Lorex Recalls Three Models of Video Monitors Due to Burn Hazard

What was recalled

In June of 2018, a significant safety notice was issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) concerning a specific line of home security equipment from Lorex Technology. This recall targets three distinct models of video monitors that were designed to be used as part of broader surveillance video systems for residential or small business use. These devices are not standalone cameras but rather the display units that allow users to view live feeds and recordings from their connected security cameras. The products in question are the Lorex LW2751, LW2752, and LW2962H models. While they share a similar design language and function, they differ primarily in screen size, catering to different installation preferences and space constraints within a home or office environment.

The physical characteristics of these recalled monitors are quite specific, which helps in identifying them if you have one stored away or currently installed in your security hub. All three models feature a sleek black casing and include a blue lithium polymer battery inside, which is the component at the center of this safety concern. You can easily identify the brand by looking for the word "LOREX" printed on the top left corner of the monitor screen itself. Beyond the branding, the most critical identifiers are located on the device's exterior: both the model number and the unique serial number are printed either on the top panel or on the back panel of each unit. It is important to note that simply having a Lorex monitor does not automatically mean it is part of this recall; only units with specific model numbers and serial number ranges are affected.

The recall covers two different physical sizes for these monitors, reflecting the variety in consumer needs at the time of sale. The LW2751 and LW2752 models are compact, measuring 7 inches wide by 5 inches tall. These smaller units were likely chosen for tighter spaces or secondary viewing areas. In contrast, the LW2962H model offers a larger viewing experience, measuring 9 inches wide by 6 inches tall, which would be more suitable for primary monitoring stations where detail is paramount. The exact scope of this recall is defined by precise serial number ranges for each model. For instance, the 7-inch LW2751 includes units with serial numbers starting with WA01140315501 through WA01140319000, among several other specific blocks. Similarly, the LW2752 and the larger LW2962H have their own distinct, non-overlapping serial number ranges that determine whether a specific unit is part of this batch.

While the provided recall facts do not explicitly list every retailer or date range for when these items were originally sold to consumers, they confirm that these monitors were distributed widely enough to warrant a federal safety action. The sheer volume of reports received by Lorex—328 instances of battery overheating or expansion—suggests that a substantial number of these units are in homes across the country. If you purchased a security system from a major electronics retailer, a specialty home improvement store, or directly from Lorex during the period leading up to June 2018, there is a possibility that one of these monitors was included in your package. Checking the serial number printed on the back of your device against the official recall list is the only way to know for sure if your specific unit is part of this safety action.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a specific failure within the power source of the Lorex video monitors. These devices rely on internal lithium polymer batteries to function, which are designed to provide portable power in a compact form factor. However, according to reports from the manufacturer, these particular batteries can malfunction in a way that generates excessive heat. When a lithium battery begins to overheat, it undergoes a physical change known as thermal runaway or simple swelling. The chemical reactions inside the cell accelerate, producing gas that causes the battery to expand and swell beyond its intended size.

This expansion is not merely a cosmetic issue; it creates significant physical pressure against the components surrounding it. In the case of these Lorex monitors, the swelling battery pushes against the back cover or housing of the device. Over time, this pressure can become strong enough to pop the battery cover open or force it off entirely. Once the protective casing is compromised, the hot internal components are exposed to the outside environment. This is where the danger shifts from a mechanical failure to a direct personal injury risk.

The primary harm associated with this hazard is thermal burns. Because the batteries become hot during this malfunction, touching them or the surrounding metal and plastic parts can cause skin damage ranging from mild redness to severe burns. Even if the battery does not ignite or catch fire, the temperature of the exposed components can be high enough to injure a consumer who handles the monitor. While no injuries have been reported in this specific batch as of the recall date, the potential for harm is real and immediate. The risk is highest when a user attempts to inspect the device after noticing it is hot, or if the cover detaches unexpectedly during normal use.

