Fire Monitor — Water & Foam-Water Cannon Series
✓ Fire Water Monitor✓ Foam-Water Dual Monitor✓ Remote Control Fire Monitor✓ Flow 20–120 L/s✓ Reach Up to 90 m✓ Stainless Steel · Aluminium Alloy✓ Manual · Turbine-Worm · Electric Remote✓ Petrochemical · Refinery · Port · Hangar✓ GB Standard · ISO 9001 · CE
CA-FIRE's fire monitor series covers manual, turbine-worm and electric remote-control water cannon systems for large-scale industrial fire protection — from petrochemical storage tank farms and oil refineries to LNG terminals, aircraft hangars and port facilities. The range consists of three product families: the PL foam-water dual monitor series (水泡沫两用消防炮), which delivers water or AFFF/AR-AFFF foam-water solution through an integrated air-aspirating device; the PS water monitor series (消防水炮), which provides variable straight-stream to fog pattern water discharge for industrial and warehouse protection; and the RCFM electric remote control fire monitor series, which replaces manual operation with a stepping-motor drive and wireless/wired remote control for safe standoff operation in the highest-hazard scenarios where operators cannot approach the monitor position. Both manual families are manufactured in stainless steel as standard (aluminium alloy available), covering flow rates from 20 to 80 L/s with reach up to 85 metres. The RCFM electric series extends flow coverage to 120 L/s and reach to 90 metres with 360° continuous electric traverse and IP67 weatherproofing. The complementary fire monitor base series (消防炮座) provides the underground supply station for all fixed monitor installations.
Fire Monitor — Complete Product Range
PL Series · Foam-Water Dual Handle-Operated Foam-Water Monitor Stainless steel foam-water dual monitor with handle operation. Delivers water or pre-mixed foam solution (AFFF/AR-AFFF) through an integrated air-aspirating foam generator. Continuously adjustable horizontal and vertical aim with full ≥+60° elevation. For tank farm perimeter protection and aircraft hangar fixed monitor systems where both water cooling and foam suppression are required from a single monitor point.
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PL Series · Foam-Water Dual Turbine-Worm Foam-Water Monitor High-flow version of the PL foam-water monitor series, with turbine-worm geared traverse and elevation for precise aim positioning under high-pressure, high-flow conditions. The worm gear mechanism maintains aim position under nozzle reaction force at full flow — essential for large fixed monitors in refineries and LNG terminals where flow rates exceed 48 L/s. Same integrated foam-generation capability as the handle series.
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PS Series · Water Monitor Handle-Operated Water Monitor Stainless steel fixed water monitor with handle operation and continuously variable straight-stream to full-cone fog pattern nozzle — switchable steplessly without tools during operation. The handle traverse allows rapid repositioning by a single operator. Reach ≥65 m at rated flow. Available in standard stainless steel body and lightweight aluminium alloy (-L) body versions for installations where reduced dead load is a structural requirement.
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PS Series · Water Monitor Turbine-Worm Water Monitor High-flow stainless steel water monitor with turbine-worm geared traverse and elevation. At 60–80 L/s and 1.0 MPa, nozzle reaction forces exceed what a handle mechanism can hold in position — the worm gear locks aim precisely under full flow conditions. Straight-stream reach ≥75–85 m. The PS10/80W is the highest-flow model in the range, the standard specification for large tank farm fixed monitor systems and major port facilities requiring maximum throw distance.
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PS Series · Aluminium · Max Flow PS10-80W-L Portable Water Monitor The PS10-80W-L is the aluminium alloy maximum-flow monitor in the range — delivering 80 L/s at 1.0 MPa with a straight-stream reach of ≥85 m, in a lighter-weight body that can be relocated between fixed monitor base positions. The red-finished aluminium construction provides clear visual identification in complex facility layouts. Handle-operated traverse and elevation. Stepless straight-stream to fog pattern nozzle. The standard maximum-flow choice for temporary deployment and facilities specifying aluminium alloy throughout for weight reasons.
