Green Bay, Wisconsin – October 21, 2026: The International Fire Suppression Alliance (IFSA) is issuing a product advisory regarding automatic fire sprinklers marked with the TYCO (Johnson Controls) model designation TY9226 that carry unauthorized certification marks. On October 16, 2026, UL Solutions issued Public Notice 25PN-0804, which states that these fire sprinklers bear unauthorized UL Certification Marks for the United States and Canada, were not produced by the authorized manufacturer, and do not bear any brand name. UL Solutions has not evaluated them against the appropriate safety standards, and it is unknown whether they meet any safety requirements. UL Solutions recommends that they be removed from service immediately.
UL Solutions reports that the products were offered and sold in São Paulo, Brazil. IFSA has confirmed that the FM, VdS, and LPCB markings on the deflector are not authentic either, and IFSA regards these fire sprinklers as counterfeit. The four marks together claim evaluation by four independent certification bodies. No such evaluation took place.
“Every installer and inspector has learned to look for the certification mark first, and a counterfeiter depends on that habit when four marks appear on a product that none of the four certification bodies ever evaluated. The O-ring seal that UL Solutions found in place of the Belleville washer and PTFE tape assembly is the clearest evidence of what these fire sprinklers are. They are counterfeit.”
Mark Fessenden, Managing Director and CEO, International Fire Suppression Alliance
How to Identify the Affected Fire Sprinklers
The affected fire sprinklers are marked with the model designation TY9226 and carry the cULus mark. UL Solutions lists the following markings: TY9226, SPEC AHP, LPCB, SP15, Vols, 165ºF, 74ºC, TFP, K2.5, FM, and SFR25. The etching on the deflector shows cULus, FM, VdS, LPCB, and TYCO SIN TY9226 (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Unauthorized and genuine UL authorized fire sprinklers. Image courtesy of UL Solutions.
UL Solutions identifies two differences between the genuine product and the unauthorized version.
- Deflector: The deflector of the unauthorized fire sprinkler does not meet drawing and design specifications. The genuine Tyco deflector has no blemishes, scratches, or imperfections, has a darker shade, and carries etching in a different text size and style.
- Button sealing assembly: The genuine assembly consists of a two-piece button and a Belleville washer with PTFE tape applied to both sides. The unauthorized assembly contains a button, an O-ring, and a spring that is partially staked to the button. The O-ring is used to seal the fire sprinkler (see Figure 2).
Figure 2: Unauthorized and genuine button assemblies. Image courtesy of UL Solutions.
Why This Matters
A certification mark is the first item an installer, inspector, or purchaser checks, and for that reason it is the first item a counterfeiter copies. In this case the marks of four bodies appear on a product that none of them evaluated. The risk that is easy to miss is false confidence: a purchaser who confirms only that a mark is present, and not that the product is listed by the body whose mark it bears, will find nothing wrong.
This is not the first notice of its kind in the Brazilian market. In July 2025, IFSA reported counterfeit Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) fire sprinklers with Tyco branding and false certification markings, which also used O-ring style water seals. The earlier advisory is available here.
What Can Contractors, Building Owners, and Authorities Do?
- Remove and replace: Immediately remove affected fire sprinklers from service and replace them with fire sprinklers certified by a recognized body and obtained from an authorized distributor.
- Review recent work: Check installations completed with recently procured fire sprinklers, particularly material obtained outside established supply channels.
- Verify certifications: Confirm listings through the certification body’s own directory rather than relying on the mark on the product.
- Source from authorized suppliers: Purchase fire sprinklers only from authorized distributors and manufacturers, and verify their credentials.
- Scrutinize shipments: Check for correct labeling, packaging, and documentation upon delivery.
- Report suspicious products: If something seems wrong, do not install it. Report concerns to the manufacturer, the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), or a certification body 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 fire sprinkler 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. A mark on a deflector is a claim. The directory is the evidence.
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-unauthorized-ul-certification-marks-fire-sprinklers
About the International Fire Suppression Alliance (IFSA)
The International Fire Suppression Alliance (IFSA) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the use of effective water-based fire protection systems to save lives and protect property. Through partnerships with manufacturers, insurers, code officials, fire service professionals, and regulators worldwide, IFSA promotes industry best practices, supports the development and adoption of standards, and delivers education and advocacy to enhance fire safety in all communities. Learn more at https://ifsaglobal.org/.