Universal Security Instruments
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersOwings Mills, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Universal Security Instruments does
Universal Security Instruments (USI) is a US-based designer and manufacturer of residential home safety products founded in 1973. The company's core hardware portfolio covers 2-in-1 smoke and fire alarms (battery, hardwired, and 10-year sealed-battery variants), 3-in-1 combination alarms (smoke, fire, and CO), and standalone carbon monoxide and natural gas detectors. USI differentiates its core detection line through 11 patents covering multi-sensor technology, including the proprietary Sensing Plus multi-criteria detection (combining photoelectric and ionization sensing to detect both smoldering and fast-flaming fires), Quick Find alarm origination identification, and Voice Alert hazard-specific notifications. The product portfolio is ETL-certified to UL standards (including UL 2034 for CO and UL 8th edition and later) and carries 10-year warranties.
In 2025, the company expanded its addressable market into residential access security with a smart door lock line spanning fingerprint, palm-recognition, NFC keycard, keypad, app, and physical-key access, including a model with an integrated HD video doorbell. Locks support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter/Thread, and integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit (including Apple Home Key), and select models with Samsung SmartThings. Connected cloud services are delivered through Tuya Smart. A mobile app (USI Connect) supports remote monitoring, access management, and activity logs.
USI's business model is primarily one-time hardware sales through a multi-channel distribution strategy: major retail chains (The Home Depot and Walmart), direct-to-consumer e-commerce via a Shopify storefront, and a Contractors/Pros channel with multi-pack SKUs for builders and remodelers. End customers include homeowners (primary), landlords and property managers, contractors and builders, and wholesale distributors. In June 2025, USI was acquired by Feit Electric Company, Inc. and continues to operate as a standalone brand within the Feit family of brands (alongside Cree Lighting Home, LIFX, and Good Earth Lighting). Headcount is reported at 251-500 employees and USI is currently privately held.
Universal Security Instruments firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Universal Security Instruments
- Legal name
- Universal Security Instruments
- Website
- https://universalsecurity.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1973
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Universal Security Instruments industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Home Safety Devices
- NAICS
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Retailers (449), Security Systems Services (56162), Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512)
- SIC
- Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Smoke Alarm Systems (Battery, Hardwired & Interconnected) (HSAHAFAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Combination Smoke/CO Alarm Systems (HSAHAFAC), Smart Sensors Retail (Motion, Contact, Leak, Smoke/CO, Air Quality) (CRAIAMAH), Smart Locks & Access Control Retail (CRAIAMAD), Smart Security Cameras & Surveillance Systems Retail (CRAIAMAF)
Keywords
Where Universal Security Instruments is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Owings Mills
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Universal Security Instruments business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Smoke and Fire Alarms: One-time hardware sales of smoke and fire detection alarms including battery-operated, hardwired, and 10-year sealed battery models. Revenue from both individual units and multi-pack configurations for contractors and builders.
- Carbon Monoxide and Gas Alarms: One-time hardware sales of carbon monoxide detectors and natural gas alarms. Products include plug-in, battery-operated, and 10-year battery models with various sensor types.
- Smart Door Locks: One-time hardware sales of smart deadbolt locks featuring multiple access methods (fingerprint, keypad, NFC keycard, app, physical key). Includes models with integrated HD video doorbells.
- Combination Alarms: One-time hardware sales of multi-function alarms that combine smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detection in a single device, offering integrated protection and simplified installation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Consumer retail pricing through major retailers |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Universal Security Instruments product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Universal Security Instruments designs, manufactures, and markets home safety devices including smoke and fire alarms, combination smoke/CO alarms, carbon monoxide and natural gas alarms, and a new line of smart door locks with biometric, keypad, NFC keycard, app, and physical key access. The company sells its own products through major retailers (The Home Depot, Walmart), its own e-commerce store, and contractor/professional channels, with technology covered by 11 patents.
