Fenwal Controls of Japan (TSE Standard: 6870) said on 23 October 2026 that it will recall and replace all 4,001 HPR-510 container valve release devices, after sample testing showed gas was not discharged reliably and smoothly in a low-temperature test. The type approval for the container valve they connect to, the NFCV-1 (approval number Yo-092), has been revoked.
What failed, and what did not
The company said it found a flaw in its applications to the Japan Fire Equipment Safety Center (a general incorporated foundation the notice calls the "Safety Center") when it added model numbers for the valve's accessory release devices. Three models were left off the application: HPR-400 (January 1999 to April 2011), HPR-500 (July 2008 to February 2010) and HPR-510 (February 2011 to September 2014).
The company reported the matter to the centre, pulled samples from installed products shipped in those periods and tested them with the centre present. Valves using HPR-400 and HPR-500 devices were confirmed to work as release devices. Valves using HPR-510 devices showed the low-temperature discharge failure.
| Release device | Unapplied period | Test result and action |
|---|---|---|
| HPR-400 | January 1999 to April 2011 | Performance confirmed; may stay in use |
| HPR-500 | July 2008 to February 2010 | Performance confirmed; may stay in use |
| HPR-510 | February 2011 to September 2014 | Low-temperature discharge failure; all units recalled |
Scope of the recall
The recall covers every HPR-510, whether or not it shipped during the unapplied period. The notice lists the device as sold from February 2011 to October 2025, for CO2 starter containers, with 4,001 units shipped.
Fenwal said HPR-400 and HPR-500 devices now in customers' facilities can stay in use. It said no failure of this kind, or anything similar, has occurred in installed products so far.
Interim advice and priorities
Until the HPR-510 devices are swapped, the company's judgment is that customers can keep using them if they follow precautions for operating the release device by hand. The notice does not detail those precautions. Sites with temperatures near the test condition of minus 20 degrees Celsius will be replaced first and will receive a warning notice.
The company apologised to customers and said it will strengthen quality control. It said the effect on current-year results is still being examined, and it gave no replacement timetable or cost estimate.