Central Sprinkler Company Announces Voluntary
Program to Replace 35 Million O-Ring Sprinklers

On July 19, 2001, Central Sprinkler announced the voluntary recall (replacement program) of glass-bulb sprinkler heads. Central Sprinkler will provide parts and labor to replace 35 million fire sprinklers with O-ring seals.

The replacement program involves approximately 33 million "wet" sprinklers with O-ring seals; and approximately 2 million "dry" sprinkler heads with O-rings manufactured by Central. Also included are approximately 101,000 "On-Off" sprinklers used in "wet" systems and sold by Gem Sprinkler Co. and another 66,000 "dry" sprinklers manufactured by Star Sprinklers, Inc.

Central initiated this action because it discovered that these O-ring sprinklers can degrade over time. The 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 head to not activate in a fire. Laboratory testing has indicated that the majority of the sprinklers would operate in a fire situation; however, some required higher water pressure to activate than may be available in the buildings.

Central has received four reports of "wet" O-ring sprinkler heads failing to activate during a fire situation and nine similar reports of "dry" O-ring sprinkler heads. These incidents resulted in property damage claims.

Information, including the models covered under this voluntary recall, may be obtained by contacting Central directly: