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UL Classifies retrofit kit for Omega sprinkler models, continues testing field samplesNOTE: This information is from a printed newsletter dated 1997 and is presented here for archival purposes only. For current information, please see the main Sprinkler Industry pages. UL has Classified a retrofit kit manufactured by the Central Sprinkler Company (CSC) that is intended for use with the following models of CSC's "Omega Series" sprinklers: C-1, C-1A, EC-20 and EC-20A (UL's Classification Service for the retrofit kit is in conformance with the definition of "listed" in NFPA installation codes and standards). UL tested representative sprinkler samples with the retrofit kit and found them to comply with the applicable provisions of UL 199, the Standard for Automatic Sprinklers for Fire-Protection Service. As announced on Aug. 1, 1996, UL conducted laboratory testing indicating that the operating pressures measured for some samples of Omega sprinklers removed from sprinkler installations could exceed the water pressures available for the installations and affect the sprinklers' intended operation. Of the more than 800 sprinkler samples submitted to UL from locations throughout the United States (normalized to account for sample size per site), 80 percent operated at 40 psi or less, and 69 percent operated at 5 psi. All of the sprinkler samples from spare sprinkler cabinets operated at 5 psi. These evaluations support the need for testing all existing sprinkler installations in commercial and residential occupancies with Omega sprinklers. Although current indications are that increased operating pressures associated with Omega sprinklers are site specific, UL's investigation into the cause(s) of these occurrences continues. UL's recommendation for operational testing of representative field samples taken from existing sprinkler systems includes all 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. With the exception of those installations where "stop-leak" compounds have been detected, the retrofit kit - consisting of a pre-compressed metal spring and housing - is intended to be installed on-site by CSC-trained personnel where unacceptable water pressures are required to operate these sprinklers. According to CSC, if operational tests for a specific location indicate that the sprinklers do not operate at the appropriate water pressure after retrofitting, all sprinklers in those installations will be replaced. For instructions on the proper removal and packaging procedures for taking samples from existing sprinkler systems and further information on CSC's retrofit kit, please call Andy Post, Central Sprinkler Company, at +1-800- 523-6512. Samples should be sent to either Andy Post, Central Sprinkler Company, 451 N. Cannon Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446, or to Kerry Bell, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062.
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