Pieps is recalling the Pieps Pro IPS avalanche transceiver. The reason is a possible loss of contact in the battery compartment, which means the device cannot be switched on.
In November 2024, we became aware of a case in North America where a Pieps Pro IPS avalanche transceiver could not be switched on. Our investigations showed that this was due to a possible loss of contact in the battery compartment.
This can occur when using AAA (LR03) batteries that are manufactured at the lower end of the permitted standard length. In this case, the device may not turn on or it may accidentally turn off if it is subjected to a shock or vibration.
Customers who own the PIEPS PRO IPS should stop using it immediately and comply with the recall measures. So far we have only received one report from a customer, and there have been no injuries or deaths. PIEPS is committed to resolving this matter quickly and proactively.
Affected Devices
This recall affects all PIEPS PRO IPS avalanche transceivers manufactured and sold between October 1, 2023 and November 22, 2024 with serial numbers with the first four digits in the range 2326 - 2445. The serial number is located on the label on the inside of the battery compartment flap.
This avalanche transceiver was sold as a standalone device and as part of avalanche safety kits. The affected product names, model numbers and SKU numbers are listed below:
| Product names: | Model Number: | SKU number: | Serial number starts with: |
| PIEPS PRO IPS | PP112903 | PP1129030000ALL1 | 2326-2445 |
| PP112904 | PP1129040000ALL1 | 2326-2445 | |
| PIEPS SET PRO IPS | PP112893 | PP1128930000ALL1 | 2326-2445 |
| PP112894 | PP1128940000ALL1 | 2326-2445 |
OWNERS OF PIEPS PRO IPS LVS DEVICES SHOULD IMMEDIATELY STOP USING THEM AND CARRY OUT THE RECALL ACTION
To do so, send your device back to PIEPS GmbH for repair:
- Click here for the form for customers from Europe
- Click here for the form for customers from North America
The rework includes replacing the center battery contacts to prevent the battery from slipping in the battery compartment. Each refurbished avalanche transceiver undergoes a rigorous quality control check before being returned to you within seven working days of receipt. For more information, including some frequently asked questions (FAQs), and to initiate the recall process, please visit this webpage.
If you have any questions about the recall of the PIEPS PRO IPS avalanche transceivers, please contact by email to PIEPS GmbH:
We would like to sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause. We realize that the timing of this recall, so close to the winter season, is not ideal, but the safety of our customers is our highest priority. That is why we have taken this step and will do everything in our power to ensure that all customers receive their PIEPS PRO IPS device back as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the problem?
The tolerances of the battery contacts in the device itself are not sufficiently dimensioned for use with AAA (LR03) batteries, which are at the lower end of the standard length. This can result in two error patterns:
- Error 1: Device cannot be switched on
- Error pattern 2: Device switches off due to impact.
The user may not be aware of this problem, so it is imperative to stop use immediately and follow the recall procedure.
Which products may be affected by the issue?
All PIEPS PRO IPS devices sold between October 1, 2023 and November 22, 2024 and whose serial number is in the range of 2326 00000000 to 2445 000 98159!
Where is the serial number?
The serial number is located on the label inside the battery compartment cover and is also visible in the PIEPS app in the device manager for a device connected to Bluetooth
Did an accident occur due to this error?
No, this is a voluntary recall. As far as we know, there have been no accidents due to this error.
How was this problem discovered?
A customer from North America bought a PRO IPS last year (2023) while in Europe and then took the device back to North America. This month (November 2024) he replaced the batteries included with new batteries from a different brand. The user then discovered that the avalanche transceiver could no longer be switched on and contacted PIEPS. The subsequent investigation by our quality team revealed that the device could no longer be switched on due to the use of AAA batteries that were produced at the lower end of the standard length.
Why do we act like this?
According to our own quality and safety standards, this one known case already represents a safety risk and must be resolved. Therefore, we would like to inform our customers about this recall as soon as possible to ensure maximum safety.
How is the revision carried out?
We will replace the middle battery contacts in the battery compartment of the PIEPS PRO IPS. This will enable us to cover all AAA battery lengths available worldwide with their length variations and ensure their functionality.
I have a PIEPS PRO IPS and it seems to be working fine. Can I continue to use the device?
NO. Stop using immediately and follow the recall process. This issue can occur at any time and the user may not be aware of this issue, so it is imperative to stop using immediately and follow the recall process.
Can I check and repair my PIEPS PRO IPS myself?
No. The repair must be carried out by PIEPS to ensure that the new battery contact has been replaced correctly and that the avalanche transceiver is functioning properly.
Where do I send the products for revision?
- For European customers you will find Click HERE the request for revision
- For North American customers you will find Click HERE the request for revision
Are the shipping costs covered?
YES – PIEPS covers the shipping costs.
When can I expect my avalanche transceiver to be replaced?
After receiving your PIEPS PRO IPS, we will send your refurbished device back to you within 7 working days.
Why was this error not discovered during the first quality controls?
The error is due to unexpected behavior of the highly stable and shock-resistant housing made of fever composite material. After production, the new housing material showed much lower compression values than originally calculated. This in turn means that the battery housing of the PIEPS PRO IPS is 0,2mm larger.
I have already used my PRO IPS transceiver. Was I at risk?
The original batteries installed at the factory in PIEPS PRO IPS avalanche transceivers do not have this problem. However, it is still very important to follow the recall procedure.
How will PIEPS prevent future cases?
We stopped deliveries immediately after we became aware of the problem and took all steps to ensure that the final assembly of new devices can be changed. This ensures that all new PIEPS PRO IPS devices delivered from November 21.11.2024, XNUMX are equipped with new battery contacts. This covers all lengths of AAA batteries that are available worldwide.
Will PIEPS continue to sell the IPS Pro?
Yes - Although this recall is inconvenient, the Pro IPS incorporates groundbreaking technology that helps in buried searches by reducing the effects of electronic interference during search and transmission. Once the battery contacts have been replaced, the device will be fully operational again.
How can I tell if my device has already been serviced?
Refurbished devices can be identified in several ways:
- The packaging has a white dot on the front of the box to the right of “PIEPS PRO IPS” to indicate that the device has been redesigned inside (see pictures below).
- Refurbished units have a white dot on the front of the unit and in the battery compartment (see images below).
- Refurbished devices can be visually checked for the presence of the new contact (see images below).
PIEPS APP
If the devices are connected to the PIEPS app, you can also determine whether the avalanche transceiver has already been updated:
- Connect the Pro IPS radio to the PIEPS app via Bluetooth.
- If your firmware is out of date, you will be prompted to update it.
- The next screen will show "Battery Contact Version" with a value of "Warning" (meaning the battery contact has not been replaced yet) or "OK" (meaning the battery contact has been replaced). See screenshots below.
The use of the PIEPS app is highly recommended for all users and allows users to keep their firmware up to date.
The batteries in my IPS Pro "pop out" when the battery compartment is opened. Is this a problem?
This can happen when batteries are installed that are at the upper end of the standard length and is not a problem. Make sure the battery compartment door is always fully closed when in use and the battery compartment security screw is securely tightened.
AAA batteries have different lengths.How can this be?
Yes. According to the AAA battery standards EN IEC 60086-2 and ANSI C18.1M Part 1-2021, the length of a AAA battery must be a minimum of 43,5 mm and a maximum of 44,5 mm.
I thought all AAA batteries (LR03) were the same size?
The standard for AAA batteries (LR03) allows slight length deviations to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.
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Credits: Cover picture Pieps GmbH