UL urges testing of Omega series sprinklers

NOTE: This information is from a previously printed press release, newsletter, or other dated document. It is presented here for archival purposes only.

NORTHBROOK, III. -- Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is strongly urging all homeowners and other property owners whose buildings are equipped with Central Sprinkler Company's "Omega" series sprinklers to have samples of those sprinklers immediately submitted to UL or Central Sprinkler Company for operational testing. These sprinklers have been installed in homes, businesses, hospitals, hotels, schools and other public buildings since 1982. UL recommends that Omega sprinklers installed in all types of piping systems, including steel, copper and plastic pipes, be tested to determine that these sprinklers will operate in case of a fire.

Sprinkler samples can be submitted to UL for testing by contacting Mr. Kerry Bell at +1-847-272-8800, ext. 42629 or by e-mail at:Kerry.M.Bell@us.ul.com. Sprinkler samples can also be submitted to Central Sprinkler Company for testing by calling the manufacturer at: +1 800 523-6512.

Prior news releases on the investigation of this equipment were issued by UL in August of 1996 and in May of 1997.

Results of UL's comprehensive, year-long investigation indicate that contaminants discovered in some sprinkler systems have caused a significant percentage of Omega sprinkler samples not to operate at a five psi (pounds per square inch) water pressure level, which is UL's requirement for new sprinklers. These contaminants include "stop leak" products that may have been improperly added to the system to seal leaks, and cutting oil residues from the installation of the system. Because the water pressure required to operate contaminated Omega sprinklers could exceed the water pressure that exists in some homes and buildings, some sprinkler heads within the installation may not operate when a fire occurs.

UL plans to continue its investigation and will work with other testing organizations to develop a common data base and study any reports of adverse performance said to be caused by factors other than contamination.

UL is an independent, not-for-profit product safety certification organization that has been testing products for public safety for more than a century. UL operates five major testing facilities in the United States as well as representative offices, affiliations, wholly owned subsidiaries or branches thereof located in Canada, China, Denmark, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.