
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000766041
<NAME> CENTRAL SPRINKLER
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1996
<CASH>                                           2,884
<SECURITIES>                                    12,466
<RECEIVABLES>                                   43,140
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,622
<INVENTORY>                                     43,414
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               105,137
<PP&E>                                          60,166
<DEPRECIATION>                                  18,807
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 150,918
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           69,615
<BONDS>                                         24,674
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                            55
<OTHER-SE>                                      54,337
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   150,918
<SALES>                                        187,220
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               187,220
<CGS>                                          134,995
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  134,995
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                43,226
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,939
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  6,060
<INCOME-TAX>                                     2,297
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              3,763
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     3,763
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.13
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.13
        

</TABLE>
