UL investigates field reports involving Omega sprinklers; recommends testing of field samples

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

NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is investigating field reports indicating that higher than expected water pressures have been required to operate some Central Sprinkler Company "Omega Series" sprinklers. Laboratory testing conducted by UL has confirmed that the operating pressures measured for some of the samples taken from commercial field installations exceeded the water pressure available for the installation and, under some circumstances, could affect the intended discharge of water. At this time, operation pressure test results indicate that the problems may be site specific.

"Omega Series" sprinklers are UL Listed. UL has been actively conducting a comprehensive investigation of the cause(s) of these occurrences. Until this investigation is completed, UL recommends that representative sprinkler samples be taken from existing sprinkler systems incorporating the following Omega Series models: C-1; C-1A; C-1A PRO; C-1A PRO ID; EC-20; EC-20A; EC-20 AID; HEC-12; HEC-12 ID; HEC-12 PRO; HEC-12A PRO; HEC-12 RES; HEC-20; HEC-20 ID; R-1; R-1A; R-1M; AC; M and Flow Control, so that operational testing can be conducted by Central Sprinkler Company or UL.

Central Sprinkler has indicated that the field reports are related to steel piping systems. Not all of these models have been reported to experience high operating pressures; however, UL recommends that samples of the sprinklers be tested.

Instructions on the proper removal and packaging procedures for taking samples from existing sprinkler systems must be obtained from Mr. Andy Post at Central Sprinkler Company (phone: +1-215-362-0700) before samples can be submitted for testing. Once the samples have been properly removed and packaged according to the instructions, they can be sent to either Andy Post at Central Sprinkler Company, 451 N. Cannon Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446, or to Mr. Kerry Bell at Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062 for operational testing.