The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·07507·Announced 2006-11-13

Ansul Recalls Fire Extinguishers That May Fail to Discharge Properly

Ansul Incorporated is recalling approximately 154,000 K-GUARD, SENTRY, and FLAG FIRE fire extinguishers because a cracked pick-up tube could prevent the unit from discharging during a fire.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire extinguisher) where failure to operate could endanger users during a fire, but no injuries have been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

Ansul Incorporated is recalling approximately 154,000 K-GUARD, SENTRY, and FLAG FIRE model fire extinguishers. The recall involves specific wet chemical and water extinguishers manufactured and shipped between May 2003 and September 9, 2005. The affected units were sold by authorized distributors to end users for approximately $100 to $225 each.

The hazard exists because if the fire extinguisher is dropped horizontally from a height of 2 to 3 feet, the pick-up tube could crack at the threads. If the pick-up tube is cracked, the extinguisher may fail to discharge properly when activated, putting users at risk during a fire. No injuries have been reported in connection with this recall.

Consumers should contact their authorized ANSUL or PYRO-CHEM distributor to request a free replacement of the pick-up tube assembly. This work must be performed by an authorized distributor during routine annual maintenance or immediately if the extinguisher shows signs of physical damage such as dents or scratches. Owners can verify if their specific unit is affected by checking the model number on the label and the year stamped on the hanger hook attachment, or by visiting the manufacturer's website for serial number details on 2003 models.

The recalled product

Product
K-GUARD®, SENTRY® and FLAG FIRE® Model Fire Extinguishers
Affected units
154,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.