Amerex Downtube Assembly 6L SS, OEM - 16266-P001
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Wholesale PricingThe Amerex 16266-P001 Downtube Assembly is the OEM stainless steel siphon tube for the Amerex 6-liter (6L) wet chemical fire extinguisher series, including the B260 K-Class kitchen units. The downtube — also called a siphon tube or dip tube — is the internal stainless steel tube that runs from the valve body down to the bottom of the cylinder. Its function is to draw the wet chemical agent from the base of the cylinder upward to the discharge valve when the extinguisher is operated in its vertical upright position.
A damaged, corroded, or blocked downtube is one of the most critical internal failure modes in a wet chemical fire extinguisher. If the siphon tube is perforated, cracked, or blocked with crystallized potassium acetate agent, the extinguisher will discharge primarily nitrogen gas rather than wet chemical agent — leaving a kitchen grease fire completely unsuppressed. This is why the downtube assembly is a mandatory inspection item during the 6-year internal examination and 12-year hydrostatic service per NFPA 10.
The stainless steel construction of the 16266 provides superior resistance to the highly alkaline wet chemical agents used in K-Class extinguishers compared to aluminum or copper alternatives. For fire extinguisher service shops maintaining commercial kitchen fire protection fleets, the 16266-P001 is an essential fire extinguisher replacement parts item for the 6-liter B260 series overhaul kit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Amerex Corporation |
| Part Number | 16266-P001 |
| Material | Stainless Steel (SS) |
| Compatible Unit | Amerex 6-liter (B260) K-Class wet chemical extinguisher |
| Function | Internal siphon tube / downtube for agent delivery |
| Agent Compatibility | Wet chemical (potassium acetate / potassium citrate) |
| Certifications | UL Listed, OEM Original |
6-Year Internal Examination
During the mandatory 6-year internal examination, remove the downtube assembly and inspect it thoroughly. Check for corrosion pitting, cracks, blockage from crystallized agent, and any deformation that could restrict agent flow. A downtube that fails this inspection must be replaced with the 16266-P001 before the cylinder is recharged and returned to service. Document the downtube condition on the fire extinguisher inspection record.
Blockage Prevention
Crystallized wet chemical agent is the most common cause of downtube blockage in K-Class units that have been partially discharged and improperly recharged. Always fully flush the cylinder interior with clean water before inspection and ensure the downtube bore is completely clear before reassembly. A partially blocked siphon tube will produce an incomplete agent discharge that fails to achieve saponification.
Reinstallation
When reinstalling the 16266 or installing a replacement, ensure the tube seats fully against the cylinder base. A tube that does not reach the bottom of the cylinder will leave a volume of agent that cannot be discharged — reducing the effective agent capacity and potentially leaving a fire unsuppressed. Verify correct seating depth before valve installation.
Why is stainless steel used for the downtube in K-Class units?
Wet chemical agents based on potassium acetate and potassium citrate are highly alkaline and corrosive to aluminum and copper over long service intervals. Stainless steel provides the chemical resistance needed to maintain downtube integrity through multiple 6-year service cycles without corrosion pitting that would compromise agent delivery.
Can the 16266 be used in a dry chemical extinguisher?
No. The 16266-P001 is specifically sized and designed for the Amerex 6-liter wet chemical cylinder. Dry chemical extinguishers use different siphon tube configurations and agent delivery systems. Always match replacement fire extinguisher parts to the specific model using the Amerex fire extinguisher parts list.
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