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Fire Monitor Base · Supply Station Gear-Driven Anti-Collision Pressure-Regulating Monitor Base The fire monitor base (消防炮座) is the below-grade supply station that connects the buried fire main to the above-ground monitor. It integrates on/off valve, anti-collision breakaway protection, frost-protection auto-drain, pressure regulation and supply isolation in a single flanged assembly — replacing four to six separate components in a traditional riser assembly. The gear-driven (齿轮传动) variant adds worm-gear operated valve actuation for installations requiring mechanical advantage. Available in standard, gear-driven and multi-function variants across DN100 and DN150 inlet sizes.
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PL vs PS — Which Series Do You Need?
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PL Series — Foam-Water Dual Monitor 水、泡沫两用型消防炮 · PL8/24 to PL10/64 The PL series is a combined water cooling and foam suppression system in a single monitor body. A built-in air-aspirating foam generator is integrated into the barrel — when connected to a foam proportioning system supply, the monitor produces finished foam solution internally and discharges it directly as an air-aspirated foam stream. No external foam maker or branch pipe is required at the monitor point itself. When the foam supply is not in use, the PL monitor operates as a standard water monitor for cooling and exposure protection. This dual capability makes it the correct choice for facilities where both Class B fire suppression (flammable liquid fires) and simultaneous water cooling of adjacent structures are required from the same monitor position. Specify PL when: ✓ Flammable liquid storage — tank farms, loading racks, chemical process areas Models: PL8/24 · PL8/32 · PL8/40 (handle, 0.8 MPa) · PL10/48 · PL10/64 (turbine-worm, 1.0 MPa) |
PS Series — Water Monitor 消防水炮 · PS8/20W-L to PS10/80W The PS series is a fixed water monitor optimised for maximum flow, reach and pattern flexibility. A key feature of the PS nozzle is stepless straight-stream to full-cone fog pattern switching without tools — the operator can transition from a high-reach solid stream for distant fire attack to a protective fog curtain for chemical vapour control or close-range cooling without any nozzle change or interruption to flow. Available in stainless steel (standard) and aluminium alloy (-L suffix) body versions. The stainless range covers 20–80 L/s. The turbine-worm variants (PS10/50W to PS10/80W) are the highest-flow models with worm-gear aim locking for stable high-pressure operation. At 80 L/s and 1.0 MPa, the PS10/80W delivers a straight-stream reach of ≥85 m — the longest in the range. Specify PS when: ✓ Industrial warehouse or manufacturing — solid fuel / Class A fire protection Stainless models: PS8/30W · PS8/40W · PS10/50W-B · PS10/50W · PS10/60W · PS10/80W |
Complete Technical Specifications
PL Series — Foam-Water Dual Monitor
| Model | Flow (L/s) | Rated Pressure (MPa) | Max Pressure (MPa) | Max Elevation | Min Depression | Operation | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PL8/24 | 24 | 0.8 | 1.6 | ≥+60° | ≤−15° | Handle | Water · Foam solution |
| PL8/32 | 32 | ||||||
| PL8/40 | 40 | ||||||
| PL10/48 | 48 | 1.0 | Turbine-worm handwheel | ||||
| PL10/64 | 64 |
PS Series — Water Monitor (Stainless Steel)
| Model | Flow (L/s) | Rated Pressure (MPa) | Max Pressure (MPa) | Reach (m) | Operation | Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS8/30W | 30 | 0.8 | 1.6 | ≥60 | Handle | Stainless steel |
| PS8/40W | 40 | ≥65 | ||||
| PS10/50W-B | 50 | 1.0 | ≥70 | Handle | ||
| PS10/50W | 50 | ≥70 | Turbine-worm | |||
| PS10/60W | 60 | ≥75 | ||||
| PS10/80W | 80 | ≥85 |
PS Series — Water Monitor (Aluminium Alloy · -L Models)
| Model | Flow (L/s) | Rated Pressure (MPa) | Max Pressure (MPa) | Reach (m) | Operation | Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS8/20W-L | 20 | 0.8 | 1.6 | ≥50 | Handle | Aluminium alloy |
| PS8/30W-L | 30 | ≥60 | ||||
| PS8/40W-L | 40 | ≥65 | ||||
| PS10/50W-L | 50 | 1.0 | ≥70 | |||
| PS10/60W-L | 60 | ≥75 | ||||
| PS10/80W-L | 80 | ≥85 |
* Elevation range for all PS and PL models: ≥+60° (max elevation) · ≤−15° (max depression) · 360° horizontal rotation. All models rated medium: water (PS) · water or foam solution (PL).
