The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Household, Inc. (AHI), formerly known as Sunbeam Corp. of Boca Raton, FL, have announced a nationwide recall of about 60,000 Star ME-1 brand dry sprinklers manufactured by Chemetron Corp., an inactive subsidiary of AHI from 1977 through 1982. Although there have been no reports of malfunction involving Star ME-1 dry sprinklers manufactured by Chemetron Corp., the CPSC has received reports of failures involving Star ME-1 dry sprinklers manufactured by other companies. If the sprinklers fail to operate properly in a fire, persons and property may be at risk. These Star ME-1 sprinkler heads must be replaced immediately.
Dry sprinklers do not have water in the leg of pipe directly above the sprinkler head, so they can be used in areas of buildings where the sprinklers or water supply pipes could 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, hospitals, convalescent and long-term care facilities, supermarkets and other stores, warehouses and office buildings.
Chemetron Star ME-1 sprinklers have "Star," the designation "ME-1" and the year of manufacture from 1977 through 1982 molded on them. AHI has agreed to pay up to $1 million to assist in the replacement of the Star ME-1 sprinkler heads manufactured between 1977 and 1982. Building owners must follow specific procedures to qualify for this program. Full details about this recall program can be found at www.starme1recall.com or by calling toll-free (888) 551-5014.
