Black Diamond Equipment Announces Recall and Repair for PIEPS Pro IPS Avalanche Transceiver

November 21, 2024

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (November 21, 2024) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Black Diamond Equipment®, the North American distributor of PIEPS GmbH, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada, is voluntarily recalling the PIEPS Pro IPS avalanche transceiver due to an issue with the size of the battery compartment. The company is offering to rework the affected devices and return it to customers within seven business days of receiving it.

The PIEPS Pro IPS avalanche transceiver may not turn on, or if it does, may inadvertently turn off if it is impacted or jarred. This is due to a loss of contact in the battery compartment if used with AAA (LR03) batteries at the lower end of allowable dimensions. If this were to occur before or during an avalanche, the device may fail to function correctly or turn off, making it more difficult or impossible to locate a victim and potentially resulting in serious injury or death. Consumers who own the PIEPS Pro IPS should immediately stop using it and follow the recall procedures.

To date, the company has received only a single report from a consumer, with no injuries or fatalities associated with this issue. Black Diamond and PIEPS are committed to addressing this matter swiftly and proactively ahead of the upcoming season.

Affected Products

All PIEPS Pro IPS transceivers manufactured and sold between October 1, 2023 and November 22, 2024 and having serial numbers with the first four digits between the range of 2326 – 2445 are addressed with this recall. The serial number can be found on the label on the inside of the battery compartment door (see photo).

This transceiver was sold as a standalone unit and as part of avalanche safety sets. The Product Names, Style Numbers, and SKUs are below:

Owners of PIEPS Pro IPS avalanche transceivers should immediately stop using them and follow the recall procedures. North American consumers have two options:

• Send your device back to Black Diamond for rework: We will replace the battery contact with a larger one to ensure that the Pro IPS is compatible with all standard AAA (LR03) batteries. Once we receive your device, our team will replace the battery contacts, perform an inspection, and return it to you within seven business days of receiving it. Shipping both ways is free of charge.
• Request a full refund: If you prefer, you may return your device for a full refund.

Click here for the procedures for Europe and the rest of the world.

For more information, including an FAQ, and to start the recall process, visit this webpage.

For questions about the PIEPS Pro IPS avalanche transceiver recall, contact Black Diamond at 1-866-306-0865 (Mon-Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. MT) or email 2024PROIPSrecall@bdel.com.

Black Diamond Equipment is the North American distributor for all PIEPS snow safety products, which are manufactured in Europe.