20LB Ansul Redline Cartridge (Plus Fifty Dry Chemical)
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Wholesale PricingThe Ansul Red Line RL-BC-20-G is a premium, cartridge-operated fire extinguisher engineered for environments where reliability is the only metric that matters. In high-risk sectors such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and heavy manufacturing, fire protection equipment that slowly loses pressure during standby is a liability. The RL-BC-20-G solves this by isolating the propellant in an external nitrogen cartridge, ensuring the agent tank remains unpressurized until the exact moment of activation.
Charged with 20 lbs of PLUS-FIFTY C (sodium bicarbonate) dry chemical, this unit is specifically designed to tackle Class B flammable liquid fires and Class C energized electrical fires. As the larger sibling to the 10 lb model, the RL-BC-20-G provides the extended discharge duration and agent volume required to suppress large-scale fuel spills and deep-seated electrical fires in industrial environments. It is rated 60-B:C and carries UL, ULC, FM, and USCG approvals.
The Physics of Cartridge-Operated Suppression: Pressure on Demand
1. Separated Propellant Storage
In a standard stored-pressure extinguisher, a microscopic seal leak can slowly bleed off pressure over months or years, rendering the unit useless at the moment of need. The RL-BC-20-G remains at atmospheric pressure during its entire standby life. When the operator strikes the activation plunger, it pierces the external cartridge and instantly floods the agent tank with propellant — a design feature prioritized in industrial fire safety applications where long standby periods between inspections are common.
2. Instantaneous Fluidization
Dry chemical agents can pack or cake over time, especially on vibrating machinery. The Red Line's activation uses the incoming nitrogen gas to fluidize the PLUS-FIFTY C powder. This ensures the agent flows through the hose and nozzle with consistent kinetic energy rather than slugging or clogging during discharge.
3. PLUS-FIFTY C (Sodium Bicarbonate) Kinetics
PLUS-FIFTY C is a sodium bicarbonate-based agent specially treated to be water-repellent and free-flowing. It suppresses Class B and C fires by interrupting the chemical chain reaction of the flame. It is non-abrasive and easier to clean off machinery after discharge compared to monoammonium phosphate ABC powders — a meaningful advantage in environments where equipment cleanup cost and downtime matter.
Why the Red Line RL-BC-20-G is the Facility Manager's Choice
- Immediate On-Site Recharge: If the unit is discharged, a certified technician can refill it on-site without shop equipment. This eliminates the need for expensive loaner unit rotations and reduces the time a hazard zone is unprotected.
- Industrial Durability: The cylinder is constructed from heavy-gauge steel with a corrosion-resistant red powder coat finish. The hardware is built to survive the drops and impacts common in industrial environments.
- Simplified Inspection: Because the unit is unpressurized during standby, monthly inspections are straightforward. Verify the activation plunger is in the up position, the nitrogen cartridge safety seal is intact, and the nozzle is unobstructed.
The Ansul RL-BC-20-G is the primary choice for moderate-to-high hazard zones where Class B and C fire protection must be reliable:
- Fuel Storage and Pumping Stations: Providing the knockdown power required for large fuel pool spills and pressurized fuel line fires.
- Manufacturing and Assembly Plants: Safeguarding industrial ovens, paint booths, and process areas with flammable solvent and electrical hazards.
- Heavy Equipment and Mining: Mounted on haul trucks and mining equipment where constant vibration would compromise the pressure seal on a stored-pressure unit over time.
- Chemical Processing Facilities: Offering non-conductive Class C defense for high-voltage control rooms and process electrical equipment alongside Class B chemical fire risk.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ansul (A Johnson Controls Brand) |
| Model Number | RL-BC-20-G |
| Unit Type | Cartridge-Operated Hand Portable |
| Agent Type | PLUS-FIFTY C (Sodium Bicarbonate) Dry Chemical |
| Fire Classes | Class B and C |
| Capacity | 20 lbs (9.07 kg) |
| UL Rating | 60-B:C |
| Cylinder Material | Heavy-Gauge Steel |
| Certifications | UL Listed, ULC Listed, FM Approved, USCG Approved |
To maintain NFPA 10 and OSHA compliance, the RL-BC-20-G must follow a strict maintenance protocol:
- Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the activation plunger is in the up position and the nitrogen cartridge safety seal is intact. Check the nozzle to ensure no shop dust or debris has obstructed the path. Confirm inspection tags are current.
- Annual Professional Service: A certified technician must inspect all components — every moving part on the Red Line is designed to be accessible for this purpose. Verify nitrogen cartridge weight and condition and confirm PLUS-FIFTY C agent has not packed.
- Cartridge Weight Verification: The external nitrogen cartridge must be weighed at every inspection to confirm the propellant charge is intact and ready for deployment.
- 6-Year Internal Examination: Full internal inspection per NFPA 10 including agent removal, cylinder interior inspection, and component replacement as needed before recharge.
- 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: Mandatory to verify the structural integrity of the steel pressure vessel per NFPA 10 and DOT requirements.
Where can I find service and genuine agent for this unit?
Visit a specialized fire equipment supplier or an authorized Ansul dealer to ensure you receive genuine PLUS-FIFTY C agent and the correct nitrogen cartridges. Using non-Ansul-approved agent or incorrect cartridges affects performance and may void the unit's listing.
Can I use this on a wood or paper fire?
No. PLUS-FIFTY C is a BC-only agent — it is not rated for Class A fires. While it will knock down visible flames, it will not quench embers in deep-seated Class A materials and re-ignition is likely. For mixed-hazard environments where ordinary combustibles are present alongside flammable liquid and electrical hazards, specify the FORAY (ABC) version of the 20 lb Red Line.
How do I operate this unit in an emergency?
The Red Line uses a modified approach compared to stored-pressure units. Strike the activation plunger firmly to pierce the nitrogen cartridge and pressurize the tank, then use the PASS method: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the discharge lever, and Sweep from side to side across the base of the flames.
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