What was recalled
In the summer of 2016, specifically on July 21, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving Lorex Care 'N' Share video baby monitors. This action was taken to address a serious defect within the device that could potentially harm infants or caregivers if left unaddressed. The recall is not limited to a single variant but encompasses several specific model numbers that share the same internal battery component responsible for the hazard. If you purchased a Lorex baby monitor around this time, it is important to verify exactly which version of the product you own.
The specific models included in this recall are the WL3520, WL4320, and WL3401. These are not merely software updates or minor hardware revisions; they are distinct physical units that were sold as part of a bundle that typically includes one or more cameras. When you hold the monitor, you can identify it by its physical characteristics. The unit measures approximately 4 inches tall by 5 inches wide and features a white plastic back panel. Depending on the specific configuration you received, the border around the screen may be either white or black. Printed clearly below the monitor screen, you will find the branding, which reads either "LOREX" or "The Lorex Baby."
To confirm whether your device is part of this recall, look at the back panel of the monitor for the model number. It is critical to check all three numbers (WL3520, WL4320, and WL3401) because any one of them places your unit in the affected group. The monitors in question contain a blue lithium polymer battery. While the CPSC record does not specify the exact total number of units sold globally, it notes that Lorex has received hundreds of reports regarding this specific defect, indicating a substantial volume of products were distributed to consumers. If your device matches these model numbers and physical descriptions, it is subject to this recall notice.
The context of this recall is rooted in consumer safety standards for electronic devices used near vulnerable populations. Baby monitors are designed to provide peace of mind, but the internal chemistry of the battery in these specific models was found to be unstable under certain conditions. The manufacturer, Lorex, acknowledged the issue and initiated this voluntary recall to ensure that no consumer is exposed to the risks associated with the overheating battery. By identifying the exact models and physical traits, you can quickly determine if your home contains one of these affected units.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a specific mechanical failure involving the lithium polymer battery housed inside the Lorex Care 'N' Share video baby monitors. While these batteries are standard components in many modern electronic devices due to their lightweight and high energy density, they can occasionally experience what is known as "thermal runaway" or simply excessive heating when things go wrong internally. In this instance, the batteries within the recalled units have been observed to overheat significantly beyond their normal operating temperature.
When a lithium polymer battery overheats, it does not just get warm; it can begin to physically change shape. The internal chemicals react in a way that generates gas, causing the battery pack to swell and expand. This expansion creates immense pressure against the components surrounding it. In the Lorex monitors, this swelling force is strong enough to push against the plastic casing from the inside out. As the battery continues to grow, it eventually overcomes the friction or clips holding the rear cover in place, causing the battery cover to pop open or detach entirely.
This physical separation of the cover is the critical moment where the danger escalates from a malfunction to a direct injury risk. Once the cover is exposed or missing, the hot surface of the swollen battery is no longer shielded by plastic. The temperature of these overheating batteries can reach levels capable of causing second-degree burns upon contact with skin. Because baby monitors are often placed on nightstands, dressers, or shelves within easy reach of a child’s crib, there is a tangible risk that a curious infant or toddler could touch the exposed, scalding battery.
It is important to understand that this is not a fire hazard in the traditional sense of flames erupting from the device, but rather a severe thermal burn hazard. The CPSC report notes that while 488 reports of overheating have been received, about 140 of those specifically involved the battery swelling enough to open the casing. This means the protective barrier was compromised, leaving the hot interior accessible. Although no injuries have been reported to date, the mechanism is clear: a failing battery expands, breaks its own enclosure, and becomes a hot surface that can burn anyone who touches it. For parents who may be sleep-deprived and less attentive to their surroundings, the risk of accidentally brushing against or picking up a monitor with an exposed hot battery is unfortunately real.
