FM Approvals has been made aware of a manufacturing defect in 3790 Zinc Plated 45 Degree Pipe Fittings bearing the FM Approval Mark manufactured by VSH Fittings B.V. 

Company Identity:                VSH Fittings B.V.

Name:                                     Peter Broest

Address:                                Oude Amersfoortseweg, 1212 AA Hilversum, 
                                                PO Box 498,

                   1200 AL Hilversum, Netherlands

Contact Information:            p.broest@vsh.nl and +31 35 68 84 239

Product Identity:                   Non-Gasketed Compression Type Pipe Fittings

Description:                           Zinc Plated 45 Degree Bends

                     ¾, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2 and 2 inch sizes
                    (22, 28, 35, 42, 54 mm)

Make/Model:                          Model C1413, Article Number 620172.3

FM Approval Status:            Currently FM Approved

Hazard Involved:  The defect consists of an incorrectly applied zinc coating which may chip or flake off while in service.  There is a possibility that, without the proper zinc plating, the pipe fitting may be subject to accelerated corrosion. Additionally where a large number of the fittings may be used in a system, the accumulation of zinc flakes could possibly cause an obstruction to sprinkler water flow.

It is recommended that these compression type pipe fittings be removed and replaced with new product supplied by VSH.  If there is any doubt regarding the identification of a compression type pipe fitting, seek advice from the pipe fitting supplier or directly from VSH Fittings B.V.