AMEREX KP MRM 2 CONTROL HEAD, OEM - 18001
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Wholesale PricingThe Amerex KP MRM II Control Head (18001) is the definitive mechanical brain for the Amerex Kitchen Protection (KP) fire suppression system. In the high-velocity, grease-laden environment of a commercial kitchen, electronic control panels are often prone to failure due to heat and humidity. The MRM II bypasses these vulnerabilities by utilizing a purely mechanical logic sequence. It monitors a network of heat-sensitive fusible links and manual pull stations, serving as the central hub that decides when to sever the fuel supply and discharge the extinguishing agent.
Constructed from a 300-series stainless steel enclosure, the 18001 is engineered for a 20-year service life in the harshest back-of-house environments. The II designation represents a generational leap in serviceability, featuring a tool-free tensioning system that eliminates the guesswork from detection line calibration. For fire protection stakeholders, the MRM II is not just a component; it is a fail-safe guarantee that your facility remains protected even during a total building power outage.
Eutectic Detection Logic
The MRM II is held in a ready state by the tension of a stainless steel detection cable. When a fusible link melts, the tension is released and the MRM II's internal collapsible column drops, releasing a spring-loaded firing pin. This pin strikes a nitrogen start cartridge, which sends a pneumatic signal to open the agent cylinders.
Teflon-Coated Friction Reduction
A critical engineering refinement in the 18001 is the inclusion of a Teflon-coated slide plate. The Teflon coating ensures that grease buildup cannot bind the mechanism, guaranteeing that the firing pin hits with its full rated kinetic force during a fire event.
Multi-Cylinder Pneumatic Hydraulics
The MRM II is capable of actuating up to 10 agent cylinders simultaneously by routing nitrogen gas from the start cartridge through a network of actuation hoses. This ensures a balanced discharge across even the largest industrial cook lines.
Tool-Free Tensioning System
Legacy control heads required specialized wrenches and manual feel to set cable tension. The MRM II features an integrated tensioning lever that provides positive, visual confirmation when the cable is set correctly, reducing labor time during semi-annual inspections and lowering the risk of nuisance trips.
Integrated Dual Micro-Switches
The 18001 comes factory-equipped with two snap-action micro-switches. Per NFPA 17A, the system must shut off fuel sources upon discharge. These built-in switches provide a clean interface for wiring the gas shut-off valves and the building's Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) without external mounting kits.
Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Enclosure
Commercial kitchens are cleaned with caustic degreasers. The stainless steel housing of the 18001 resists chemical pitting, ensuring that the critical instructions on the faceplate remain legible and the internal mechanics remain pristine.
- Massive Industrial Cook Lines: Managing multi-cylinder systems in stadiums, university cafeterias, and hospital kitchens for total hazard coverage.
- High-Heat Charbroiler Stations: Providing a rugged mechanical trigger that is immune to high ambient temperatures that interfere with electronic sensors.
- Institutional Facilities: Where standardization is key, allowing a single control head model to be used across an entire campus for easier parts management.
- Off-Grid Kitchens: Where the lack of stable building power makes a purely mechanical safety system the only viable option.
- Retrofit Upgrades: Replacing older, manual-tension MRM units to bring a facility up to the latest life-safety standards.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Amerex Corporation |
| Part Number | 18001 |
| Material | 300-Series Stainless Steel |
| Detection Capacity | Up to 150 ft of cable / 25 Fusible Links |
| Actuation Capacity | Up to 10 Agent Cylinders |
| Internal Switches | 2 Snap-Action (DPDT) |
| Tensioning Type | Integrated Tool-Free Lever |
| Certification | UL 300, ULC, FM Approved |
Nitrogen Cartridge Weight-Test
During every service, the nitrogen start cartridge must be weighed. If the weight has deviated from the stamped factory weight, it must be replaced to ensure there is sufficient pressure to fire the system.
Switch Continuity Verification
Technicians must use a multimeter to verify that the micro-switches correctly transition when the mechanism is tripped. This ensures the gas valve will close, a common failure point in neglected systems.
Mechanical Cycle Audit
The MRM II should be manually tripped (without the cartridge) to ensure the firing pin moves freely. The Teflon-coated slide should be inspected for any grease infiltration that may have bypassed the enclosure seals.
Faceplate Legibility Protocol
Fire Marshals (AHJ) will fail a system if the operating instructions are obscured. Ensure the faceplate is kept clean and free of kitchen clutter to maintain compliance visibility.
Can the MRM II be used with other brands of agent cylinders?
No. The MRM II is a UL-listed component specifically for Amerex KP and IS systems. Mixing manufacturers, such as using an Amerex head with Ansul cylinders, violates the system's listing and is a major fire code violation.
How often do the internal micro-switches need to be replaced?
The switches are designed for the life of the unit; however, they should be tested every six months. If the kitchen has experienced an electrical surge, the switches should be checked for pitting and replaced if they fail the continuity test.
What happens if the detection cable snaps?
The MRM II is designed with fail-safe logic. If the detection cable snaps, the tension is lost and the system will automatically discharge. This ensures that any mechanical failure in the detection line results in a safe condition rather than a hidden system failure.
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