Selection Guide — Model by Application
| Application / Requirement | Specify | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Petrochemical tank farm or storage depot — foam and water cooling both required | PL8/40 or PL10/48 | PL dual-medium capability delivers foam suppression on the burning tank and water cooling on adjacent structures from the same monitor position. PL8/40 for moderate-sized tank farms; PL10/48 for larger storage arrays. |
| Aircraft hangar — AFFF or AR-AFFF fixed foam monitor system | PL10/48 or PL10/64 | Maximum flow PL turbine-worm models for wide hangar coverage. The integrated foam generator satisfies ICAO/CAA foam monitor requirements for Category C–F aircraft. Confirm AFFF 3%/6% or AR-AFFF concentration at enquiry. |
| Major port / jetty — vessel fire attack, maximum reach required | PS10/80W or PS10/80W-L | ≥85 m straight-stream reach at 80 L/s — the maximum in the range. Choose stainless PS10/80W for permanent fixed installation; aluminium PS10/80W-L for relocatable deployment between berth positions. |
| Industrial warehouse, factory or large commercial building — water only | PS10/50W or PS10/60W | Mid-range stainless turbine-worm monitors for fixed industrial protection. Stepless fog-to-stream nozzle covers both fire attack (straight stream) and vapour control or personnel protection (full fog) from the same monitor. |
| Lightweight or temporary installation — aluminium alloy preferred | PS8/40W-L or PS10/50W-L | Aluminium alloy body reduces dead load for roof-mounted installations, offshore platforms or temporary fire fighting positions. Full specification equivalent to stainless steel version. |
| Monitor base for any fixed PS or PL installation — underground supply station | PZ100-1.6C or PZ150/100-1.6C | Gear-driven anti-collision base combines on/off valve, breakaway protection, auto-drain and pressure regulation below grade. Flange connection to supply main; DN100 monitor outlet. Choose DN150 inlet (PZ150/100-1.6C) for high-flow applications (PS10/80W or PL10/64). |
| High-hazard scenario — operator cannot safely approach monitor position (explosion risk, toxic atmosphere, extreme heat or structural collapse hazard) | RCFM-E90 or RCFM-E120 | Electric remote control monitors eliminate manual operation at the monitor position. 360° continuous electric traverse and −60°/+90° pitch controlled wirelessly from up to 150 m standoff. IP67 housing, SS316L body, DC 24V. RCFM-E120 delivers 90–120 L/s and reach ≥90 m — the highest in the range. |
| Central fire alarm integration — automatic monitor activation required on fire detection signal | RCFM-E series (any model) | All RCFM models support dry-contact linkage to fire alarm control panels, CCTV and BMS. On alarm signal, monitor traverses automatically to pre-set bearing and initiates suppression without manual intervention. Specify RCFM-E30 or E60 for lower-flow linked applications (warehouses, commercial buildings). |
Key Technical Features
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💧 Integrated Foam Generation — PL Series The PL series incorporates an air-aspirating foam generator directly into the monitor barrel body. When connected to a foam proportioning system supply (bladder tank, pump-based proportioner or inline eductor), the monitor draws air through the aspirating orifices and produces finished, air-expanded foam solution internally — discharging it as a full foam stream. No external foam maker, foam chamber or branch pipe adapter is needed at the monitor point. The foam generation mechanism is passive (no moving parts) and functions at any flow rate within the rated range. The same monitor operates as a standard water monitor when foam concentrate supply is isolated — allowing the same fixed installation to deliver both water cooling and foam suppression without any hardware change at the monitor itself. |
🎯 Stepless Pattern Control — PS Series The PS nozzle provides continuous, stepless transition between solid straight stream and full-cone spray pattern by rotating the nozzle tip during operation — without interrupting flow, changing nozzle tips or using tools. In straight-stream mode, the PS10/80W delivers a coherent jet to ≥85 m for long-range fire attack on distant tanks, vessels or structures. In fog mode, the full-cone pattern provides close-range personnel protection, chemical vapour suppression and surface cooling at dramatically higher surface coverage per L/s than a solid stream. A single monitor can transition from long-range attack to short-range protective fog in seconds, adapting to changing incident conditions in real time. This capability replaces separate straight-stream and fog nozzles that would otherwise require manual swapping under operating conditions. |
