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 modern MRI suites, semiconductor clean rooms, and data centers, the "collateral damage" caused by dry chemical powder can be as financially devastating as the fire itself. The Amerex C270NM solves this by utilizing de-ionized water and a specialized sonic misting nozzle to create a non-conductive, non-contaminating discharge that vanishes with minimal cleanup.

Rated 2-A:C, this 1.75-gallon unit provides elite Class A cooling power while maintaining a safe dielectric barrier for energized electrical equipment. Most importantly, the C270NM is constructed from non-magnetic materials, having been independently tested for use in MRI environments up to 11.7 Tesla. For healthcare administrators, the Amerex C270NM represents the pinnacle of fire safety for hospitals and high-value medical imaging assets.

The Physics of Mist: De-ionization and Aerosolized Cooling

1. Dielectric Breakdown Prevention

Standard water contains minerals (ions) that conduct electricity. Amerex utilizes de-ionized water, which has been processed to remove these conductive impurities. When discharged through the precision-machined misting nozzle, the water is broken into droplets smaller than 100 microns. These micro-droplets create a high-resistance path, preventing electrical current from traveling back up the stream—a critical safety feature for a Class C fire extinguisher used near sensitive electronics.

2. 11.7 Tesla Non-Paramagnetic Integrity

In an MRI environment, any ferromagnetic material becomes a high-velocity projectile. The C270NM is manufactured from non-magnetic stainless steel and brass components, ensuring the unit remains inert even in the presence of extremely powerful research magnets. This is the best fire extinguisher for MRI room applications where safety is non-negotiable.

3. Aerosolized Endothermic Cooling

The misting nozzle maximizes the surface-area-to-volume ratio of the water. As the mist enters the flame zone, it provides near-instantaneous "Flash Cooling" by absorbing massive amounts of thermal energy. 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 & Sterile Compatibility: Unlike dry chemical units that leave a corrosive, abrasive film, the C270NM leaves nothing behind but distilled water. This is essential for laboratory fire safety 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.
• Industrial Longevity: The cylinder is constructed from high-polish stainless steel. This prevents internal pitting common in humid clinical environments, ensuring the unit passes its fire safety equipment inspection with ease.

The Amerex C270NM is the primary choice for "Zero-Contamination" hazard zones where portable fire protection must be clean:

• MRI & Imaging Centers: Tested and approved for use in high-field magnetic environments.
• Hospital Patient Care: Providing non-toxic Class A protection near sensitive monitoring equipment.
• Telecommunications Rooms: An excellent "No-Mess" alternative to clean agents for protecting server racks.
• Museums & Archives: Safeguarding historical documents from the chemical staining associated with a common fire extinguisher.
• Clean Manufacturing: Essential for semiconductor production lines where particulate count is strictly regulated.

Manufacturer	Amerex Corporation
Model	C270NM (27698)
Agent Type	De-Ionized Water Fire Extinguisher
MRI Safety	Tested up to 11.7 Tesla
Rating	2-A:C
Cylinder	Polished Stainless Steel

To maintain JCAHO compliance and ensure your medical facility remains insurance-eligible, the C270NM must follow a strict maintenance protocol:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the fire extinguisher pressure gauge is in the "Green" zone and the safety pin is secured. Check the misting nozzle to ensure no dust has obstructed the screen.
• Annual Professional Service: A certified technician must conduct an examination. Crucial: Only certified de-ionized water must be used for a fire extinguisher refill to maintain the non-conductive rating.
• 5-Year Hydrostatic Test: Mandatory every five years for water-based extinguishers to ensure the stainless steel cylinder remains sound.
• Specialized Internal Maintenance: Every five years, the water must be replaced to ensure no mineral buildup occurs.

Where can I find a fire equipment company that specializes in MRI safe units?
You should visit a specialized fire equipment store that is an authorized Amerex dealer. Standard fire supply store outlets may not carry the specific non-magnetic units required for imaging centers.

Is it safe for a 3-Tesla MRI room?
Yes. Since this unit is tested up to 11.7 Tesla, it offers a massive safety margin for standard 1.5-Tesla and 3-Tesla suites.

How do I use the PASS method fire extinguisher technique on a mist unit?
The PASS acronym for fire extinguisher use remains the same: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. However, because the mist is extremely fine, you can stand closer to the hazard than you would with a high-pressure dry chemical fire extinguisher.