FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 28, 2003 Release # 03-133
Central Media Hotline: (866) 836-3929 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7908
CPSC, Central Sprinkler Company Update Voluntary Recall To Replace O-Ring
Fire Sprinklers
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.