Product overview
Universal Security Instruments (USI) offers a comprehensive home safety product portfolio centered on smoke/fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, natural gas alarms, and smart door locks. The product line includes 2-in-1 Smoke & Fire Alarms (available in battery, hardwired, and 10-year sealed battery versions), 3-in-1 Combo Alarms providing smoke, fire, and CO protection in a single device, and dedicated Carbon Monoxide & Natural Gas Alarms. USI's proprietary Sensing Plus multi-criteria detection technology combines multiple sensor types for faster fire detection. The company has expanded into smart home security with Smart Door Locks featuring 5-in-1 access (fingerprint, palm recognition, NFC keycard, keypad, and app control) and integrated HD video doorbells. Products interconnect via wireless protocols and integrate with major smart home platforms (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings). All alarms carry ETL certification to UL standards and are backed by 10-year warranties. USI operates as a standalone brand under parent company Feit Electric following a 2025 acquisition.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- USI Connect: Mobile application for connected USI security devices including smart locks, smoke detectors, and CO alarms
Products and services
- 2-in-1 Smoke & Fire Alarms Battery-operated and hardwired smoke and fire alarms using photoelectric or ionization sensor technology for residential homeowners, available with 10-year sealed batteries, voice alerts, and interconnectivity options.
- 3-in-1 Combo Smoke Alarms Combination alarms that detect smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide in a single compact device for residential homeowners, featuring Sensing Plus technology, intelligent microprocessors, voice notifications, and 10-year battery options.
- Carbon Monoxide & Natural Gas Alarms Alarms for detecting carbon monoxide and natural gas leaks in residential settings, including plug-in, battery-operated, and 10-year battery models with electrochemical sensors, LCD displays, and UL 2034 certification.
- Smart Touch + Keycard Door Lock 5-in-1 smart lock for residential homeowners featuring fingerprint, NFC keycard, keypad, app, and physical key access, with Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity, auto-locking, IP43 weather rating, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
- Smart Palmtouch Door Lock Smart lock featuring contactless palm recognition biometric access and Apple HomeKit integration for residential homeowners, with 5-in-1 access (palm, keypad, app, Apple Home Key, physical key) and Bluetooth + Matter (Thread) connectivity.
- Smart Fingertouch Door Lock Smart lock with fingerprint biometric access for residential keyless entry, offering 5-in-1 access including fingerprint, keycard, keypad, physical key, and app control.
- Smart Button Door Lock Smart lock with button/keypad access and app control for residential homeowners, featuring auto-locking and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and the USI App.
- Smart Door Lock with HD Video Doorbell Smart lock combined with an HD video doorbell for residential homeowners, featuring 2-way audio, 5-in-1 access (fingerprint, keycard, keypad, app, physical key), and Wi-Fi + Bluetooth connectivity.
- Battery Carbon Monoxide Alarm (USI/CO/REP) Battery-operated CO alarm for residential use with LCD display, tricolor status indicator, and electrochemical sensor, powered by 2 replaceable AA batteries with 10-year warranty and ETL certification to UL 2034.
- Portable Travel Carbon Monoxide Alarm (USI/CO/TRAVEL) Dual-powered portable CO alarm for travelers and residential backup use, operating via plug-in or replaceable CR123A lithium battery, UL 2034 compliant with 10-year warranty.
- 10-Year Battery Natural Gas Alarm (USI/NG/10YR) 10-year sealed battery natural gas alarm with electrochemical sensor for residential use, UL-certified for natural gas detection with a maintenance-free sealed battery.
- USI Connect App Mobile companion application for USI connected security devices providing remote lock status monitoring, access code management, real-time alerts, activity logs, and integration with the Feit Electric smart home ecosystem.
Quantifiable outcome
- Products certified to UL standards and approved for sale in multiple countries
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Universal Security Instruments
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Universal Security Instruments technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
AI capability7 records
Feature5 records
Universal Security Instruments partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Feit ElectriccoreIn June 2025, Feit Electric acquired Universal Security Instruments' assets and brand, expanding into the home safety category. USI continues as a standalone brand under the Feit family of brands. This strategic acquisition combines USI's trusted home safety legacy with Feit Electric's leadership in lighting and smart home innovation.
- Cree LightingminorListed as a 'Friend of USI' - part of the Feit Electric family of brands portfolio including Cree Lighting Home, Good Earth Lighting, and LIFX.
- Good Earth LightingminorListed as a 'Friend of USI' - part of the Feit Electric family of brands portfolio.
- LIFXminorListed as a 'Friend of USI' - part of the Feit Electric family of brands portfolio including smart lighting.
- Amazon AlexacoreSmart locks integrate with Amazon Alexa for voice control capabilities, allowing users to check lock status and secure doors using voice commands.
- Google HomecoreSmart locks integrate with Google Home for voice assistant control and smart home ecosystem connectivity.
