CPSC Warns of Deadly Recalled Fire Sprinklers Still in Use

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Tyco Fire Products LP are pushing for a nationwide audit of fire suppression systems installed between the mid-1970s and 2001. These specific units suffer from degrading rubber O-ring seals caused by mineral and salt buildup, rendering them useless during an emergency. Although a formal recall began in 2001 and concluded in 2007, authorities fear a significant number of units remain hidden in older commercial buildings and residential complexes.

Property managers and owners must cross-reference their maintenance logs against historical recall records immediately. Reliance on standard inspection cycles has proven insufficient in facilities where the equipment was flagged but never replaced. The CPSC emphasizes that any building owner or administrator overseeing older structures should hire a qualified fire-protection professional to verify if these specific Central Sprinkler models are still present. Ignoring these units creates a silent, lethal vulnerability for residents and staff alike.