What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a critical recall affecting SUNS International residential elevator interlock switches. This is not a broad recall of entire elevator systems, but rather a targeted safety action focusing on a specific component: the SS6291 Solenoid Interlock switch. These devices are essential mechanical parts installed inside residential elevators to ensure that the car does not move unless its door is securely closed and locked. If you own or manage a home elevator, understanding exactly which part is involved is the first step toward protecting your household.
The recall specifically covers all SUNS International SS6291 Solenoid Interlock switches. These components were used in residential elevators that were manufactured during a specific window of time: from August 20, 2024, through November 6, 2025. It is important to note that the issue lies with the interlock switch itself, not necessarily the entire elevator unit. However, because this part is integral to the safety operation of the lift, any residential elevator produced within those dates that utilizes this specific SUNS model must be treated as potentially affected until verified otherwise.
To identify if your elevator contains the recalled part, you need to look closely at the interlock switch itself. The SS6291 unit is physically distinct, measuring approximately 10 inches by 2 inches and weighing about two pounds. You will find a label on the side of the product that clearly displays the brand name "SUNS," along with the model number SS6291 and a specific date code. The recalled units carry date codes ranging from 2431 through 2543. If your elevator was installed or produced within the aforementioned timeframe, it is highly likely that this specific switch is present.
The recall does not specify a total number of units sold globally, but it emphasizes that this applies to all such switches used in residential elevators produced during the affected period. These products were sold through various channels for installation in private homes. Because these are specialized safety components rather than consumer goods found on retail shelves, you may not have a receipt from a big-box store. Instead, your documentation will likely come from the elevator installer or the manufacturer of the residential lift system. If you are unsure whether your home elevator contains this part, checking the date codes on the switch is the most reliable method of confirmation.
It is vital to approach this information calmly but seriously. The recall is proactive, meaning it was issued before any reported incidents of injury or death were confirmed by the CPSC. However, the potential for harm is severe, which is why identifying and replacing the part is non-negotiable. Do not assume that just because your elevator has worked fine up to this point, the interlock switch is functioning correctly. The defect described in this recall involves a mechanical failure where the switch can become stuck, a problem that may not be obvious during casual use but poses a catastrophic risk when the elevator is in motion.
If you have recently had an elevator installed or serviced between August 2024 and November 2025, contact your installer immediately to verify the part number. For those who bought the home second-hand, inspecting the elevator’s maintenance logs or physically locating the interlock switch is necessary. This recall is a straightforward fix for a complex problem: replacing a single, defective component with a new, safe one at no cost to you. The goal is to ensure that your residential elevator remains a convenient luxury rather than a dangerous liability.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so urgent, it helps to look at the specific mechanical failure involved. The recalled SUNS International SS6291 Solenoid Interlock switches are designed to act as a critical safety gate between your elevator car and the building’s hallway. In normal operation, this switch ensures that the elevator cannot move unless the exterior door is securely locked. However, in these defective units, the internal mechanism can fail by becoming stuck in a retracted position. When this happens, the switch loses its ability to verify that the door is closed and latched.
This mechanical failure creates a terrifying scenario known as a "fall-through" or "shearing" hazard. Because the interlock fails to detect the open state of the door, the elevator system may be tricked into thinking it is safe to travel. If the elevator is called to another floor while the exterior door is actually unlocked or ajar, the car will move away from you. This can lead to two distinct and severe types of injury. First, if the door was open when the car departed, there is an immediate risk of falling down the elevator shaft. Second, even if the door appears closed but is not fully latched, the moving elevator can crush fingers, hands, or clothing caught in the gap between the car and the landing.
The danger is compounded by the fact that residential elevators often operate in tight spaces with limited visibility. A person standing in the hallway might not realize their fingers are trapped until significant pressure is applied by the moving components. The CPSC notes that these incidents pose a risk of death or serious injury, which underscores why the agency has mandated an immediate stop to usage. Unlike minor defects that cause inconvenience, this particular failure mode removes the primary safeguard designed to keep users safe from gravity and heavy machinery.