Understanding this process helps clarify why stopping use immediately is so vital. You cannot "cool down" a battery that has already begun to swell; the internal damage is done, and the cover may fall off at any moment, even if it appears secure today. The hazard is active and ongoing until the device is properly addressed by the manufacturer.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is "at risk" with this Lorex video baby monitor recall, we need to look at two distinct groups: the people who own and operate the device, and the vulnerable individuals who are placed in proximity to it. The primary group of owners consists of parents or caregivers who have purchased the Lorex Care 'N' Share video baby monitors, specifically models WL3520, WL4320, and WL3401. These devices were often sold as bundles that included cameras, meaning they were set up in nurseries, bedrooms, or play areas to provide visual monitoring of infants. The risk here is not just about the inconvenience of a broken gadget; it is about the physical safety of the space where these monitors are installed.
The most vulnerable individuals associated with this hazard are the babies and young children who sleep in the rooms where these monitors are placed. While the recall notice states that no injuries have been reported to date, the potential for harm is significant because of the nature of the defect. The lithium polymer batteries inside these units can overheat, swell, and expand to the point where the plastic casing opens or falls off. For an infant who spends hours sleeping in a crib near a wall outlet or on a nightstand, a battery that becomes hot enough to expose its internal components poses a direct burn hazard. Even if the battery does not ignite, the heat generated during this expansion phase is sufficient to cause thermal injuries to delicate skin.
Furthermore, we must consider the developmental stage of the users. Babies and toddlers are naturally curious and lack the cognitive ability to recognize danger or move away from a hot object. If a monitor is placed within reach—perhaps on a low shelf, a changing table, or even in the crib itself due to poor placement—a child might touch the exposed battery or pull the unit down, leading to contact with hot surfaces. Unlike adults, who can instinctively jerk their hand away from a heat source, infants have slower reflexes and thinner skin, making them far more susceptible to severe burns from brief contact.
Caregivers also face indirect risks. The stress of managing a malfunctioning electronic device in the middle of the night, combined with the anxiety of a potential fire or burn hazard, can lead to fatigue and distraction. This is particularly dangerous for new parents who are already sleep-deprived. While the immediate physical risk is borne by the child, the operational burden falls on the parent, who must identify the model number on the back panel, stop using the device immediately, and navigate the refund process. Therefore, anyone who has installed these specific white-plastic monitors with blue lithium polymer batteries in their home, especially in close proximity to a sleeping infant, is currently in a high-risk category until they have verified their unit's model number and contacted Lorex for a full refund.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you purchased a Lorex Care 'N' Share video baby monitor, it is important to verify whether your specific unit is part of this recall before taking any further action. Because product identification can sometimes be confusing, we have broken down the exact details you need to look for. The first and most critical step is to check the model number. This recall specifically targets monitors with the following model numbers: WL3520, WL4320, and WL3401. You will find these numbers printed directly on the back panel of the monitor unit. If your device does not list one of these three specific codes, it is not included in this particular safety notice.
Once you have confirmed the model number, take a closer look at the physical characteristics of the device to ensure a complete match. The recalled monitors are distinct in their design and color scheme. They measure approximately 4 inches tall by 5 inches wide, making them a compact, handheld size. The back of the monitor is made of white plastic, while the front features a screen surrounded by either a white or a black border. You should also look for branding; the words "LOREX" or "The Lorex Baby" are printed below the monitor screen on the front face. Additionally, these units contain a blue lithium polymer battery inside, which contributes to their specific weight and form factor.
It is also helpful to consider how you acquired the device. These recalled monitors were typically sold in bundles that included cameras, rather than as standalone units. If you bought your monitor as part of a complete video monitoring system package from a retailer or online marketplace, there is a higher likelihood it falls under this recall. While the recall notice does not specify an exact date range for when these items were sold, the recall was announced on July 21, 2016, so purchases made around that time period are of particular concern.
