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Central fire sprinklers with O-ring seals

CPSC Recall #03-133 — May 27, 2003

Recall Summary

Recall Number03-133
Recall DateMay 27, 2003
Remedy TypeNo Remedy Available
Units Affected35 million

Product

Central fire sprinklers with O-ring seals

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Central Sprinkler Company, an affiliate of Tyco Fire Products LP, of Lansdale, Pa., are announcing a modification to the voluntary replacement program announced on July 19, 2001. The company is replacing 35 million Central fire sprinklers that have 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. Under the original recall program, consumers were required to use Central contractors. Now, after notifying Central in advance and completing certain forms, consumers also can hire their own contractors and be reimbursed for all or some of the labor charges.Central initiated the voluntary replacement program in 2001 because it discovered the performance of these O-ring sprinklers can 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.Central is providing free of charge replacement sprinkler heads and the labor needed to replace the sprinklers. As before, Central will arrange for the installation by using either its own Central Field Service crews or by contracting with professional sprinkler contractors. Now, consumers can arrange to have the free replacement sprinklers installed themselves rather than waiting for Central to arrange for installation. Subject to certain conditions, including advance notice to Central, verification of the replacements and return of the removed sprinklers, Central will provide either full or partial reimbursement for labor charges.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 website at www.SprinklerReplacement.com.

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 Instructions

Central is providing free of charge replacement sprinkler heads and the labor needed to replace the sprinklers. As before, Central will arrange for the installation by using either its own Central Field Service crews or by contracting with professional sprinkler contractors. Now, consumers can arrange to have the free replacement sprinklers installed themselves rather than waiting for Central to arrange for installation. Note: Replacement program ended on August 31, 2007.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a No Remedy Available at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (No Remedy Available) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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