- Apple HomeKitcoreSmart locks feature Apple HomeKit integration including Apple Home Key support for iPhone and Apple Watch tap-to-unlock, and Home app control.
- Tuya SmartcoreConnected device cloud infrastructure provider for Feit Electric and USI smart products, handling device state data, event logs, and optional AI-powered cloud storage and alert features for cameras and doorbells.
- ShopifycoreE-commerce platform powering the universalsecurity.com online store, including payment processing through Shopify Payments.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Universal Security Instruments competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Kidde: Kidde is one of the largest North American manufacturers of residential smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide alarms, directly competing with USI's core product portfolio across Home Depot, Walmart, and other major retail channels.
- First Alert / BRK Brands: First Alert is a leading brand in residential smoke and CO alarms owned by BRK Brands (Newell), competing head-to-head with USI on retailer shelves with overlapping product lines and UL-listed alarm technologies.
- Google Nest (Nest Protect): Nest Protect is the flagship connected smoke and CO alarm from Google, the most direct competitor in the Wi-Fi-enabled smart alarm subcategory where USI is expanding with connected detectors and smart locks.
- Resideo (Honeywell Home): Resideo, the spinoff of Honeywell's Homes and ADI Global Distribution business, manufactures and sells residential smoke/CO alarms alongside thermostats and connected home products, overlapping with USI's alarm and broader smart home portfolio.
- Schlage (Allegion): Schlage is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial door hardware, including smart locks (Encode line with Wi-Fi and Matter support), directly overlapping with USI's smart door lock product category.
- Yale Home (Assa Abloy): Yale Home produces smart locks with biometric, keypad, and Home Key options across multiple ecosystems, making it a direct competitor to USI's smart fingerprint, palm, and keypad door locks.
- August Home: August Home (owned by Assa Abloy) produces retrofit smart locks popular for keyless entry and HomeKit integration, competing with USI's smart lock offering in the same consumer DIY and connected-home segments.
- Kwikset (Spectrum Brands): Kwikset manufactures residential smart locks (Halo, Kevo lines) including biometric and Matter-enabled models, overlapping with USI's biometric smart door lock category across the same retail and builder channels.
Broad incumbents
- Ring (Amazon): Ring is Amazon's smart home security brand offering video doorbells and alarm systems; it competes broadly with USI's video-doorbell-equipped smart locks and connected home safety offering as part of a much larger portfolio.
Emerging players
- SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is a leading DIY home security system brand offering smoke and entry sensors alongside cameras and monitoring, adjacent to USI's connected safety and smart lock product categories.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Universal Security Instruments social profiles
Digital presenceUniversal Security Instruments compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Universal Security Instruments financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Universal Security Instruments leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Universal Security Instruments funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Universal Security Instruments M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Universal Security Instruments
What does Universal Security Instruments do?
Universal Security Instruments designs, manufactures, and markets home safety devices including smoke and fire alarms, combination smoke/CO alarms, carbon monoxide and natural gas alarms, and a new line of smart door locks with biometric, keypad, NFC keycard, app, and physical key access. The company sells its own products through major retailers (The Home Depot, Walmart), its own e-commerce store, and contractor/professional channels, with technology covered by 11 patents.
Is Universal Security Instruments a public or private company?
Universal Security Instruments is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Universal Security Instruments founded?
Universal Security Instruments was founded in 1973. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Universal Security Instruments based?
Universal Security Instruments is headquartered in Owings Mills, United States, in the North America region.
How does Universal Security Instruments make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Smoke and Fire Alarms are the primary driver. The others are carbon Monoxide and Gas Alarms, smart Door Locks and combination Alarms.
Who are Universal Security Instruments's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Kidde, First Alert / BRK Brands, Google Nest (Nest Protect), Resideo (Honeywell Home), Schlage (Allegion), Yale Home (Assa Abloy), August Home and Kwikset (Spectrum Brands). Ring (Amazon) is listed as a broad incumbent. SimpliSafe is listed as an emerging player.
Does Universal Security Instruments have an API?
No public API is recorded for Universal Security Instruments.
What industry is Universal Security Instruments in?
Universal Security Instruments's product category is Home Safety Devices. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAHAFAA, Smoke Alarm Systems (Battery, Hardwired & Interconnected), with a secondary code of HSAHAFAC, Combination Smoke/CO Alarm Systems. Its NAICS code is 33451 and its SIC code is 3600.