It is important to distinguish this specific interlock failure from other elevator issues. This recall does not involve general braking problems or software glitches in the cabin controls. It is strictly about the physical connection between the door lock status and the motor’s permission to move. When that link is broken by a stuck switch, the entire safety logic of the elevator system is compromised. You are essentially relying on a broken sensor to tell you it is safe to stand near a moving heavy object, which is why stopping use immediately is the only responsible course of action until a professional can install a replacement.
Who is most at risk
While the SUNS International SS6291 interlock switch is installed in residential elevators produced over a specific nine-month window, the people truly at risk are those living in multi-story homes where these units serve as a primary or secondary means of vertical transportation. This includes homeowners who have installed private residential lifts to navigate between floors without using stairs. The recall affects units manufactured between August 20, 2024, and November 6, 2025, meaning that anyone who purchased or moved into a home equipped with this specific elevator model during that timeframe is potentially in the danger zone. It is not just the person pressing the button; it is everyone who relies on the safety mechanisms of that lift for their daily mobility.
The nature of the hazard—a door remaining unlocked while the elevator car moves to another floor—creates a unique and severe risk profile, particularly for vulnerable populations. The most critical group at risk includes young children. Toddlers and preschoolers are naturally curious and may not understand the gravity of stepping into an empty shaft or standing in front of a moving elevator door that appears closed but is not secured. If the interlock switch fails and the car moves while the door is unlocked, a child could easily fall down the elevator shaft or be caught in the machinery. Their smaller stature and developing understanding of safety boundaries make them disproportionately vulnerable to this specific type of mechanical failure.
Elderly individuals and those with mobility challenges are also at heightened risk. For many seniors, residential elevators are not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining independence and avoiding the physical strain or fall risks associated with stairs. If an interlock switch fails, the sudden movement of the elevator car can cause a severe loss of balance. An elderly person standing on the threshold may be pulled into the shaft or crushed between the door frame and the moving car. The psychological shock of such an event can also lead to secondary injuries from panic or falls within the cab itself.
Furthermore, anyone with limited mobility who cannot quickly react to a malfunction is at risk. This includes individuals using walkers, wheelchairs, or those recovering from surgery. In the event of a crushing hazard or a sudden drop, these individuals may lack the physical strength to brace themselves or escape the immediate danger zone. The risk is not just about the mechanical failure itself, but the inability to mitigate its consequences due to age or physical condition. Therefore, the recall is particularly urgent for households where multiple generations live together, as the vulnerability of one member can impact the safety of all users who rely on that single piece of equipment for safe vertical travel.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your residential elevator contains the specific SUNS International interlock switch involved in this recall requires a careful physical inspection of the equipment itself. Because these switches are internal components installed within the elevator machinery, they are not immediately visible during normal daily operation. You will need to access the mechanical compartment where the lift’s control systems reside. This is typically located at the top of the elevator shaft or in a dedicated machine room adjacent to the lift car, depending on your building’s specific design. If you are unsure how to safely access this area, please consult your elevator installer first, as improper handling of elevator machinery can be dangerous.
Once you have accessed the switch, look for a label affixed to the side of the device. The recalled unit is the SUNS International SS6291 Solenoid Interlock switch. On this label, you must verify three critical pieces of information: the brand name "SUNS," the model number "SS6291," and the specific date code. The physical characteristics of the switch can also help confirm your findings. The affected unit measures approximately 10 inches in length by 2 inches in width and weighs about 2 pounds. While color is not specified in the official recall notice, the size and weight are distinct enough to help distinguish it from other standard elevator components.
The most crucial step is checking the date code printed on that side label. This recall applies specifically to units produced between August 20, 2024, and November 6, 2025. Therefore, you are looking for a date code ranging from 2431 through 2543. If your switch has a date code outside of this range, it is not part of this specific recall batch. However, if the label is worn, missing, or illegible, do not guess. The safest course of action is to treat the unit as potentially recalled and contact SUNS International or your elevator installer for professional verification.
If you cannot locate the date code or are uncertain about the model number, please stop using the elevator immediately. Do not attempt to remove the switch yourself, as this could leave the door mechanism in an unsafe state. Instead, document what you can see—such as any visible brand names or model numbers—and call your installer. They have the technical records and resources to confirm whether your specific installation falls within the affected production window. When in doubt, prioritize caution over convenience.