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⚙️ Worm-Gear Aim Lock — Turbine-Worm Models At high flow rates (≥48 L/s for PL, ≥50 L/s for PS), nozzle reaction forces exceed what a direct handle mechanism can reliably hold in position — the monitor will drift from its aimed direction under flow if only a friction or detent lock is used. The turbine-worm gearbox in the PL10/48–PL10/64 and PS10/50W–PS10/80W models converts the high reaction force into a self-locking worm drive that maintains aim position indefinitely under full flow without operator effort. The handwheel drive also provides significant mechanical advantage for precise angular positioning in strong cross-wind conditions, where direct handle monitors may oscillate. Worm gear mechanisms are irreversible — the position is held by the gear geometry itself, not by a separate lock, so position is maintained even if the operator releases the handwheel. |
🛡️ Anti-Collision Breakaway Base — Monitor Base Series Fixed fire monitors in tank farms, refinery roads and port facilities are at significant risk of vehicle impact. The anti-collision breakaway design of the PZ monitor base series allows the above-grade riser and monitor assembly to shear off cleanly at a designed break point if struck by a vehicle — without damaging the below-grade main body or supply pipework, and without causing an uncontrolled water release. The below-grade body automatically seals at the break point by the same spring-loaded auto-drain mechanism used for frost protection. This means a vehicle collision results in a clean, self-sealed stub rather than a ruptured supply main flooding the facility. The sheared above-grade assembly is replaced at the designed break coupling — restoring full monitor function without excavation or pipework repair. The gear-driven variant (PZ-1.6C) adds worm-gear valve actuation for remote or low-force operation in high-pressure applications. |
Applications
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Petrochemical Plants & Refineries Fixed PL foam-water monitors on tank farm perimeters for combined foam suppression and water cooling. GB 50151 requires fixed foam monitors on storage tanks above defined capacities. The PL series satisfies this requirement with integrated foam generation — no separate foam chamber or foam maker is needed at each monitor position. → PL8/40 · PL10/48 · PL10/64 |
LNG & LPG Terminals Cryogenic liquid fire protection requires both water curtain/cooling (to protect structural steel and adjacent equipment from radiant heat) and foam suppression on pool fire scenarios. PL monitors on the terminal perimeter deliver both from fixed positions. The high-flow turbine-worm models provide the coverage distances required by terminal layouts. → PL10/48 · PL10/64 |
Aircraft Hangars & Airfield Fuel Facilities Fixed foam monitor systems for hangar floor protection per ICAO Doc 9137 / CAA requirements. PL monitors connected to an AR-AFFF or AFFF proportioning system provide the foam application rate (FAR) required for aircraft category protection. Large-area hangar coverage requires maximum-flow PL10/64 at minimum monitor spacing per GB 50151. → PL10/48 · PL10/64 |
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Port & Jetty Infrastructure Pier-mounted monitors for vessel fire attack. Port layouts require monitors that can reach across the full width of moored vessels — the PS10/80W with ≥85 m reach covers large bulk carrier and tanker widths from the pier edge. Aluminium -L models for weight-sensitive temporary jetty structures. → PS10/80W · PS10/80W-L |
Industrial Warehouses & Logistics Centres Large-area covered storage with high fire load — PS water monitors on the perimeter or at internal fixed positions supplement sprinkler systems for major fire scenarios. The stepless fog capability provides personnel protection and smoke/vapour control in addition to fire attack. PS10/50W–PS10/60W covers standard industrial warehouse monitor spacing. → PS10/50W · PS10/60W |
BRI Export — Industrial EPC Projects Chinese EPC contractors building petrochemical, LNG and port infrastructure across Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Africa routinely specify GB-standard monitor equipment throughout. CA-FIRE supplies the complete PL/PS monitor and PZ base range to BRI export projects with English-language certification documentation and project-specific datasheet packages for authority submission. → Full PL/PS/PZ range per project spec |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fire monitor?
