CPSC recall 03-116, announced April 25, 2003, covers Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers (about 60,000 units). 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. The notice cites 2 incident reports. AHI's sprinkler replacement reimbursement program has concluded. Recall contact: call (316) 219-7325.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Which products are included?
Chemetron'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 1977 and ending with 1982. 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.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
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.
Incidents and injuries
Although there have been no reports that Star ME-1 dry sprinklers manufactured by Chemetron Corporation have failed to operate while in use, CPSC has received reports of two failures involving Star ME-1 dry sprinklers manufactured by other companies.
Official remedy
AHI's sprinkler replacement reimbursement program has concluded. CPSC previously announced that Mealane Corporation voluntarily agreed to recall Star ME-1 sprinklers manufactured from 1961 through 1976 and Central Sprinkler Company voluntarily agreed to replace Star ME-1 fire sprinklers manufactured from 1996 through 1998. The Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, which manufactured Star ME-1 sprinklers from 1983 through 1995, has no assets with which to fund a recall, but is issuing a safety notice warning building owners to replace these sprinklers.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Chemetron Corporation, an inactive subsidiary
- Manufacturer
- Chemetron Corporation, an inactive subsidiary of AHI, of Boca Raton, Fla.
- Recall number
- 03-116
- Units
- About 60,000
- Manufactured in
- United Stateso
- Sold at / sales period
- 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.
- Distributor
- American Household Inc. (AHI), formerly known as Sunbeam Corporation, of Boca Raton, Fla.
Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers
CPSC product type: Sprinklers (Fire)
Recall contact information
AHI's sprinkler replacement reimbursement program has concluded. For more information, consumers should call (316) 219-7325.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
