FM Approvals has been made aware of suspect counterfeit angle hose valves found in Ecuador bearing an FM Approvals mark. FM Approvals has neither tested nor certified these products.

Product Identity: The valves bear the model number "A55" and the Giacomini logo, however, the identity of the manufacturer is unknown. Differences between the authentic valve and the counterfeit valve are shown in Figures 1 – 5 (attached).

Description: 1-1/2 in. angle hose valves

FM Approval status: Not FM Approved

Hazard involved: The products in question are angle hose valves used to initiate and cease water flow to hose lines for manual firefighting operations. The counterfeit products bear the FM Approvals mark but have never been tested by FM Approvals. Safety concerns of untested angle hose valves include but are not limited to the strength of the valve body and valve stem, the leak resistance of the valve seat, the leak resistance of the stem seal and the friction loss of the valve.