Black Diamond Equipment, the North American distributor of Pieps GmbH, is voluntarily recalling the Pieps Pro IPS Avalanche Transceiver in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada due to an issue with the size of the battery compartment.

Black Diamond offers to rework the affected devices and return them to customers within seven business days of receipt of return merchandise.

The Pieps Pro IPS Avalanche Transceiver may not turn on, or if it does, it may inadvertently turn off if it is impacted or jarred, reportedly 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 could fail to function correctly or turn off, making it more difficult or impossible to locate a victim and potentially result in serious injury or death.

Consumers who own the Pieps Pro IPS should immediately stop using it and follow the recall procedures. The company has received one report from a consumer. No injuries or fatalities were associated with this issue. Black Diamond and Pieps are “committed to addressing this matter swiftly and proactively ahead of the upcoming season.”

Products Affected by the Recall
This voluntary recall addresses 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 2326 and 2445. The serial number can be found on the label inside the battery compartment door.

The Pieps Pro IPS transceiver was sold as a standalone unit and as part of avalanche safety sets. The affected products are listed below.

 

 

 

 

 

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

  1. Return the Device to Black Diamond for Repair. The company will replace the battery contact with a larger one to ensure the Pro IPS is compatible with all standard AAA (LR03) batteries. Once the device is received, Black Diamond will replace the battery contacts, perform an inspection and return it to the customer within seven business days of receipt. Shipping both ways is free of charge.
  2. Request a Full Refund: The company will issue a full refund at the customer’s request.

For more information, including FAQ’s, and to start the recall process, go here. For questions about the Pieps Pro IPS Avalanche Transceiver recall, contact Black Diamond at 1.866.306.0865, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MST).

Black Diamond Equipment is the North American distributor for all Pieps snow safety products manufactured in Europe.

Images courtesy Black Diamond