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 --
CPSC recall 03117 · announced April 25, 2003 · Sprinkler Corporation Of Milwaukee, Inc. (scm), Formerly Known As Star Sprinkler · 400,000 units affected
The product
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.
The 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.
What to do (per CPSC)
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.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): 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.
Sold at: 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.
Consumer 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
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.