Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers
CPSC Recall #03-117 — April 24, 2003
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 03-117 |
| Recall Date | April 24, 2003 |
| Remedy Type | Inspect, Replace, No Remedy Available |
| Units Affected | Approximately 400,000 |
Product
Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today is warning consumers regarding approximately 400,000 Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers manufactured from 1983 through 1995 by Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (SCM), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation. CPSC warns that these sprinklers present a safety risk and should immediately be replaced. This warning follows the resolution of an administrative proceeding filed by CPSC on October 9, 2001, in which CPSC alleged these sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the risk of death or serious injury. CPSC reports that samples of Star ME-1 dry sprinklers removed from several locations and tested by independent testing laboratories did not operate as intended. CPSC has received reports of two failures involving Star ME-1 dry sprinklers. One report involved a 1976 sprinkler, and the other, sprinklers installed in 1990.Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, it is unable to conduct a recall, so no free replacement or refund is available for its sprinklers. Nevertheless, SCM urges building owners to follow CPSC guidance by inspecting the sprinkler systems in their buildings and replacing any Star ME-1 fire sprinklers manufactured from 1983 through 1995.SCM's Star ME-1 sprinklers have the following information molded onto the sprinkler: the name "Star," the designation "ME-1," and the year of manufacture starting with 1983 and ending with 1995. These sprinklers were typically installed in areas of buildings where the sprinklers or water supply pipes may be subject to freezing. Examples of such areas include unheated attics, freezers and coolers, porches and parking garages. The types of facilities in which the sprinklers were installed include nursing homes, convalescent and long-term care facilities, supermarkets and other stores, warehouses, hospitals, and office buildings.Replacing these sprinklers also complies with the requirements of the recently revised "National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems." Specifically, NFPA 25 now advises that all dry sprinklers that have been in service for 10 years or more should be immediately replaced or tested. Star ME-1 fire sprinklers produced before 1994 are specifically subject to this requirement. Although not subject to the revised standard, Star ME-1 fire sprinklers produced from 1994 through 1995 also should be replaced because, according to CPSC, over time, they can cease to operate effectively in a fire.For more information about testing and replacing dry type fire sprinklers, visit NFPA's website at www.nfpa.org. For more information on the SCM Star ME-1 fire sprinklers, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638- 2772 or visit the National Fire Sprinkler Association's website at www.nfsa.org.This notice applies only to Star ME-1 fire sprinklers with manufacturing dates from 1983 through 1995. The following firms are recalling Star ME-1 fire sprinklers produced before 1983 and after 1995. Further information can be found by contacting the recalling firms: 1961-1976 - Mealane Corporation at (800) 866-7807 or www.star-recall.com.1977-1982 - American Household Inc. (formerly Sunbeam Corp.) at (888) 551-5014.1996-1998 - Central Sprinkler Company (800) 871-3492 or www.SprinklerReplacement.com.
Hazard
These sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the risk of death or serious injury.
Incidents & Injuries
CPSC has received reports of two failures involving Star ME-1 dry sprinklers. One report involved a 1976 sprinkler, and the other, sprinklers installed in 1990.
Remedy Instructions
Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, it is unable to conduct a recall, so no free replacement or refund is available for its sprinklers. Nevertheless, SCM urges building owners to follow CPSC guidance by inspecting the sprinkler systems in their buildings and replacing any Star ME-1 fire sprinklers manufactured from 1983 through 1995.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Inspect, Replace, No Remedy Available at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
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 (Inspect, Replace, 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.