July
19, 2001
Central Sprinkler Company Announces Voluntary Recall To Replace O-Ring Fire Sprinklers
Central
Sprinkler Company, an affiliate of Tyco Fire Products LP, of Lansdale, Pa., is
announcing a voluntary replacement program. The company will provide free parts
and labor to replace 35 million Central fire sprinklers with O-ring seals. The
program also includes a limited number of O-ring models sold by Gem Sprinkler
Company and Star Sprinkler, Inc. totaling about 167,000 sprinkler heads.
Central initiated this action because it discovered the performance of these
O-ring sprinklers could degrade over time. These sprinkler heads can corrode or
minerals, salts and other contaminants in water can affect the rubber O-ring
seals. These factors could cause the sprinkler heads not to activate in a fire.
Central is providing newer fire sprinklers that do not use O-ring seals, and is
voluntarily launching this program to provide enhanced protection to its
sprinkler customers.
Central will provide free of charge replacement sprinkler heads and the labor
needed to replace the sprinklers. Central will arrange for the installation by
using either its own Central Field Service crews or by contracting with
professional sprinkler contractors. This replacement program includes two kinds
of sprinklers, "wet" and "dry." "Wet" sprinklers
are installed in piping that is filled with water. "Dry" sprinklers
are used in areas that may be exposed to very cold temperatures and the exposed
piping does not contain water. Central has received 4 reports of
"wet" sprinklers failing to activate during a fire and 9 similar
reports on "dry" sprinklers. These incidents resulted in two property
damage claims against Central.
The sprinklers were installed nationwide in a wide variety of buildings,
including houses, apartments, hospitals, day care facilities, schools,
dormitories, nursing homes, supermarkets, parking garages, warehouses, and
office buildings.
Central manufactured 33 million "wet" sprinklers with O-rings from
1989 until 2000 that are covered by this program. Central also manufactured 2
million "dry" sprinklers with O-rings from the mid-1970's to June
2001 that are covered by this program. The program also covers 167,000
sprinklers with O-rings manufactured by Gem Sprinkler Co. and Star Sprinkler
Inc. from 1995 to 2001. A listing of all the models covered under this
voluntary replacement program is attached to the end of this release.
The fire sprinkler heads have the words "CENTRAL" or
"STAR", the letters "CSC", the letter "G" in
triangle, or a star-shaped symbol stamped on either the metal sprinkler frame
or on the deflector. The model designation and date may also be stamped on the
frame or deflector. The deflector is the flower, or gear-shaped metal piece at
one end of the sprinkler head.
Laboratory testing has indicated that most of the heads would operate in a fire
situation, but certain tested heads required higher water pressure to activate
than may be available in particular buildings. Due to the number of sprinklers
involved, this program will be phased in, with priority based on the age of the
sprinklers, the population affected (e.g., buildings such as nursing homes and
hospitals will be given priority), and whether the sprinklers show signs of
corrosion or leakage. This program puts in place an orderly process that serves
the public interest.
Building and homeowners should check their fire sprinklers immediately to see
if they are part of this voluntary replacement program. For more information on
how to identify sprinklers subject to this program and to learn how to
participate in this program, call the Notice Packet Request Line at
1-800-871-3492 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or access the program's web site
at http://www.sprinklerreplacement.com/.
Central emphasize that for sprinkler systems to be effective, they must be
regularly inspected, and maintained like a building's heating, cooling,
electrical and elevator systems. In addition, the most recent industry
standards state that dry sprinkler heads should be tested, and replaced if
necessary, at least every 10 years. Central believes all fire sprinkler heads
should be tested no later than 10 years after installation, and depending on
water quality and other factors, more frequent testing may be appropriate. Central
is also contacting foreign governments to facilitate the replacement of these
O-ring sprinklers that may be installed in their countries.
Consumers should always take precautions to make sure they are fully protected
from a fire, even if they have fire sprinklers in their homes. There should be
at least one fully operational smoke detector on every floor of a home,
especially near bedrooms. To ensure that the detector's batteries are working,
test the detector every month. Consumers also should have a well-defined and
rehearsed escape plan and an alternate escape plan in the event of a fire. A
free copy of "Your Home Fire Safety Checklist" is available from CPSC
by calling (800) 638- 2772, or by writing to CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207.
AFFECTED
MODELS CENTRAL "WET" SPRINKLERS
(Manufactured from 1989-2000)
GB;
GB4-FR; GB-R1; BB2; ELOC; ELO-GB QR; GB-J; GB4-EC; GB-RS; BB3; ESLO; LD;
GB-1;
GB4-QREC; GB-R; SD1; ELO SW-20; K17-231; GB-ALPHA; GB-20; ROC; SD2;
ELO
SW-24; Ultra K17; GB4; GB-20 QR; BB1 17/32; SD3; ESLO-20 GB; ELO-16 GB;
GB-QR;
GB-LO; BB2 17/32; HIP; ELO-231 GB; GB MULTI-LEVEL; GBR-2; LF; BB3 17/32;
WS;
ELO-GB;GB-QR MULTI-LEVEL; GB-EC; GBR; BB1; ELO-LH; ELO-231 GBQR; ELO-16 GB FR
CENTRAL
"DRY" SPRINKLERS (Manufactured from Mid-1970s-2001)
A-1;
GB; GB4-EC; ELO-16 GB; H-1; GB-QR; GB4-QREC; ELO-16 GB; J; GB4; ELO-231 GB;
K; GB4-FR;
ELO-GB QR
GEM
"WET" SPRINKLERS (Sold under Gem name from 1995-2001)
F927
STAR
"DRY" SPRINKLERS (Manufactured from 1996-1998)
ME-1;
SG; SG-QR; Q; Q-QR