The Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (SCM), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation, advises the public of allegations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) concerning the Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers manufactured by SCM from 1983 through 1995.  As a result of extensive testing and analysis, CPSC alleges these sprinklers present a safety risk because they may fail to activate in a fire.  CPSC believes these sprinklers should be immediately removed from service and replaced.

SCM and CPSC urge building owners to immediately check their fire sprinkler systems to determine whether they have any Star ME-1 fire sprinklers dated from 1983 through 1995.  If so, CPSC advises they should be replaced immediately.

BACKGROUND

In October, 2001, CPSC filed an administrative complaint against SCM, alleging that SCM’s Star ME-1 fire sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to activate as intended in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the risk of death or serious injury.  The complaint sought an order compelling SCM to give public notice of the alleged risk and to recall SCM’s Star ME-1 sprinklers.  Because SCM has no assets, however, it is unable to conduct a recall.  Nevertheless, SCM urges building owners to follow CPSC’s guidance by inspecting the sprinkler systems in their building and replacing any 1983 – 1995 Star ME-1 fire sprinkler they find.

SPRINKER IDENTIFICATION

Star ME-1 fire sprinklers have the name “Star” stamped on the sprinkler head, along with the model number, “ME-1”, and the date of manufacture.  CPSC believes that SCM manufactured some 400,000 of these sprinklers. (See below.)
 
 

SPRINKER USES/LOCATONS

Dry fire sprinklers such as the ME-1 are used with both dry pipe and wet pipe systems, typically in areas where the sprinkler heads and drop legs or water supply may be subject to freezing.  Examples of such areas include unheated attics, chases and plenums, freezers and coolers, porches, and parking garages.  SCM Star ME-1 sprinklers were installed nationwide in, among other locations, nursing homes, convalescent and long-term care facilities, hospitals, supermarkets and other stores, warehouses, and offices.

WHAT TO DO

Building owners should check the fire sprinkler systems for ME-1 fire sprinklers dated from 1983-1995.  CPSC advises that each such sprinkler must be replaced.  Replacing these sprinklers also complies with the requirements of the recently revised “National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.”  Specifically, NFPA 25 now advises that all dry sprinklers that have been in service for ten years or more should be immediately replaced or tested.  Star ME-1 fire sprinklers produced before 1994 are specifically subject to this requirement.  Although not subject to the revised standard, according to CPSC, Star ME-1 fire sprinklers produced from 1994-1995 should also be replaced because, over time, they may cease to operate effectively in a fire.  For more information about testing and/or replacing dry type fire sprinklers, please contact NFPA's web site at www.nfpa.org.

OTHER SPRINKLERS BEING RECALLED

This notice applies only to the Star ME-1 fire sprinklers with manufacturing dates from 1983-1995.  The following firms are recalling Star ME-1 fire sprinklers produced before and after these dates.  Further information can be found by contacting the recalling firms:

1961-1976 – Mealane Corporation at (800) 866-7807 or www.star-recall.com

1977-1982 – American Household, Inc., formerly known as Sunbeam Corporation, at (888) 551-5014 or www.starme1recall.com.

1996-1998 -- Central Sprinkler  Company at (800) 866-3492 or www.sprinklerreplacement.com.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information on the SCM 1983-1995 Star ME-1 fire sprinkler, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772.