causing a fire and burn hazard, according to the CPSC.
The recalled products included the Westinghouse WGen5300DFv Dual Fuel Portable Generators and Westinghouse iGen4500DF Dual Fuel Inverter Portable Generators.
Last November, car manufacturer Nissan recalled around 394,025 vehicles in the U.S. over fears that a fault in their anti-lock brake systems could cause fires.
The company noted the vehicles may have an inadequate oil seal. If the seal becomes worn, brake fluid could leak and "potentially create an electrical short in the actuator circuit, which in rare instances, may lead to a fire," Nissan said at the time.
