Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported April 25, 2003
CPSC Warns Consumers to Replace Star ME-1 Dry Fire Sprinklers Made by Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee -- Administrative Lawsuit Settled, Firm Financially Unable to Conduct 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.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (Scm), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation recalled SCM's Star ME-1 sprinklers have the following information molded onto the sprinkler: the … - a moderate-severity action.
CPSC Warns Consumers to Replace Star ME-1 Dry Fire Sprinklers Made by Sprinkler Corporati… was recalled by Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (Scm), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation 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: Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, it is unable to conduct a recall…. Verify recall #03117 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (Scm), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-These sprinklers are defective and are likely to fail to operate in a fire, thereby exposing consumers to the….
- Moderate
- severity level
- April 25, 2003
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #03117 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #03117) was formally reported on April 25, 2003. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (Scm), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as Approximately 400,000.
The documented reason for this recall is: 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. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, it is unable to conduct a recall, so no free replacement or refund is available for its sprinklers. Nevertheless, SCM urges building owners to… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction 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 - 3,056 household products recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
Approximately 400,000
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
SCM'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 1983 and ending with 1995. 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
Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, it is unable to conduct a recall, so no free replacement or refund is available for its sprinklers. Nevertheless, SCM urges building owners to follow CPSC guidance by inspecting the sprinkler systems in their buildings and replacing any Star ME-1 fire sprinklers manufactured from 1983 through 1995.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 03117 |
| Date reported | April 25, 2003 |
| Date initiated | April 25, 2003 |
| Recalling firm | Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (Scm), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation |
| Affected scope | Approximately 400,000 |
| 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
Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, it is unable to conduct a recall, so no free replacement or refund is av…
- Check the recall number (03117) 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? ▼
SCM'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 1983 and ending with 1995. 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.. Recalled by Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc. (Scm), formerly known as Star Sprinkler Corporation. Units affected: Approximately 400,000.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
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.
What should consumers do? ▼
Because SCM is no longer in operation and has no assets, it is unable to conduct a recall, so no free replacement or refund is available for its sprinklers. Nevertheless, SCM urges building owners to follow CPSC guidance by inspecting the sprinkler systems in their buildings and replacing any Star ME-1 fire sprinklers manufactured from 1983 through 1995.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on April 25, 2003. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 03117.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (03117) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
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Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported April 25, 2003. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.