Range Guard 240g Cartridge for Universal Control Head 120043
The Range Guard 240g Nitrogen Cartridge (120043) is a precision-engineered, OEM-certified propellant source specifically designed for Range Guard systems utilizing the Universal Control Head (UCH). In the high-pressure world of fire suppression, the trigger is only as effective as the force behind it. The 120043 provides the calibrated 240-gram charge of compressed nitrogen needed to physically drive the system's mechanical levers, open agent cylinder valves, and actuate gas shutoff devices.
Manufactured to meet stringent DOT and NFPA pressure vessel standards, this cartridge is the essential power source for commercial kitchen hoods. Its high-tensile steel construction and specialized soft-seat puncture seal ensure that the internal 2,000+ PSI charge remains stable for years of standby service, but releases instantaneously the moment the UCH's puncture pin strikes. For fire protection professionals, the 120043 is a mandatory component for maintaining factory-listed performance.
240g Precision Mass
The 240g refers to the mass of compressed nitrogen stored within the vessel. This specific volume is mathematically weighted to provide enough expanded gas to pressurize the actuation tubing while maintaining the residual force needed to open agent tanks. Using a non-OEM or incorrectly sized cartridge can result in a partial discharge where the agent is never released, a critical failure point noted in fire suppression system auditing.
Boyle's Law in Suppression
As the compressed nitrogen leaves the small volume of the cartridge and enters the larger volume of the actuation piping, it undergoes rapid expansion. This expansion creates the kinetic energy required to overcome the heavy-duty return springs in commercial gas valves. The 120043 ensures this expansion surge is sufficient across the entire length of the system's listed piping limits.
Hermetic Soft-Seat Sealing
The puncture end features a specialized alloy seal engineered for a clean, non-fragmenting puncture. Unlike generic cartridges that can shred metal into the valve, the OEM Range Guard seal ensures no debris enters the sensitive UCH orifices, preventing clogs that could lead to system failure liability.
UL and FM Global Listing Continuity
Range Guard systems are UL listed and FM approved as a complete assembly. Using refilled or third-party cartridges is a direct violation of these listings. The 120043 ensures your facility remains compliant with fire safety codes, protecting you from denied insurance claims due to non-standard components.
Weight-Based Verification
The cartridge is labeled with a Gross Weight and Minimum Weight stamp. During semi-annual fire inspections, a technician simply weighs the unit on a calibrated scale. This is the most reliable method of ensuring system readiness without needing to discharge the unit.
Temperature Stability
Kitchen hoods experience extreme thermal fluctuations. The 120043 is rated to maintain its internal pressure across the full ambient temperature range, ensuring that a hot kitchen does not lead to dangerous over-pressurization or a cold start failure.
- High-Volume Fryer Batteries: Providing the pneumatic force needed to discharge wet chemical agents over deep-seated grease fires.
- Institutional Cafeterias: Ensuring code-compliant safety in hospitals where safety audits are rigorous and public record.
- Industrial Food Processing: Protecting massive oil reservoirs where the agent volume requires a high-pressure nitrogen propellant.
- UCH Retrofits: The standard replacement part for technicians converting older systems to the modern Universal Control Head platform.
- Mechanical Gas Valve Actuation: Ensuring that automatic gas shutoff valves have enough force to trip during a discharge.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Range Guard (A Badger Fire Protection Brand) |
| Part Number | 120043 |
| Cartridge Mass | 240 Grams (Nitrogen) |
| Material | High-Tensile Forged Steel |
| System Compatibility | Range Guard UCH |
| Certification | DOT Compliant / UL Listed |
| Inspection Method | Weight-Based Verification |
Semi-Annual Weight Check
During the mandatory 6-month check, the cartridge must be weighed. If the weight has dropped by more than 1/4 ounce (7 grams), it must be replaced immediately to avoid system failure liability.
Single-Use Protocol
The 120043 is a non-refillable fire component. Once punctured, the gas is spent, and a new OEM cartridge must be installed to re-arm the system.
Safety Pin Verification
Before installation, the certified fire technician must verify the control head is cocked and the safety pin is in place. Failure to do so can cause an accidental discharge, posing a significant safety risk.
Hydrostatic Testing
Like all high-pressure cylinders, these are subject to DOT regulations. However, it is standard practice to replace the unit with a fresh factory-filled cartridge rather than attempting to test legacy vessels.
What happens if I use a smaller cartridge, like a 100g or 150g?
Using a smaller cartridge will result in a system malfunction. The gas volume will not be sufficient to fully actuate the agent tanks or the gas shutoff valve. In a fire emergency, this means the fire is never extinguished.
How can I tell if my cartridge is empty without weighing it?
You cannot. Nitrogen is odorless and colorless. The only way to verify a cartridge is full is by using a precision scale to check the stamped gross weight on the side of the cylinder against its current mass.
Is this cartridge compatible with Ansul or Pyro-Chem systems?
No. While other brands use nitrogen cartridges, the 120043 is specifically designed for the thread pitch and puncture depth of the Range Guard UCH. Mixing brands violates the UL listing and creates a significant professional liability.
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