If you are still unsure whether your monitor is affected, do not guess. The most reliable method is to contact Lorex directly for verification. You can reach their consumer support team toll-free at 844-265-7388. Their representatives are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit www.lorextechnology.com and navigate to the "Product Recalls" section online for more detailed information and confirmation tools. Taking a moment to verify your model number and physical description against these criteria will ensure you know exactly what steps to take next for your safety.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Lorex Care 'N' Share video baby monitor, your immediate priority is simple: stop using the device right now. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear that these specific monitors contain batteries that can overheat and swell, potentially causing the battery cover to open or detach. This exposes hot components that pose a direct burn hazard to you and your child. Do not wait for the battery to fail visibly or for an incident to occur. The fact that Lorex has received nearly five hundred reports of overheating and one hundred forty reports of casing failure indicates that this is a known, active issue, not just a theoretical possibility. Your safety depends on removing the risk from your home immediately. Once you have powered down the monitor and unplugged it from the wall outlet, do not attempt to open the device yourself. The batteries inside are lithium polymer cells, which can be unstable if punctured or mishandled. Instead, you need to initiate the return process to secure your remedy. In this specific recall, Lorex is offering a full refund rather than a repair or replacement unit. This means your goal is to get your money back so you can purchase a different, safer monitoring solution. To do this, you must contact Lorex directly through their dedicated customer service channels. You can reach Lorex by calling their toll-free number at 844-265-7388. Their support team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. When you call, have your model number ready, as this will help them verify that your unit is part of the recall. The models affected are WL3520, WL4320, and WL3401. If you prefer to handle this online, you can visit www.lorextechnology.com and navigate to the "Product Recalls" section for more detailed information and instructions. Follow their guidance carefully to ensure your refund is processed correctly. While you wait for your refund, it is wise to store the monitor in a safe, cool place away from flammable materials or areas where children play. This prevents any potential accidental contact with the device while it sits idle. Remember, no injuries have been reported so far, but the risk remains real as long as the faulty battery is present. By taking these steps promptly—stopping use, contacting Lorex, and securing your refund—you are effectively eliminating the burn hazard from your home and ensuring peace of mind for your family.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When a safety recall involves a potential burn hazard, the manufacturer’s primary goal is to remove the dangerous item from your home as quickly and smoothly as possible. In this specific case involving Lorex video baby monitors, the remedy is straightforward: you are entitled to a full refund. There is no need to keep the defective unit, nor is there an offer for a repair kit or a replacement model at this time. The company has determined that the underlying issue with the lithium polymer battery cannot be safely corrected in the field, making a complete financial return the only safe and appropriate solution. This approach prioritizes your family’s safety over any attempt to salvage the original purchase, ensuring that you are not left holding a product that could potentially cause injury.
To initiate this refund, you will need to contact Lorex directly through their dedicated consumer support channels. The recall notice specifies that you can reach them toll-free at 844-265-7388. It is important to note the hours of operation for this service; they are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle the process digitally, you can visit their official website at www.lorextechnology.com. Once there, look for the "Product Recalls" section on the page to find the specific instructions and forms required to process your claim. Using the official online portal is often a good choice if you want to submit documentation or track the status of your refund at your own pace.
When you reach out to Lorex, be prepared to provide specific details about your unit to verify that it falls under this recall. The models covered are WL3520, WL4320, and WL3401. You can confirm your model number by checking the back panel of the monitor. Additionally, having proof of purchase may help expedite the process, although the primary focus for the company is ensuring the dangerous battery units are reported and removed. The recall stems from reports of batteries overheating and swelling, with nearly 140 instances where the plastic casing opened or came off entirely. While no injuries have been reported so far, the risk remains real enough that Lorex is offering a full refund to every affected consumer to encourage immediate compliance.
