CPSC Urges Immediate Action on Recalled Fire Sprinklers

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Mark Schulz

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Tyco Fire Products are urging building owners and operators to immediately check for previously recalled Central Sprinkler fire sprinkler heads that may still be installed in residential facilities and other buildings.

The sprinkler heads were originally recalled more than 20 years ago, but CPSC believes a significant number may remain in service.

The affected sprinklers were manufactured from the mid-1970s through June 2001 and were originally recalled in July 2001. The recall was modified in 2003 and the replacement program ended in 2007 after millions of sprinkler heads were replaced. The recalled sprinkler heads contain rubber O-ring seals that can deteriorate because of minerals, salts, and other contaminants in water. As a result, an affected sprinkler may fail to activate during a fire.

Why Providers Should Pay Attention

CPSC specifically identified nursing homes and other residential facilities among the buildings where recalled sprinklers may remain installed. The original recall involved approximately 35 million Central sprinkler heads, along with approximately 167,000 O-ring sprinkler heads manufactured or sold by Gem Sprinkler Company and Star Sprinkler, Inc.

The renewed warning follows the July 13, 2025 fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, that killed 10 residents and injured dozens of others. According to CPSC, dozens of recalled sprinkler heads had not been replaced at the facility despite having previously been identified during a fire-safety inspection.

How to Identify Potentially Recalled Sprinklers

The recall covers both wet sprinklers, which are installed in piping filled with water, and dry sprinklers, which are commonly used in areas exposed to freezing temperatures where the exposed piping does not contain water.

According to the original CPSC recall, potentially affected sprinkler heads may be marked with:

• “CENTRAL” or “STAR”
• The letters “CSC”
• The letter “G” inside a triangle
• A star-shaped symbol

These markings may appear on the metal sprinkler frame or on the deflector, which is the flower- or gear-shaped metal piece at the end of the sprinkler head. The model designation and manufacturing date may also be stamped on the frame or deflector.

The recall generally covered Central wet sprinklers manufactured from 1989 through 2000, Central dry sprinklers manufactured from the mid-1970s through June 2001, certain Gem wet sprinklers sold from 1995 through 2001, and certain Star dry sprinklers manufactured from 1996 through 1998.

What Providers Should Do

• Do not assume the age of the recall means the issue was previously addressed at your facility.
• Inspect fire sprinkler systems and review historical inspection and maintenance records to determine whether recalled sprinklers were previously identified and whether replacement was completed.
• Ask your fire sprinkler contractor or another qualified fire-protection professional to confirm whether affected sprinkler heads remain installed.
• Include older buildings and acquired properties in the review, particularly when current staff may not have records showing whether the original recall was addressed.
• Promptly replace any recalled sprinkler heads that are identified. The original free replacement program ended on August 31, 2007, so providers should work with a qualified fire-protection professional regarding replacement.
• Document the review and its outcome, including when no recalled sprinklers are identified, so the facility has a record that the issue was evaluated.

Additional information, including the original list of affected sprinkler models, is available in the 2001 CPSC recall and the 2003 CPSC recall update. The renewed September 24, 2026 warning is available in the CPSC announcement.

For any questions, please contact Mark Schulz.