A fire monitor (also called a fire water cannon, fire monitor nozzle or ground monitor) is a fixed or portable high-flow fire suppression device that delivers a directed, controllable stream of water or foam solution at flow rates far exceeding what a hand-held hose line can produce. Where a standard 65 mm fire hose line delivers approximately 8–12 L/s, a fire monitor delivers 20–80 L/s — six to ten times the flow — with a reach of 50–85 metres, allowing fire attack from a safe standoff distance. Fire monitors are the primary suppression tool for large industrial fires — petrochemical storage, tank farm pool fires, aircraft hangar floor fires and large-area warehouse fires where hose lines cannot deliver the required flow or reach the required distance. The CA-FIRE PS series covers water-only monitors; the PL series covers foam-water dual monitors capable of producing AFFF or AR-AFFF foam solution at the monitor itself.
What is the difference between a fire monitor and a fire hydrant?
A fire hydrant is a water supply connection point — it provides a standardised coupling where a fire hose or appliance can connect to the supply main. The hydrant itself has no direction, no reach and no independent suppression capability: it is purely a supply interface. A fire monitor is an active suppression device — it receives pressurised water from the supply main (through a monitor base, pump or direct connection), aims it in a controlled direction with a specific elevation angle, and discharges it as a long-range coherent stream or fog pattern directly onto the fire. In fixed system design, a fire monitor base (消防炮座, also connected to the supply main like a hydrant) is combined with the monitor above grade. Fire hydrants and fire monitors are complementary: hydrants supply water to mobile appliances and hose lines; monitors deliver high-flow directed streams from fixed or semi-fixed positions to the fire itself. They are typically both present on the same facility perimeter, serving different tactical functions.
Why does the PL series need an external foam proportioning system — does it make foam on its own?
The PL monitor contains an air-aspirating foam generator (气泡发生装置) that converts a pre-mixed foam solution (water + foam concentrate already mixed at the correct ratio) into finished, air-expanded foam. However, the PL monitor does not itself mix the water and concentrate — this mixing must be done upstream by a foam proportioning system: a bladder pressure tank (like the CA-FIRE foam bladder tank series), a pump-driven proportioner, an in-line eductor or a balanced-pressure proportioning skid. What the PL monitor adds is the air-aspiration step — drawing atmospheric air into the solution to produce the finished foam with the correct expansion ratio and drainage time at the monitor discharge. If your facility already has a foam concentrate supply and proportioning system, the PL monitor is the correct terminal device to convert the pre-mixed solution into dischargeable foam. If you have water-only supply, specify the PS series water monitor; the foam proportioning and delivery infrastructure must be designed as a complete system. CA-FIRE can supply the complete foam monitor system including bladder tanks, proportioners and PL monitors — please state your foam concentrate type (AFFF 3%/6%, AR-AFFF 3%/6%) at enquiry.
When should I choose the handle-operated model versus the turbine-worm (handwheel) model?
The choice is determined by flow rate and the resulting nozzle reaction force. Handle-operated models (PL8/24–PL8/40 and PS8/30W–PS10/50W-B) are suitable for flow rates up to approximately 40–50 L/s, where a single operator can comfortably hold the handle against the reaction force and make rapid traverse adjustments. Handle monitors are faster to reposition and simpler to operate — preferred where the operator needs to sweep the monitor rapidly across a large area. Turbine-worm models (PL10/48–PL10/64 and PS10/50W–PS10/80W) are required at flow rates ≥48–50 L/s, where reaction forces would make handle operation physically demanding and imprecise. The worm gear provides self-locking aim retention at full flow and significant mechanical advantage for fine angular adjustment. Turbine-worm monitors are slower to traverse but hold aim more precisely — preferred for steady-state fire attack on a defined target at long range. In general: specify handle models for mid-flow flexible deployment; specify turbine-worm for high-flow fixed installations.
