
<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000766041
<NAME> CENTRAL SPRINKLER CORPORATION
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<CURRENCY> US DOLLAR
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1998
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
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<SECURITIES>                                         0
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<PP&E>                                          74,984
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<OTHER-SE>                                      30,711
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<CGS>                                          164,929
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<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
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<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (32,449)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (9,845)
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<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (6.89)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (6.89)
        



</TABLE>
