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CPSC, Central Sprinkler Company Announce Voluntary Recall To Replace O-Ring Fire Sprinklers

U.S. CPSCFireJan 13, 2001
Typical "Wet" Sprinkler, which are installed in piping that is filled with water
Typical "Wet" Sprinkler, which are installed in piping that is filled with water
Typical "Dry" Sprinkler, which are used in areas that may be exposed to very cold temperatures and the exposed piping does not contain water
Typical "Dry" Sprinkler, which are used in areas that may be exposed to very cold temperatures and the exposed piping does not contain water

Photos from the official notice: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · image rights

Hazard

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.

Remedy

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. Building and home owners should check their fire sprinklers immediately to see if they are part of this voluntary replacement program.

Incidents & injuries

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.

Product description

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 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 follows: AFFECTED MODELS CENTRAL "WET" SPRINKLERS (Manufactured from 1989 to 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 rom Mid-1970s to 2001) A-1 GB GB4-EC ELO-16 GB H-1 GB-QR GB4-QREC ELO-16 GB FR J GB4 ELO-231 GB K GB4-FR ELO-GB QR GEM "WET" SPRINKLERS (Sold under Gem name from 1995 to 2001) F927 STAR "DRY" SPRINKLERS (Manufactured from 1996 to 1998) ME-1 SG SG-QR Q Q-QR. 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.

Sold on

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.

Contact the company

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 www.SprinklerReplacement.com

What should I do?

Stop using the product and follow the remedy below. Contact the company for a refund, repair or replacement — recall remedies are free.

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