Central to Announce GB Replacement Program

Central Sprinkler has advised that it will be announcing a replacement program for GB model sprinklers manufactured between 1988 and 1998.  As reported in the January/February 2000 and November/December 2000 issues of NFSA’s Sprinkler Technotes, these sprinklers have been under investigation by Underwriters Laboratories and other organizations on the basis that some samples taken from the field have required high operating pressures to clear the waterway when activated by heat.  The problem is reportedly associated with leakage past an o-ring seal that results in corrosion.  Originally, Central was of the view that potential problems could be avoided by examining sprinklers for signs of corrosion or leakage during normal system inspection and maintenance.  However, the company has recently discovered that some sprinklers without visible signs of corrosion or leakage also required unacceptable operating pressures.

The replacement program is a voluntary program negotiated between the company and the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).  Details of the program are expected to be announced at a press conference scheduled for Thursday, July 19, 2001.  A consumer hotline has been established by Central at 866-505-8553 and a website will soon be operational that can be accessed at www.sprinklerreplacement.com

John Viniello, President of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), has pointed out that press reports are in error that suggest the CPSC “ordered a recall” of the GB sprinklers.  According to Viniello, “This is not the same as the CPSC action on the Omega sprinkler, which resulted from an Administrative Complaint on the part of the agency.  This is a voluntary replacement program undertaken by the company.”

Russ Fleming, Vice President of Engineering for the NFSA, noted that only GB sprinklers that employ o-rings are the subject of the replacement program.  They can be differentiated from newer models by their flat-shaped cap.  GB sprinklers manufactured since 1999 employ a disc (Belleville) spring seal and have a conically-shaped cap. Some specific models of Central sprinklers that were not designated GB but have the same operating mechanism will also be included in the replacement program.  According to Mr. Fleming, “The use of the o-ring seal has produced difficulties for certain models of sprinklers.  Underwriters Laboratories recently moved forward with a program to ban the use of such seals since there is no known way to predict long term performance.  Even before the ban was in place, however, the sprinkler manufacturers have voluntarily moved away from their use.  The sprinkler manufacturers are now cooperating in a joint research effort that will attempt to avoid similar issues in the future.  The replacement program that is being announced should be viewed as evidence of the fire sprinkler manufacturers’ commitment to stand behind their products and to ensure that sprinkler systems will maintain their reputation as the single most reliable defense against unfriendly fire.”