What to do — step by step
If you own a residential elevator installed between August 20, 2024, and November 6, 2025, your first and most critical action is to stop using the elevator immediately. This is not a suggestion for minor inconvenience; it is a mandatory safety precaution because the interlock switch may fail in a way that allows the exterior door to remain unlocked while the elevator car is elsewhere. Do not attempt to operate the elevator or force the doors open. Your immediate priority is to ensure that no person, child, or pet can access the elevator shaft, which poses a severe fall and crushing hazard. Treat the affected elevator as completely out of service until you have taken the steps outlined below.
The next step is to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall. You need to locate the label on the side of the interlock switch, which is a component measuring approximately 10 inches by 2 inches and weighing about 2 pounds. Look specifically for the "SUNS" brand name, the model number SS6291, and a date code ranging from 2431 through 2543. If your switch bears these exact markings, it is part of the recalled batch. If you are unsure or cannot find this label, do not guess—proceed to contact the relevant parties for assistance in identification.
Once you have confirmed that you possess a recalled SUNS International SS6291 Solenoid Interlock switch, you must arrange for a professional repair. The remedy provided by SUNS International is free of charge. You should contact SUNS directly or reach out to the elevator installer who performed the original installation of your residential elevator. Both entities are authorized to provide instructions on how to proceed with the free professional installation of a replacement interlock switch. Do not attempt to remove or install the new switch yourself. This is high-voltage, safety-critical equipment that requires specialized knowledge to handle safely without causing electrical hazards or further mechanical failure.
When you contact SUNS or your installer, be prepared to provide the date code found on your unit to confirm eligibility for the free replacement. Ask them to schedule a service visit as soon as possible. Until the professional arrives and installs the new switch, keep the area around the elevator secure. If possible, block access to the elevator doors with physical barriers or warning signs to prevent accidental entry by household members or guests who might not be aware of the recall. Remember, your goal is to maintain a zero-access policy for the elevator shaft until the manufacturer has verified that the hazard has been eliminated through their official repair process.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own a residential elevator equipped with the affected SUNS International SS6291 Solenoid Interlock switches, the good news is that a clear and cost-free remedy has been established by both the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Unlike some recalls where consumers might be left to figure out reimbursement processes or wait for mailed kits, this recall offers a direct service solution designed to address the safety hazard immediately and professionally. The core of your option here is not a refund of the elevator system itself, but rather a free professional installation of a replacement interlock switch. This distinction is important because the issue lies specifically with the electronic safety component, not the entire elevator mechanism. Your primary path forward is to have this specific part swapped out by qualified personnel at no charge to you.
To access this remedy, you need to take action on your own initiative. You should contact SUNS International directly or reach out to the elevator installer who originally serviced or installed your system. The recall notice indicates that installers are listed in the official documentation, so if you cannot locate SUNS’s direct contact information easily, your installer is a valid and often more convenient point of contact for scheduling this service. When you make these calls, be prepared to provide specific details about your unit to ensure they can verify eligibility quickly. Specifically, have your elevator’s production date (which must fall between August 20, 2024, and November 6, 2025) and the date code of the switch (ranging from 2431 through 2543) ready to share.
The process is straightforward but requires patience and promptness. First, stop using the elevator immediately; do not wait for the appointment to be scheduled. Then, call your installer or SUNS International to report that you have a unit with the recalled SS6291 switch. They will arrange for a technician to come to your home to perform the free professional installation of the new, safe interlock switch. This service is included in the remedy, meaning you should not be billed for labor or parts related to this specific safety upgrade. It is crucial to understand that this is a repair and replacement of the faulty component, not a return-for-refund scenario for the entire elevator. The goal is to restore the critical safety function that prevents the door from remaining unlocked while the car is in motion, thereby eliminating the risk of falls or crushing injuries.
If you are unsure whether your specific switch model is affected, remember that the label on the side of the unit will clearly state “SUNS,” the model number SS6291, and the date code. If those details match the recall parameters, you are eligible for this free service. Do not attempt to replace the switch yourself. Because this component is integral to life-safety systems in residential elevators, improper installation could lead to further hazards or void warranties. Let the professionals handle the technical work while you focus on ensuring your household’s safety until the issue is resolved.