CPSC, Central Sprinkler Recall Omega Fire Sprinklers; Settle Lawsuit

Recalled October 14, 1998 · CPSC recall 99008 · Central Sprinkler

Hazard

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. CPSC is warning consumers that they are at risk of bodily injury or death and should have Omegas replaced as soon as possible.

Remedy

Recall remedy no longer available. Discard the product. Do not donate or resell.

Units

Approximately 8.4 million

Incidents / injuries

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.

Description

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

What to do

Recall remedy no longer available. Discard the product. Do not donate or resell.

Contact

For further information, consumers may call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.

Product

Omega brand fire sprinklers

Manufacturer(s)

Central Sprinkler Corp. and its subsidiary, Central Sprinkler Co., of Lansdale, Pa.

Retailers

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.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →