CPSC recall · Reported April 25, 2003
CPSC, American Household Inc., (Formerly Sunbeam Corp.) Announce Recall of Star ME-1 Dry Fire Sprinklers, Administrative Lawsuit Settlement
These sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the risk of death or serious injury.
Chemetron Corporation, an inactive subsidiary of Ahi, of Boca Raton, Fla. recalled Chemetron's Star ME-1 sprinklers have the following information molded onto the sprinkler….
CPSC, American Household Inc., (Formerly Sunbeam Corp.) Announce Recall of Star ME-1 Dry … was recalled by Chemetron Corporation, an inactive subsidiary of Ahi, of Boca Raton, Fla. in April 25, 2003. Reason: These sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the…. Remedy: AHI's sprinkler replacement reimbursement program has concluded. CPSC previously announce…. Verify recall #03116 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Chemetron Corporation, an inactive subsidiary of Ahi, of Boca Raton, Fla. issued this CPSC recall-These sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the….
- None
- agency class
- April 25, 2003
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03116 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 3,089 household products recalls on record
Product description
Chemetron's Star ME-1 sprinklers have the following information molded onto the sprinkler: the name "Star," the designation "ME-1," and the year of manufacture, starting with 1977 and ending with 1982. These sprinklers were typically installed in areas of buildings where the sprinklers or water supply pipes may be subject to freezing. Examples of such areas include unheated attics, freezers and coolers, porches and parking garages. The types of facilities in which the sprinklers were installed include nursing homes, convalescent and long-term care facilities, supermarkets and other stores, warehouses, hospitals and office buildings.
Reason for recall
These sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the risk of death or serious injury.
Remedy, what to do
AHI's sprinkler replacement reimbursement program has concluded. CPSC previously announced that Mealane Corporation voluntarily agreed to recall Star ME-1 sprinklers manufactured from 1961 through 1976 and Central Sprinkler Company voluntarily agreed to replace Star ME-1 fire sprinklers manufactured from 1996 through 1998. The Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, which manufactured Star ME-1 sprinklers from 1983 through 1995, has no assets with which to fund a recall, but is issuing a safety notice warning building owners to replace these sprinklers.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Not classified by agency |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 03116 |
| Date reported | April 25, 2003 |
| Date initiated | April 25, 2003 |
| Recalling firm | Chemetron Corporation, an inactive subsidiary of Ahi, of Boca Raton, Fla. |
| Affected scope | About 60,000 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
AHI's sprinkler replacement reimbursement program has concluded. CPSC previously announced that Mealane Corporation voluntarily a…
- Check the recall number (03116) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Why was this product recalled? ▼
What should consumers do? ▼
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
Consumer-product notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.
Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade, closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Household Products · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
Compare this recall with CCM Hockey U.S. Recalls FMHVR Hybrid Visors and ACCHVR Repl… → · All Household Products recalls
Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026