It is worth noting that this recall applies to monitors sold in bundles with cameras. If you purchased your monitor as part of a larger package, it is still eligible for the remedy described above. The key identifier remains the model number printed on the back of the video monitor unit itself. Do not worry about the color of the border (white or black) or the "LOREX" branding below the screen, as these are standard features across the recalled models. The critical factor is the presence of the blue lithium polymer battery inside, which measures approximately 4 inches tall by 5 inches wide. By contacting Lorex and following their instructions, you ensure that the hazardous component is properly handled and that you receive your money back without any further risk to your household.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a device that provides such peace of mind. Video baby monitors are not just gadgets; they are essential tools for parents who need to rest while keeping a watchful eye on their little ones. The immediate inconvenience of taking the monitor offline, charging it elsewhere, or waiting for a refund process can feel like a significant burden. However, ignoring the recall notice is not merely an administrative oversight—it is a direct engagement with a physical safety risk that has already been documented extensively by the manufacturer. The core issue lies in the battery technology itself. The recalled Lorex Care 'N' Share monitors contain lithium polymer batteries that have demonstrated a tendency to overheat and swell under normal operating conditions. When you continue to use these units, you are essentially allowing this defect to progress unchecked. The swelling is not just a cosmetic issue; it creates internal pressure within the device’s casing. As reported by Lorex, approximately 140 incidents involved the battery pack swelling so significantly that the plastic casing opened or came completely off. This is a mechanical failure caused by thermal expansion, and it transforms the monitor from a safe electronic device into a potential source of injury. The primary danger here is thermal burns. Once the casing fails due to swelling, the hot batteries are exposed. Lithium polymer batteries can reach temperatures high enough to cause second-degree burns upon contact with skin. While no injuries have been officially reported in this specific recall batch as of the July 2016 announcement, the proximity of these devices to infants and young children makes any risk unacceptable. A baby’s skin is significantly more delicate than an adult’s, meaning that even brief contact with an overheated battery could result in severe tissue damage. Furthermore, the exposed components could lead to short circuits, potentially causing further heat generation or, in rare cases, fire hazards within a nursery environment where flammable materials like bedding and curtains are present. Continuing to use the monitor also means you are relying on a product that has proven unreliable. The fact that Lorex has received 488 reports of overheating indicates that this is not an isolated incident but a systematic flaw in the batch. By ignoring the recall, you are gambling with the safety of your child based on the hope that your specific unit will not be the one to fail. Given that the failure mode involves physical rupture and heat exposure, there is no way to predict when or if it might happen. The most prudent path is to recognize that the convenience of immediate use does not outweigh the potential for serious physical harm. Removing this device from your home eliminates the hazard entirely, whereas keeping it in rotation maintains a known risk that has already caused hundreds of malfunctions.Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in certain Lorex battery packs, the incident highlights a broader truth about modern electronics: rechargeable lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are powerful but sensitive components that require careful handling. These batteries power everything from our smartphones to our baby monitors, and understanding how to extend their lifespan and prevent thermal events is essential for every household. The primary cause of battery overheating is often a combination of physical damage, extreme temperatures, and electrical stress. To mitigate these risks, always avoid exposing your devices to direct sunlight or high-heat environments, such as leaving them in a parked car during summer. Heat is the enemy of battery chemistry; excessive temperatures can degrade the internal structure of the cells, leading to swelling, leakage, or in rare cases, fire.
Equally important is how you charge these devices. Always use only the manufacturer-approved chargers and cables that came with your product. Third-party or generic chargers may not regulate voltage and current correctly, which can force too much energy into the battery too quickly, generating dangerous heat. If you notice a device becoming unusually warm while charging, unplug it immediately and allow it to cool down before attempting to use it again. Furthermore, inspect your batteries and devices regularly for any signs of physical compromise. Look for swelling, bulging cases, or discoloration on the casing. A swollen battery indicates that gas has built up inside due to chemical breakdown, which is a clear warning sign that the unit is unsafe and should be stopped from use immediately.
Proper disposal and recycling are also critical components of long-term safety. Never throw rechargeable batteries in the regular trash or recycling bin, as the crushing pressure can puncture the battery casing and cause a short circuit. Instead, take them to designated e-waste recycling centers or household hazardous waste facilities. For baby monitors specifically, consider installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors on every level of your home, including near sleeping areas. While these devices do not detect thermal events directly, they provide an early warning system for any potential fire that might start from electrical faults. Finally, make it a habit to check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website periodically. Recalls happen constantly for various products, and staying informed ensures that you can act quickly to protect your family from known hazards before an incident occurs.