
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000766041
<NAME> CENTRAL SPRINKLER CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               JAN-31-1996
<CASH>                                           3,605
<SECURITIES>                                    10,607
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<INVENTORY>                                     38,849
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                89,335
<PP&E>                                          48,294
<DEPRECIATION>                                  16,505
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 125,335
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           45,850
<BONDS>                                         26,420
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            55
<OTHER-SE>                                      50,859
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   125,335
<SALES>                                         40,750
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                40,750
<CGS>                                           28,469
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   28,469
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                10,053
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
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<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  1,683
<INCOME-TAX>                                       642
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,041
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,041
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .31
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .31
        

</TABLE>
