30LB Ansul Redline Cartridge (with Bracket) (Purple K)

The Ansul Red Line MIL-RP-K-20-E (Part No. 15832) is a 20 lb military-specification cartridge-operated hand-portable fire extinguisher charged with Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) dry chemical agent, supplied with a mounting bracket. The "MIL" designation indicates this unit meets military specification requirements — it is built to the same rugged Red Line standard but with the ring-pin ("RP") actuation design and a configuration approved for military vehicle, vessel, and facility applications.

Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) is the most effective dry chemical agent for Class B and C fires. It is approximately twice as effective per pound as sodium bicarbonate (PLUS-FIFTY C) on flammable liquid fires, making it the agent of choice for fuel, solvent, and aviation hazard environments where rapid knockdown is critical. The unit is USCG approved when mounted in the included bracket, UL and ULC listed, and FM approved — covering the full range of certifications required for military, commercial, marine, and industrial deployment.

Ring-Pin Design and Mil-Spec Configuration

Standard Red Line cartridge-operated units use a pull pin. The "RP" designation on the MIL-RP-K-20-E indicates a ring-pin design — a configuration commonly required by military specifications for vehicle and aircraft ground support applications. The ring pin provides a positive pull indicator and is designed for reliable operation with gloved hands in field conditions. The mil-spec configuration also meets the vibration, temperature cycling, and impact resistance requirements of military vehicle and vessel environments where standard commercial extinguishers may not be specified.

Red Line Cartridge-Operated Platform

• Cartridge-Operated Reliability: Agent and propellant nitrogen are stored separately. The agent tank is at atmospheric pressure until activation, eliminating slow-leak pressure loss over years of standby — a key advantage in deployed military environments where regular inspection intervals may be longer.
• Field Recharge Capability: Can be recharged on-site by a qualified technician without shop equipment. Replace the nitrogen cartridge, refill with Purple K agent, and the unit is back in service. This is critical for forward-deployed military and remote industrial operations.
• Bracket Included: The 15832 (with bracket) version ships with a mounting bracket. USCG approval is contingent on the unit being mounted in the bracket — the bracket secures the extinguisher against movement and is required for marine vessel compliance.
• 12-Year Limited Warranty: Ansul's 12-year limited warranty from date of delivery to the original end-user purchaser.

The MIL-RP-K-20-E is specified for high-hazard environments where military-spec certification, Purple K suppression performance, and rugged construction are all required:

• Military Vehicles and Ground Equipment: Combat vehicles, transport trucks, aircraft ground support equipment, and other military motor pool applications where MIL-spec extinguishers are required and flammable fuel fires are the primary hazard.
• Military Vessels and Watercraft: USCG-approved with the included bracket for shipboard use. Purple K's Class B performance is well matched to fuel and hydraulic fluid fire risks aboard naval and coast guard vessels.
• Aviation Ground Support: Aircraft fueling operations and flight line equipment where Purple K's rapid knockdown on aviation fuels makes it the agent of choice.
• Fuel Storage and Loading Facilities: Military fuel depots, loading racks, and petroleum handling areas where large flammable liquid spill fires are the primary credible hazard.
• Industrial High-Hazard Operations: Beyond military use, the MIL-RP-K-20-E is appropriate for any commercial or industrial environment requiring a rugged, bracket-mounted Purple K unit with UL, ULC, FM, and USCG credentials.

To maintain NFPA 10 compliance and USCG approval, the MIL-RP-K-20-E must follow a documented maintenance schedule:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the nitrogen cartridge safety seal is intact, the ring pin is in place and the tamper seal is unbroken, and the unit is secured in its bracket. Confirm inspection tags are current and the hose and nozzle are free of damage or obstruction.
• Annual Maintenance: A certified technician must inspect all components, verify nitrogen cartridge condition, check the hose assembly, and confirm Purple K agent has not packed or caked. The cartridge-operated design makes every moving part accessible for inspection. Document on the inspection tag.
• 6-Year Internal Examination: Full internal inspection per NFPA 10 including agent removal and cylinder interior inspection. Recharge only with Ansul-approved Purple K dry chemical.
• 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: The carbon steel agent tank must undergo hydrostatic pressure testing per NFPA 10 and DOT requirements.
• USCG Compliance Note: USCG approval requires the unit to be mounted in the included bracket. An unbracketed MIL-RP-K-20-E does not satisfy USCG vessel requirements. Verify the bracket is properly secured to a structural mounting surface rated for the unit's weight.

What does the MIL designation mean on this extinguisher?

MIL indicates this unit meets military specification requirements for design, construction, and performance — including resistance to the vibration, impact, and temperature cycling encountered in military vehicle and vessel applications. The ring-pin (RP) actuation is a mil-spec configuration designed for reliable operation with gloved hands in field conditions.

Is there a 30 lb version of this unit?

Yes. The Ansul Red Line RP-K-30-E (Part No. 25425) is the 30 lb mil-spec Purple K version with bracket. It carries a charged weight of 22 lbs and the same UL, ULC, FM, and USCG approvals. Specify the 30 lb model for higher-hazard applications where greater agent volume is required.

Why is Purple K preferred over PLUS-FIFTY C for military and aviation applications?

Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) is approximately twice as effective per pound as PLUS-FIFTY C (sodium bicarbonate) on Class B flammable liquid fires. In aviation and military fuel fire scenarios where fire size can grow rapidly and every second of discharge matters, Purple K's superior suppression efficiency per pound makes it the standard agent of choice for these high-consequence environments.