Green Bay, Wisconsin – August 3, 2026: The International Fire Suppression Alliance (IFSA) is issuing a product advisory regarding counterfeit certification marks applied to pipe fittings used in fire sprinkler systems. On July 31, 2026, UL Solutions issued a public notice identifying YUK-branded pipe fittings bearing counterfeit UL certification marks for the United States and Canada. These fittings were never evaluated or certified by UL Solutions.

UL Solutions has stated that the affected fittings have not been evaluated against the appropriate safety standards, and that it is unknown whether they meet any safety requirements. UL Solutions recommends that these pipe fittings be immediately removed from service and replaced with properly certified products bearing an authentic UL Mark.

Also note the “<EM>” marking. It is not the certification marking of any recognized certification body. Its form closely imitates the “<FM>” mark of FM Approvals, and IFSA regards it as a clear attempt to deceive purchasers, installers, and inspectors into believing these fittings carry FM Approval. They do not. The fittings are not FM Approved, and they are not UL Certified.

How to Identify the Affected Fittings

The affected pipe fittings carry the following markings: YUK, cULus, <EM>, XGQT01, 114.3-2.5, and 165.1-2.5 (See Figure 1).

Counterfeit YUK-branded grooved pipe fittings bearing unauthorized cULus and EM certification marks

Figure 1

Why This Matters

IFSA is actively working to educate local contractors and building owners about the severe risks posed by counterfeit and non-certified fire protection system components. Pipe fittings are pressure-retaining components: a single failed fitting can disable an entire fire sprinkler system. Legitimate fittings undergo rigorous testing to ensure they:

  • Withstand system working and surge pressures without leaking or rupturing.
  • Maintain joint integrity under hydrostatic pressure, vibration, and mechanical loading.
  • Perform reliably when exposed to the elevated temperatures of a fire.
  • Resist corrosion and mechanical damage over the service life of the system.

Counterfeit and uncertified fittings, by contrast, may:

  • Fail or separate under normal system pressure.
  • Leak, reducing the water pressure and flow available at the sprinklers.
  • Fail prematurely when exposed to fire conditions.
  • Corrode prematurely, reducing lifespan and effectiveness.
  • Cause significant water damage while leaving the system unable to control a fire.

A fire sprinkler system is only as dependable as its weakest component. A failure in the piping network can turn a survivable fire into a deadly tragedy.

What Can Contractors and Building Owners Do?

  • Remove and replace: Immediately remove affected fittings from service and replace them with properly certified products bearing an authentic UL and/or FM Mark.
  • Review recent work: Check installations completed with recently procured fittings, particularly material obtained outside of established supply channels.
  • Source from reputable suppliers: Only purchase fire sprinkler system components from authorized distributors and manufacturers. Always verify credentials.
  • Verify certifications: Confirm listings through the certification body’s own database rather than relying on the mark stamped on the product.
  • Train your team: Ensure that installers, inspectors, and purchasing staff are aware of the signs of counterfeit products.
  • Scrutinize shipments: Check for correct labeling, packaging, and documentation upon delivery.
  • Report suspicious products: If something seems off, do not install it. Report concerns to the manufacturer, local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), or certification bodies such as UL, FM, VdS, LPCB, or IFSA.
  • Keep documentation: Retain purchase records to demonstrate sourcing diligence and support any future claims or investigations.

IFSA urges purchasers, contractors, inspectors, and authorities having jurisdiction to verify every component against the appropriate directory:

If a fitting, coupling, or any other component cannot be found in the directory of the body whose mark it bears, it should not be installed. Any such product already in service should be treated as suspect until its certification is confirmed directly with the manufacturer or the certification body.

Report to IFSA

IFSA maintains a confidential reporting system for counterfeit and non-certified fire protection products. Your report helps protect the industry and the communities it serves.

Report a Counterfeit or Non-Certified Product

Full UL Solutions Notice

The complete UL Solutions public notice is available at: https://www.ul.com/news/ul-solutions-warns-counterfeit-ul-certification-marks-pipe-fittings