Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp. Recalls Dry Fire Sprinklers

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(Image credit: CPSC)

In June 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp., of Standish, Mich., announced a voluntary recall of about 300,000 Globe Model J Series Dry Fire Sprinklers. Today the CPSC and Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp., of Standish, Mich., announced a June 1, 2011 deadline for receiving the replacement heads.

Hazard: The sprinkler heads can deteriorate over time and fail to operate in a fire.

Incidents/Injuries: Globe has received five reports of sprinklers that failed to operate as intended during a fire. Globe has received no reports of injuries caused by sprinklers failing to operate.

Description: Model J Series dry fire sprinklers come in pendent, upright, and sidewall configurations. The name "Globe," the letter "J" and the year of manufacture (1990 though 1999) are embossed on the frame of each sprinkler. These dry sprinklers were designed to be installed in areas of buildings where the sprinklers or water supply pipes may be subject to freezing, such as unheated attics, freezers and coolers, parking garages, porches and warehouses.

Sold by: Fire protection contractors nationwide from January 1990 through December 1999 for between $27 and $36 per sprinkler head.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Contact Globe immediately to arrange to receive replacement sprinkler heads at a reduced cost of $9 per sprinkler head.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Globe at (800) 248-0278 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.globesprinkler.com and click on the "Recall" link.

(Image credit: CPSC)

To participate in the replacement sprinkler program, property owners must submit Proof of Claim and Waiver and Release of Claims forms to Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation postmarked by June 1, 2011. Valid claims received prior to the deadline will qualify for replacement sprinkler heads.

Consumers can obtain the claim forms, additional information on identifying the sprinklers covered by this recall and instructions on filing a claim by visiting www.globesprinkler.com or by calling Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation at (800) 248-0278 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

This deadline relates only to the Globe model J dry type sprinklers recalled on June 12, 2007. It does not involve additional models of sprinklers other than those named in the June 2007 recall announcement. Building owners need not take any further action if they have: (1) had replacement sprinklers installed by Globe Fire Sprinkler; (2) submitted a claim to Globe Fire Sprinkler that has been deemed complete and installation of the replacement heads is pending; or (3) confirmed that their sprinkler heads are not covered by the Globe Fire Sprinkler model J dry type recall. Building owners who have previously submitted an incomplete claim will be sent a reminder notice reminding them to send in any missing information or materials by the June 1, 2011 deadline or else their claim will be void.

Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp. urges all other building owners to consult with their fire sprinkler installer and/or check their system records as soon as possible to determine whether their sprinkler heads are covered by this program.

Live Science Staff
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