It is helpful to understand that lithium polymer batteries are generally safe when functioning correctly, but they are sensitive to manufacturing defects, damage, or age-related degradation. When these factors trigger overheating, the battery loses its ability to contain its own heat and pressure. The resulting swelling acts like a expanding wedge, breaking the seal of the device. This exposes not just the hot battery, but potentially sharp edges of the casing that may have been pried open by the force of the swelling. Therefore, the hazard is twofold: the direct thermal injury from touching hot parts and the secondary risk of physical injury from broken plastic or metal fragments.

Consumers should be aware that this process can happen gradually or suddenly. Some monitors may show signs of distress, such as a bulging back panel or unusual warmth during charging, before the cover actually detaches. Ignoring these early warning signs can increase the likelihood of the cover failing completely while the battery is still hot. By understanding the mechanics of this failure—swelling leading to exposure leading to burns—you can better appreciate why immediate cessation of use is the only safe course of action.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about who is "most at risk" in this specific Lorex recall, it is important to look at both the nature of the device and the physical mechanics of the hazard. The recalled items are video monitors used with surveillance systems, specifically models LW2751, LW2752, and LW2962H. These are not toys or casual accessories; they are pieces of security hardware often installed in homes to watch over children, elderly family members, or valuable property. Because these monitors contain internal lithium polymer batteries that can overheat and swell, the risk is primarily thermal—meaning it involves heat and potential burns.

The primary group at risk here includes anyone who handles the monitor regularly, particularly those who might inspect the device for maintenance or simply hold it during setup. The hazard described in this recall is quite specific: the battery can expand to the point of forcing open the battery cover, exposing hot internal components. This creates a direct contact hazard. If you are an adult who frequently picks up the monitor to check its placement, clean the screen, or troubleshoot a connection issue, your hands and fingers are in the immediate danger zone should the casing fail. Adults generally have thicker skin than children, but they also tend to hold devices closer to their faces for longer periods while viewing surveillance feeds, which could expose more sensitive areas like the face or neck to accidental heat if the device were to malfunction unexpectedly.

While no injuries have been reported in the 328 incidents logged by Lorex, the potential for harm is real for households with young children who might be curious about the equipment. Surveillance monitors are often placed within reach of toddlers or pets who might knock them over or try to pry open the back panel out of curiosity. If a child were to encounter a swollen monitor where the battery cover has popped off, they could easily touch the exposed hot battery or internal circuitry. Children’s skin is significantly more delicate and burns much faster than adult skin, making even brief contact with an overheated component far more dangerous for them than for an adult.

Additionally, consider individuals living alone or those who rely on these monitors for safety monitoring, such as caregivers watching over elderly relatives. For this demographic, the monitor is a critical tool. The risk here extends beyond just physical injury; it includes the sudden loss of a safety device during a time when you might need it most. While the recall addresses the physical burn hazard, the secondary risk is the disruption of your security system. If you are someone who depends on this visual feed for peace of mind, having the device fail due to a battery defect introduces an element of unpredictability into your home safety routine.

Ultimately, the "who" in this scenario is anyone who owns one of the specific serial number ranges listed above. However, those most vulnerable to the physical consequences of the burn hazard are individuals who interact with the hardware physically—holding it, moving it, or inspecting it closely. It is not just about age; it is about proximity and contact. If you have ever held the monitor in your hands while looking at the screen, or if a child has played near where the monitor is mounted, you fall into the category of people who need to act immediately. The hazard does not discriminate based on time of day, but it targets anyone who gets too close to a failing power source.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action or contact customer support, it is essential to confirm that your specific device is part of this recall. Because Lorex manufactures various video monitors for surveillance systems with different specifications, not every black monitor with a blue battery is affected. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified three specific models that are at risk: the LW2751, the LW2752, and the LW2962H. If your device does not match one of these exact model numbers, it is likely safe from this particular hazard. However, if you own one of these models, you must go a step further to verify your serial number, as the recall only applies to units produced within specific date ranges indicated by those codes.

To begin your identification process, look at the physical monitor itself. The recalled units are black in color and come in two distinct sizes: a 7-inch version (models LW2751 and LW2752) and a 9-inch version (model LW2962H). A key visual identifier is the branding; the word "LOREX" should be printed on the top left corner of the monitor screen. This helps distinguish them from other brands, but it does not confirm the recall status on its own. The definitive proof lies in the model and serial numbers, which are printed directly on the top panel or the back panel of the monitor.

