Alert Summary

FM Approvals has been made aware of an automatic fire sprinkler bearing a counterfeit FM Approvals mark. FM Approvals has neither tested nor certified this product.

Product Identity

The sprinkler bears the marking “TY3151” on the deflector, the marking “JOB F5” on the frangible bulb and the marking “GLOBE” on the wrench boss.

Description

The product appears to be a nominal K5.6, ½″ NPT standard spray upright automatic sprinkler.

Hazard Involved

There is no evidence these products have ever been tested to the rigorous requirements of any testing and certification organization, including FM Approvals. As such, these automatic sprinklers cannot be relied upon to react to or control a fire. Failure by any of the following mechanisms is possible: failure of the thermal element, orifice leakage, early operation, late operation, bulb strutting (incomplete fracture), deflector blow off, inadequate or excessive discharge rate, corrosive attack, failure to operate, failure to produce an adequate discharge pattern, etc. Of further note is the observed use of an o-ring type orifice seal, which historically have been proven to be unreliable and possibly dangerous. Some o-ring type sprinklers have been subject to recall per the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The sprinkler was not produced by Globe Fire Sprinkler or Tyco Fire Products.