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UL establishes toll-free number on Omega sprinklersNOTE: 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 established a toll-free number -- +1-800-758-1794 -- to help homeowners, property owners and building managers arrange for samples of Central Sprinkler Company's "Omega" series sprinklers to be sent to UL for testing and/or to provide related information on UL's ongoing investigation of Omega sprinklers. Callers can speak directly with UL representatives Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Central time. Sprinkler samples can also be submitted to Central Sprinkler Company for testing by calling the manufacturer toll free at +1-800-523-6512. As announced in a press release issued Aug. 13, 1997, UL is urging all homeowners and other property owners whose buildings are equipped with Omega sprinklers to have samples of those sprinklers immediately submitted to UL or Central Sprinkler Company for operational testing. UL recommends that these sprinklers, installed in all types of piping systems, including steel, copper and plastic pipes, be tested to determine that operation will occur in case of a fire. UL has conducted a comprehensive investigation of Omega sprinklers manufactured prior to May 1996. Those sprinklers, which are no longer manufactured, contained an O-ring material that has been found to swell or degrade in some instances, when subjected to contaminants discovered in certain sprinkler systems. Omega sprinklers manufactured since May 1996 contain a silicone O-ring material for which UL has received no adverse field reports. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), automatic sprinkler systems reduce the risk of fatalities in fires by one-half to two-thirds in private homes and public buildings, including stores, offices, auditoriums and factories. If you have questions about any of the issues discussed in this article, telephone Sandy Gentry in Northbrook, Ill., at +1-847-272-8800, ext. 43178.
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