Once you have located the sticker with the serial number, you must cross-reference it against the specific ranges listed by Lorex. This step is critical because a unit might share the same model number but fall outside the affected production window if its serial number is too high or too low. For example, if you have a 7-inch LW2751, your serial number must fall within one of these specific blocks: WA01140422265-WA01140423264, WA0214065501-WA0214066500, WA02140629347-WA02140630346, or WA03141121501-WA03141122000. Similarly, for the 9-inch LW2962H, valid serial numbers include ranges like WA01140329001-WA01140332400 or WA05141122501-WA05141125000. If your serial number does not match any of these precise sequences, your device is not included in this recall.

It is also worth noting that these monitors contain a blue lithium polymer battery, which is the component prone to overheating and swelling. While you do not need to open the monitor to check the battery color to identify the model, understanding that the hazard stems from this internal battery reinforces why checking the external identifiers is your first line of defense. If you have confirmed your model number is one of the three recalled types AND your serial number falls within the listed ranges, you should proceed immediately to the remedy steps. If you are unsure or cannot locate the numbers, do not guess; contact Lorex directly for assistance in identifying your unit.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have confirmed that your Lorex video monitor is part of this recall, the most important thing to know right now is that you will not be left holding a potentially dangerous device without support. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has worked with Lorex Technology to establish a clear and consumer-friendly remedy for this situation. In this specific case, the company is not offering a repair kit or a direct replacement unit. Instead, they are providing a full refund. This means that if you follow the correct steps, you should receive 100% of the money you originally spent on the monitor back into your account. This approach is designed to remove any financial barrier to safety, ensuring that cost does not prevent you from getting rid of the hazardous product.

To get your refund, you need to take a few simple steps. First, stop using the monitor immediately. Do not try to charge it, plug it in, or inspect the battery yourself, as this could trigger the overheating hazard we discussed earlier. Once you have safely set the device aside, you will need to contact Lorex directly to initiate the return process. You can do this by calling their dedicated toll-free number at 844-265-7388. When you call, please be prepared to speak with a representative during their available hours, which are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer not to call, you can also visit their website at www.lorextechnology.com. On the site, look for the “Product Recalls” section to find detailed instructions on how to proceed with your specific model.

Why is the remedy a refund rather than a repair? In many consumer electronics recalls, companies may offer free repairs if the issue can be fixed without replacing major components. However, battery-related hazards like swelling and overheating are often considered critical safety risks that cannot be easily or safely repaired in the field. By offering a full refund, Lorex is acknowledging that the safest path for you is to replace your entire system with a new, non-recalled unit from a different manufacturer or upgrade to a newer model. This ensures that no part of the defective lithium polymer battery remains in your home.

Please keep in mind that the recall instructions are specific to the models and serial numbers listed in the official announcement. When you contact Lorex, have your monitor’s model number (LW2751, LW2752, or LW2962H) and its serial number ready. These can be found printed on the top or back panel of the device. Having this information will help the customer service team verify your eligibility quickly and process your refund without unnecessary delays. Remember, the goal here is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible so you can focus on securing a safe alternative for your surveillance needs.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using your Lorex video monitor right away. These devices are often integrated into your home security setup, providing peace of mind and constant visibility. Stopping use feels like closing a window on that safety, so the instinct is to keep watching, especially if you have already invested time in mounting it or wiring it into your system. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct invitation to physical danger. The core issue here is not a software glitch or a screen defect—it is a thermal event involving lithium polymer batteries that can no longer be safely contained.

When you continue to use a monitor with the compromised battery, you are allowing a hidden chemical reaction to progress unchecked. As the CPSC notes, these specific batteries have been reported to overheat and swell. This swelling is not static; it creates internal pressure that pushes outward against the monitor’s casing. If you ignore the recall, you are essentially waiting for that pressure to exceed the structural integrity of the device’s plastic cover. The hazard description explicitly states that this expansion can cause the battery cover to open or come off entirely. Once that barrier is breached, the hot battery cells are exposed directly to your environment.

