Omega Fire Sprinklers Recalled by Central Sprinkler
Class I - DangerousWhat Should You Do?
- Check if you have this product: ;
- Do not eat it: Even if it looks and smells fine, do not consume this product.
- Throw it away or return it: You can return the product to the store for a full refund.
- Seek medical attention if needed: If you've consumed this product and feel unwell, contact your doctor immediately.
- Report problems: Report any issues to the FDA's Safety Reporting Portal.
⚠️ Emergency: If you experience severe symptoms after consuming this product, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Recall Details
- Company:
- Central Sprinkler
- Reason for Recall:
- Fire & Fire-Related Burn
- Classification:
- Class I - Dangerous
Dangerous or defective products that predictably could cause serious health problems or death.
- Status:
- ongoing
- Hazard:
- Fire & Fire-Related Burn
Product Information
Full Description:
Omega Fire Sprinklers Recalled by Central Sprinkler NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Telephone Number Change FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally October 14, 1998, Revised June 15, 2007 Release #99-008 Company Phone Number: (800) 927-5291 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052 Central Contact: Anne Buchanan, (800) 775-8718 CPSC, Central Sprinkler Recall Omega Fire Sprinklers; Settle Lawsuit WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Central Sprinkler announced today the nationwide recall of approximately 8.4 million Omega brand fire sprinklers manufactured since 1982 by Central Sprinkler Corp. and its subsidiary, Central Sprinkler Co., of Lansdale, Pa. CPSC alleges that Omegas are defective and could likely fail in a fire. This recall announcement follows the resolution of the lawsuit filed by the Commission staff against these companies on March 3, 1998. CPSC alleges that, on average, between 30 and 40 percent of Omegas removed from various locations across the country for testing failed to activate as they should. In some buildings, all Omegas tested failed to activate. CPSC is warning consumers that they are at risk of bodily injury or death and should have Omegas replaced as soon as possible. CPSC is urging consumers to take immediate action to determine whether the buildings where they live and work are equipped with Omegas, and if so, to call the Omega Sprinkler Recall Hotline to participate in the recall. Properly functioning fire sprinklers save lives when a fire occurs. With the Omega sprinklers, this line of defense may not be there when it is needed most. CPSC has received reports of Omega sprinklers not functioning in 17 fires. At least four persons suffered injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation. Over $4.3 million in property damage has been reported. The fires occurred between 1990 and the present in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. In some cases, the sprinkler directly above the fire failed to operate. Omega fire sprinklers are installed in homes, schools, hospitals, dormitories, nursing homes, prisons, offices, hotels and other buildings as well as federal buildings, including the Smithsonian Museums and the U.S. Capitol, which house many of the country's historical artifacts. Omegas have been or are being removed from many state and federal buildings, including the White House. As part of the settlement agreement, Central has asked Underwriters Laboratories to withdraw its listing of approval for all Omega brand fire sprinklers. Consumers themselves should be able to determine whether their homes or other buildings are equipped with Omega fire sprinklers. On most models, consumers will be able to see three flat round metal disks stacked one above the other with a small space between each disk. Consumers should not attempt to unscrew the sprinkler or shut down their sprinkler system to determine if they have Omegas. Central will send consumers a packet of information to help them identify the sprinklers involved. The recall of the Omega sprinklers includes models referred to or marked as follows: C1 (or C-1) C1A (or C-1A) C-1A PRO (or C1-A PRO) C1-A PRO QR EC-20 EC-20A R-1 R-1A R-1M Flow Control (FC, Flow Control-FC) Protector-M or M Protector (Upright, Pendent, Sidewall, Sidewall EC) HEC-12 EC-12 RES HEC-12 EC HEC-12 EC PRO HEC-12 ID HEC-12 PRO HEC-12 PRO QR HEC-20 Prohibitor QR and AC. Central is offering consumers free replacement glass bulb fire sprinklers and reimbursement toward the cost of having Omega sprinklers removed and replaced. CPSC routinely requires companies to pay the full costs associated with recalls. In this case, Central's reported financial condition reveals tha
Product Codes/Lot Numbers:
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Official Source
Always verify recall information with the official CPSC source:
View on CPSC.govCPSC Recall Number: 99008
Related Recalls
CPSC, Central Sprinkler Company Announce Voluntary Recall To Replace O-Ring Fire Sprinklers
Central Sprinkler
Central Sprinkler Company Recalls O-Ring Fire Sprinklers CPSC and Central Sprinkler Company, an affiliate of Tyco Fire Products LP, of Lansdale, Pa., are announcing a voluntary replacement program. The company will provide free parts and labor to replace 35 million Central fire sprinklers with 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. Central discovered the performance of these 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 to provide enhanced protection to its sprinkler customers. This is the third largest replacement program in CPSC history. Central will provide free replacement sprinkler heads and the labor needed to replace the sprinklers. Central will arrange for the installation by using its own Central Field Service crews or sprinkler contractors. This 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 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. 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. 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 program is attached to the end of this release. The fire sprinkler heads have the words "CENTRAL" or "STAR", the letters "CSC", the letter "G" in triangle, or a star-shaped symbol stamped on either the metal sprinkler frame or on the deflector. The model designation and date may also be stamped on the frame or deflector. The deflector is the flower, or gear-shaped metal piece at one end of the sprinkler head. Laboratory testing has indicated that most of the heads would operate in a fire situation, but certain tested heads required higher water pressure to activate than may be available in particular buildings. Due to the number of sprinklers involved, this program will be phased in, with priority based on the age of the sprinklers, the population affected (e.g., buildings such as nursing homes and hospitals will be given priority), and whether the sprinklers show signs of corrosion or leakage. This program puts in place an orderly process that serves the public interest. For more information call the Notice Packet Request Line at 1-800-871-3492 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or the program's web site at www.SprinklerReplacement.com. Sprinkler systems must be regularly inspected, and maintained like a building's heating, cooling, electrical and elevator systems. In addition, industry standards state that dry sprinkler heads should be tested, and replaced if necessary, at least every 10 years. Central believes all fire sprinkler heads should be tested no later than 10 years after installation, and depending on water quality and other factors, more frequent testing may be appropriate. Central is also contacting foreign governments for these O-ring sprinklers in their countries.