Ring video doorbells recalled over fire hazards

• Around 350,000 Amazon Ring video doorbells are being recalled over fire and burn hazards from overheating batteries caused by incorrect installation.
• Using the incorrect doorbell screws, which were included with the product, resulted in some doorbells igniting and minor property damage.
• The company has contacted customers and provided the revised installation instructions.

Fire and burn hazards involving overheating batteries prompted Ring to recall around 350,000 of its second-generation video doorbells.

The overheating was caused when the product was installed with incorrect screws, which was included with the product.

Incorrect installation was reported in at least 85 incidents, 23 of which caused the doorbells to ignite and lead to minor property damage, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stated. At least eight incidents of minor burns were also reported to the Amazon-owned home security and smart home company.

The recall affects the video doorbells with the model number 5UM5E5. Customers can check for this number on the product’s back and on its outer packaging.

These doorbells are identifiable for the blue ring at the front. They also come in two colors, “satin nickel” (black and silver) and “Venetian bronze” (black and bronze).

The product has been available for purchase from June through October 2020. It can be bought online at Amazon.com and Ring.com or at electronics and home goods stores across the country.

The video doorbells, which support night vision, can either be battery-powered or hardwired. Priced at about $100, it also comes with a USB charging cable and a mounting bracket.

FOX Business obtained this statement from a Ring spokesperson: “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.”

Customers who purchased a Ring doorbell can enter the product’s serial number here to check if theirs is included in the recall. If it is, they should immediately stop the product installation and check the revised installation instructions here.

Ring is available for inquiries at 800-656-1918 from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PT, seven days a week. Customers can also check their website, www.Ring.com, click on “Help” and then “Installation Services” for more information.

Source: FOX Business