The company’s fire protection products comprise rigid and flexible couplings, full and short pattern grooved elbows and tees, and a variety of valves and accessories.

In 1874, Henry S. Parmelee of New Haven, Connecticut, patented an automatic sprinkling device, and four years later the Providence Steam and Gas Pipe Co. secured the right to manufacture and install it, paying royalties to the inventor.

To improve the quality of its iron castings, General Fire Extinguisher established its own foundry and shops in Cranston, Rhode Island, opening the operation in 1909.

[5] Grinnell acquired a controlling interest in American District Telegraph Co. (ADT Security Services), manufacturer of electrical supervisory and alarm systems for protection against fire, burglary, holdup, and other hazards.

[6] At this time, Grinnell and its acquired subsidiaries held more than 87 percent of the central-station fire and burglar alarm business in the United States, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

However, this field of business accounted for only about 20 percent of Grinnell's annual sales volume and profits, with plumbing supplies and fixtures being responsible for most of the rest.

Operating as Grinnell Fire Protection Systems Co., the unit, whose annual turnover had risen to $107 million, was purchased by Tyco Laboratories in 1976.