FM Approvals has been made aware of rigid type grooved pipe couplings found in Australia bearing the FM Approvals marking produced by Weifang Changsheng Pipe Co., Ltd. The couplings do not bear the model designation of the FM Approved coupling and were produced with a coating not FM Approved for the product in question.

Product Identity: “WPT” on casting, no model designation present and the casting is galvanized (See Figs. 1 – 4)

Description: Nominal pipe size 6”/165.1mm rigid grooved coupling

Manufacturer: Weifang Changsheng Pipe Co., Ltd

FM Approval status: Not Approved as described within

Quantity:   200

Hazard Involved

The couplings in question do not bear any model designation on the product and are not FM Approved but do bear the FM Approvals casting certification mark.  This may lead to the product being used in improper applications.  The couplings were also identified to be galvanized, rather than coated with the FM Approved red paint.  Untested coatings on grooved couplings have different frictional properties with unknown performance characteristics when subjected to a bending moment.  Inadequate bending moment performance can lead to leakage or joint failure.