Safety regulator, Central Sprinkler Company Announce Voluntary Recall To Replace O-Ring Fire Sprinklers
Recall 01201 · Jan 13, 2001 · Central Sprinkler Company, an affiliate
35,000,000
units affected
35,000,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 01201
- Date
- Jan 13, 2001
- Company
- Central Sprinkler Company, an affiliate
- Units affected
- 35,000,000
- Product
- Central fire sprinklers with O-ring seals
- Product type
- Sprinklers (Fire)
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
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.
What can happen
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.
The fix
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 and where it was sold
- Incidents
- 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.
- Sold at
- 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.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled central fire sprinklers with o-ring seals?
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.
What is the 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.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.