1.75 Gallon Amerex C270NM - Water Mist Fire Extinguisher - 27698

The Amerex C270NM (Model 27698) is a specialized, high-performance fire extinguisher engineered for environments where standard suppression agents are strictly prohibited. In MRI suites, semiconductor clean rooms, and hospital patient care areas, the collateral damage caused by dry chemical powder can be as financially devastating as the fire itself — and ferromagnetic components can become projectiles in the presence of a powerful magnetic field. The Amerex C270NM solves both problems by utilizing de-ionized water delivered through a specialized sonic misting nozzle, producing a non-conductive, non-contaminating discharge that leaves minimal cleanup while remaining safe in high-field magnetic environments.

Rated 2-A:C, this 1.75-gallon unit provides Class A cooling power while maintaining a safe dielectric barrier for energized electrical equipment. Constructed entirely from non-magnetic stainless steel and brass components, the C270NM has been independently tested for use in MRI environments up to 11.7 Tesla — providing a substantial safety margin for standard 1.5T and 3T clinical MRI systems. The polished stainless steel cylinder is rated for a 5-year hydrostatic test cycle and is serviced using certified de-ionized water only to maintain the non-conductive rating.

The Physics of Mist: De-Ionization and Aerosolized Cooling

1. Dielectric Breakdown Prevention

Standard water contains dissolved minerals (ions) that conduct electricity. The C270NM uses de-ionized water with these conductive impurities removed. When discharged through the precision-machined misting nozzle, the water is broken into droplets smaller than 100 microns, creating a high-resistance path that prevents electrical current from traveling back up the stream — a critical safety property for a Class C rated unit used near energized medical equipment.

2. Non-Paramagnetic Construction Tested to 11.7 Tesla

In an MRI environment, any ferromagnetic material becomes a high-velocity projectile in the presence of the magnetic field. The C270NM is manufactured entirely from non-magnetic stainless steel and brass components, confirmed safe by independent testing to 11.7 Tesla — the highest field strength used in research MRI systems, providing a large safety margin for all standard clinical MRI installations.

3. Aerosolized Endothermic Cooling

The misting nozzle maximizes the surface area of the discharged water, enabling near-instantaneous flash cooling as the mist absorbs thermal energy in the flame zone. Simultaneously, the ultra-fine mist penetrates deep into porous Class A materials to prevent re-ignition without the splatter effect of a standard water stream.

Why the Amerex C270NM is the Zero-Residue Leader

• Clean Room and Sterile Compatibility: The C270NM leaves nothing behind but distilled water — no corrosive film, no abrasive powder, no particulate. Essential for laboratory and operating room environments where post-fire contamination could require weeks of professional decontamination.
• Respiratory and Visibility Safety: Dry chemical agents create a white-out condition that can cause respiratory distress in confined patient rooms. The water mist discharge remains breathable and translucent during and after use.
• Polished Stainless Steel Cylinder: Resists internal pitting common in humid clinical environments and is easy to sanitize, ensuring the unit meets clinical facility cleanliness standards through its full service life.

The Amerex C270NM is the primary choice for zero-contamination hazard zones where portable fire protection must be clean, non-magnetic, and non-toxic:

• MRI and Imaging Centers: Independently tested and confirmed safe in high-field magnetic environments. The only appropriate extinguisher for use inside an MRI suite.
• Hospital Patient Care Areas: Providing non-toxic Class A protection near sensitive monitoring equipment without the respiratory hazard of dry chemical discharge.
• Telecommunications Rooms: A clean alternative to CO2 or dry chemical for protecting server racks where zero residue and non-conductivity are both required.
• Museums and Archives: Safeguarding historical documents and artifacts from the chemical staining and particulate contamination associated with standard dry chemical extinguishers.
• Semiconductor Clean Manufacturing: Essential for production lines where particulate count is strictly regulated and any contamination event has significant financial consequences.

To maintain NFPA 10 compliance and ensure your facility remains inspection-ready, the C270NM must follow a strict maintenance protocol:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the pressure gauge is in the green zone and the safety pin is secured. Check the misting nozzle screen to ensure no dust or debris has obstructed it. Confirm inspection tags are current.
• Annual Professional Service: A certified technician must conduct an examination. Only certified de-ionized water may be used for recharging — using tap or standard water will contaminate the agent and eliminate the non-conductive rating.
• 5-Year Hydrostatic Test: Mandatory every five years for this water-based extinguisher to verify the stainless steel cylinder remains structurally sound.
• 5-Year Water Replacement: The de-ionized water must also be replaced every five years to prevent mineral buildup that could affect the non-conductive properties of the agent.

Where can I find service for MRI-safe extinguishers?

Contact a specialized fire equipment provider or authorized Amerex dealer experienced with non-magnetic and water mist units. Standard fire supply outlets may not carry the certified de-ionized water required for recharging or be equipped to service non-magnetic cylinder configurations.

Is this safe for a 3-Tesla MRI room?

Yes. The C270NM is independently tested to 11.7 Tesla, providing a significant safety margin for standard clinical 1.5T and 3T MRI systems. It is the correct specification for any clinical or research MRI installation where a portable extinguisher must be available inside or adjacent to the magnet room.

How do I operate this unit in an emergency?

Use the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim the misting nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Because the mist is ultra-fine and non-pressurized at the same rate as a standard water unit, the operator can work closer to the fire than with a high-pressure dry chemical extinguisher — but always maintain awareness of the fire and its surroundings.