CPSC Warns Consumers to Replace Star ME-1 Dry Fire Sprinklers Made by Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee -- Administrative Lawsuit Settled, Firm Financially Unable to Conduct Recall --

Recalled April 25, 2003 · CPSC recall 03117

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.

Remedy

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.

Units

Approximately 400,000

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.

Description

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.

What to do

Contact

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

Product

Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers

Manufacturer(s)

Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (SCM), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation

Retailers

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.

Made in

United Stateso

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