Are electric remote control fire monitors available — and when should I specify them instead of manual models?
Yes — the RCFM electric remote control fire monitor series is available in four flow models (RCFM-E30 through RCFM-E120, covering 30–120 L/s) and replaces manual handle or turbine-worm operation with a stepping-motor electric drive. Both horizontal traverse (360° continuous) and vertical pitch (−60° to +90°) are controlled via a wireless remote handset at up to 150 metres standoff (extendable to 300 m with signal booster) or a wired remote controller on a 20 m cable. All electrical components carry IP67 protection against rain, dust and chemical spray. Positioning accuracy is ±0.5° in both axes.
Specify RCFM monitors when: (1) the monitor location is inaccessible or unsafe for manual operation due to explosion risk, toxic vapour, extreme radiant heat or structural hazard; (2) the installation requires automatic activation linked to a fire alarm or detection system — all RCFM models support dry-contact linkage to fire alarm control panels, CCTV systems and building management systems for unmanned response; (3) the facility requires remote monitoring of monitor position, flow status and fault conditions via mobile app or control terminal. For all other applications where operator access to the monitor is safe, the manual PS or PL series provides the same suppression performance at lower capital cost and without the electrical infrastructure requirement.
Applicable Standards
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| GB 50151-2021 | 泡沫灭火系统技术标准 — Technical Standard for Foam Extinguishing Systems. Governs the design of foam monitor systems for petrochemical, tank farm, hangar and flammable liquid storage applications — including monitor flow requirements, foam application rates, monitor spacing and coverage. The primary design standard for PL series foam monitor installations in China. |
| GB 50974 | 消防给水及消火栓系统技术规范 — Technical Code for Fire Water Supply and Fire Hydrant Systems. Covers water supply design for fire monitor systems — supply main sizing, pressure, flow calculations and monitor base installation requirements. |
| GB 15092 | 器具式消防枪 — Appliance-Type Fire Monitor Equipment Standard. The product standard for fire monitor equipment — specifying performance requirements, test methods and certification for PS, PL and RCFM series monitor bodies, nozzles and elevation mechanisms. |
| NFPA 11 | Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam. The international reference standard for foam monitor system design — used on BRI export projects and facilities designed to international rather than Chinese national standards. |
| IEC 60529 / IP67 | Ingress protection rating standard. RCFM series electrical enclosures are rated IP67 — complete dust exclusion and protection against temporary immersion in water to 1 m depth for 30 minutes. Required for outdoor electrical fire safety equipment in industrial environments. |
| ISO 9001:2015 | CA-FIRE quality management system certification — covers design, manufacturing, testing and supply chain for all PL, PS, RCFM and PZ fire monitor and monitor base products. |
Related Products
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Foam Supply · Proportioning Foam Bladder Tank — Pressure Proportioning System The upstream foam concentrate storage and proportioning system that supplies pre-mixed foam solution to PL series monitors. Vertical and horizontal pressure bladder tank series for AFFF 3%/6% and AR-AFFF. View Foam Bladder Tank → |
Outdoor Fire Water Supply Above-Ground Fire Hydrant — GB SS Series The fire hydrant series for facility perimeter water supply — complementary to fixed monitors, providing mobile appliance supply connections and hose line attachment points on the same supply ring main. View Above-Ground Hydrant → |
Foam Fire Hydrant · Petrochemical Foam Fire Hydrant — SSP / SSPF / SSPFT Series Foam-rated outdoor pillar hydrant with FKM seals and dual water/foam outlets — for hose line connection to the foam supply main on the same ring main as PL monitors. Anti-impact and pressure-regulating variants available. View Foam Fire Hydrant → |
Get a Quote — Fire Monitor System
PL Foam-Water Dual Monitor · PS Water Monitor · RCFM Remote Control Fire Monitor · Fire Monitor Base
Flow 20–120 L/s · Reach up to 90 m · Manual · Turbine-Worm · Electric Remote Control · IP67 · GB 50151 · Factory Direct