Recalls / 2003-04-25

CPSC, American Household Inc., (Formerly Sunbeam Corp.) Announce Recall of Star ME-1 Dry Fire Sprinklers, Administrative Lawsuit Settlement

03116 · Recalled 2003-04-25 · CPSC page

Description

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.

Hazards

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.

Reported 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.

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.

Products

Name	Model	Units
Star ME-1 dry fire sprinklers		About 60,000

Parties

Manufacturer: Chemetron Corporation, an inactive subsidiary
Distributor: American Household Inc. (AHI), formerly known as Sunbeam Corporation, of Boca Raton, Fla.
Made in: United Stateso
Sold at: freezers, coolers, porches, convalescent, long-term care facilities, supermarkets, other stores, warehouses, hospitals, office buildings.

Consumer contact

AHI's sprinkler replacement reimbursement program has concluded. For more information, consumers should call (316) 219-7325.

More images

Source: CPSC recall 03116. Inclusion in this database is not legal or medical advice.