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

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (November 21, 2024) – 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 device and return it to customers within seven business days of receiving it.

• Related: A Deeper Look into the Controversy Behind the Pieps DSP Avalanche Transceiver

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.

 

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To date, the company has received only a single report from a consumer, with no accidents, 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.

• Related: Pro Skier Nick McNutt Shares Video Demonstrating Pieps DSP Avalanche Transceiver Concern That Almost Killed Him

Click HERE to begin the recall process.

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 below).

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 to initiate the recall procedures in North America.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you live outside the United States or Canada, visit this site for more information.

What exactly is the problem? 

• Due to an issue with size of the battery compartment, the PIEPS Pro IPS avalanche transceiver may not turn on, or if it does, may inadvertently turn off if it is impacted or jarred. A loss of contact in the battery compartment may occur 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.​

Which devices are concerned by this recall?

• All PIEPS Pro IPS transceivers and related avalanche safety sets 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 below). 

Have there been any accidents related to this issue? 

• To date, there have been no reported accidents, injuries, or deaths. 

How was this issue discovered?

• One person purchased a Pro IPS last year and replaced the included batteries this fall with new ones. This user noticed that the transceiver wasn’t functioning properly and notified Black Diamond/PIEPS. We investigated, and based on our findings we immediately launched this recall.

What is the procedure to start the recall?

• If you live in the US or Canada visit this site to begin the recall process.
• If you live in Europe or the rest of the world, visit this site to begin the recall process.

What does a “voluntary recall” mean?

• “Voluntary Recall” means that we are proactively issuing this recall on our own accord, without a mandate from government bodies. We ask all owners of the Pro IPS to follow the recall instructions.

Where do I send it?

• You will be given full shipping instructions during the recall process.

Do I have to pay for shipping?

• No. Black Diamond/PIEPS will cover all shipping charges.

How long will it take to get my transceiver back?

• Our goal is to repair and return your transceiver within seven business days once we receive it.

I’d like to speak to someone on your customer service team about this. How can I get in touch with them?

• You can reach us by calling Black Diamond at 1-866-306-0865 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or email any questions to 2024PROIPSrecall@bdel.com.

I’m a snow safety professional (ski patrol, avalanche forecaster, etc.). What should I do?

• Please share this recall notice with your colleagues and talk to your organization. Follow the standard recall process. 

I purchased a Pro IPS in Europe. Do I still need to return my transceiver?

• Yes. Please follow the standard recall process.

How are you going to be reworking it?

• We will replace the battery contact with a larger one to ensure that the PRO IPS is compatible with all standard AAA (LR03) batteries. All repairs will be followed by strict quality control measures to ensure transceivers are functioning properly before returning them to you.

I thought all AAA (LR03) batteries were the same size?

• The standard for AAA (LR03) batteries allows them to vary slightly in length to account for manufacturing tolerances.

I have a Pro IPS and it seems to be working fine. Can I keep on using it?

• NO. Stop use immediately and follow the recall process. This issue can occur at almost any time, and it might not be apparent to you when it happens. 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. It is imperative to stop use immediately and follow the recall procedures.

I’ve be using my Pro IPS transceiver already. Does that mean I’ve been in danger the whole time?

• The original batteries installed by the factory in new Pro IPS transceivers do not exhibit this issue. However, it is still very important to follow the recall process.

Can I do the repair myself?

• No. The repair must be done by PIEPS/Black Diamond to ensure that the transceiver functions properly. Click HERE to begin the recall process.

Does this recall have anything to do with previous PIEPS/Black Diamond transceiver recalls?

• No. This recall only concerns the Pro IPS. Visit this page to see if your transceiver is subject of an earlier recall

The batteries in my IPS Pro pop out when the battery compartment is open. Is that a problem? 

• This is normal to ensure a tight fit and will be more frequent with reworked units. Make sure the batteries are inserted in the right direction, completely close the battery compartment door, and tighten the screw all the way. 

Will PIEPS/Black Diamond continue to sell the Pro IPS?

• Yes. While this recall is unfortunate and inconvenient, the Pro IPS features game-changing technology that helps reduce the impact of electronic interference during searching and sending. Once the contacts are replaced, your device will be functioning correctly and can be trusted in the backcountry.

I just purchased a Pro IPS. How do I know if it has already been reworked? 

• Reworked units can be identified in several ways:

– Packaging will have a white dot on the front of the box to the right of “PIEPS Pro IPS” to indicate that the unit inside has been reworked (See image below)

– Reworked units will have a white dot on the front of the device and inside the battery compartment (see images below). 

– Reworked units can be visually inspected for the presence of the new contact (see images below).

• When the devices are connected to the PIEPS App, you will able to tell if they have been reworked:

1. Connect the Pro IPS transceiver to the PIEPS App via Bluetooth.
2. If your firmware is out of date, you will be prompted to update it.
3. The next screen will indicate “Battery Contact Version” with a value of “Warning” (meaning the battery contact has not yet been replaced) or “OK” (meaning that the battery contact has been replaced). See screen shots below. 

• Use of the PIEPS App is highly recommended for all users, and allows users to keep their firmware up to date

•