The consequence of this exposure is a severe burn hazard. Lithium polymer batteries, when they overheat significantly, can reach temperatures capable of causing second- and third-degree burns upon contact with skin. This risk is particularly acute if you happen to be holding the monitor, adjusting its angle, or simply touching it while it is still plugged in and charging. The heat does not dissipate quickly; it concentrates at the point of failure. Even if you are not holding the device, a detached hot battery could fall onto nearby flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture upholstery, or carpeting, potentially igniting a fire. While the current data shows no reported injuries, the nature of thermal burns is that they often occur in moments of surprise or rapid contact, leaving little time to react.

You might think that because thirty-two hundred reports exist and no injuries have been confirmed yet, the risk is low. This is a dangerous statistical fallacy. The absence of reported injuries does not mean the hazard is absent; it means that, so far, the worst outcomes have been avoided by chance or by users noticing the swelling early enough to act. Continuing to use the device shifts the odds against you. You are gambling with your skin and your home’s safety on the hope that the battery will not fail at the most inconvenient moment—perhaps while you are asleep, distracted, or holding a child nearby. The cost of ignoring this recall is potentially permanent tissue damage or property destruction, far outweighing the temporary hassle of setting up a replacement.

Furthermore, once the battery cover fails and the internal components are exposed, the risk escalates from a burn hazard to an electrical shock risk. Damaged lithium cells can short-circuit, leading to arcing or sparks. In a home environment where children might reach for the device out of curiosity, this adds a layer of unpredictability that no security system is worth managing. The monitor is no longer just a piece of electronics; it has become an unstable energy source. By acting now, you remove that variable from your home entirely. Waiting only allows the degradation to progress, turning a manageable recall into a potential emergency situation that requires fire department intervention rather than a simple customer service call.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls are essential tools for correcting manufacturing defects, they represent just one layer of a comprehensive safety strategy. When it comes to consumer electronics, particularly those involving surveillance systems and internal power sources, your daily habits play a crucial role in preventing accidents before they happen. Understanding how lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries function can empower you to keep your home safer without relying solely on memory alerts or recall notices.

First, consider the environment where you place your electronic devices. Batteries generate heat during both charging and discharge cycles. Placing monitors, routers, or security cameras in enclosed spaces, such as tight cabinets or behind dense furniture, traps that heat. Over time, this thermal buildup can stress the battery components, potentially leading to swelling or failure. Always ensure there is adequate ventilation around your devices. Think of it like giving a runner room to breathe; if you restrict airflow, the system overheats. Keeping these devices on open shelves or desks allows heat to dissipate naturally, significantly reducing the risk of thermal events.

Regular physical inspection is another simple but powerful habit. You do not need to be an engineer to notice when something looks wrong. Periodically check your monitors and power bricks for any signs of swelling, bulging cases, or unusual warmth during operation. If a device feels hot to the touch when it should be cool, or if the casing appears distorted, stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to open the device yourself to inspect the battery, as this can damage protective layers and increase the risk of exposure. Instead, treat these visual cues as warning signs that professional attention is needed.

Furthermore, staying informed about product safety goes beyond waiting for news alerts. Proactively subscribe to recall notifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or create an account on their website to receive updates directly. Many manufacturers also offer email alerts for their specific product lines. By keeping your purchase receipts and model numbers accessible in a digital folder, you make it much easier to verify if a new alert applies to your specific unit. This proactive approach ensures that you are not caught off guard by sudden safety issues.

Finally, always use the power adapters and cables provided by the manufacturer or those certified for compatibility. Using generic or damaged charging equipment can introduce voltage irregularities that stress the internal battery management system. By combining proper ventilation, regular visual checks, proactive monitoring of safety updates, and using correct accessories, you create a robust defense against common electronic hazards. Safety is not just about reacting to problems; it is about cultivating an environment where those problems are less likely to occur in the first place.