The A-CART is a new pumped cartridge option available for G7 and G8. The pump runs continuously and cannot be configured to operate in diffusion mode in Blackline Live. It supports pump-only operations, where diffusion is not required, ensuring the device is always used as intended. The A-CART is currently only available with LEL-IR based pumped configurations.
WHY IS BLACKLINE INTRODUCING THE A-CART?
Blackline Safety is updating its approach to the pumped cartridge configuration to meet new regulatory standards for combustible sensors. To meet these new regulations, Blackline introduced a new cartridge (Cartridge F2) for Diffusion and Pumped configurations. A-CART is a version of the new cartridge that ensures compliance to all required test standards.
WHICH DEVICES ARE IMPACTED?
G7c, G8, and using pumped cartridges with LEL-IR sensors are impacted by this change.
G8 is only compatible with the new cartridge and is not compatible with legacy cartridges. Customers using an LEL-IR sensor can choose either A-CART (pump-only) or Q-CART (diffusion-only), depending on their application.
G7 customers can continue using their Legacy pumped LEL-IR cartridges until they need to be replaced. As Legacy cartridges are replaced through warranty, repair, or new orders, customers will be required to transition to the A-CART or Q-CART, depending on their application.
G7 devices can continue using Legacy cartridges with firmware up to firmware version 3.501. When a new cartridge is installed, the device automatically recognizes the new cartridge and upgrades to firmware 3.505. Due to regulatory requirements, customers cannot revert their firmware to previous versions once firmware 3.505 is installed.
G7c requires firmware 3.505 and G8 requires firmware 1.3 to support the A-CART. The firmware needed for G7x to support A-CART will be released soon. The timing of the release will be communicated when available.
A-CART BEHAVIOR HOW IS THE A-CART DIFFERENT FROM THE LEGACY CARTRIDGE?
The Legacy LEL-IR cartridge could switch between pumped sampling and diffusion mode, allowing one cartridge to cover both use cases. The A-CART operates in pump mode only. The pump runs continuously in all conditions and cannot be disabled.
A customer can still place an A-CART in a diffusion mode, but the pump will continue running throughout. Customers coming from the Legacy cartridge will notice this difference and should be briefed before their cartridge is replaced.
CAN THE PUMP BE TURNED OFF ON THE A-CART?
No. Continuous pump operation is by design and cannot be disabled through the Blackline Live configuration profile.
DOES THE A-CART IMPACT THE DEVICE’S BATTERY LIFE?
Yes. As the pump runs continuously, customers will experience an approximate 30% reduction in runtime between charges. Customers should fully charge their devices before a shift and review their charging routines before the A-CART reaches their fleet.
Under ideal operating conditions, a new G8 A-CART can provide up to ~17 hours of runtime in continuous pump-run mode.
LEGACY CARTRIDGE
CAN CUSTOMERS STILL USE THE LEGACY CARTRIDGE?
Yes. Customers can continue using the Legacy LEL IR cartridges until they are replaced through a warranty, repair replacement, or as part of a new order. The change only applies when Cartridge F2 is installed on a device. Blackline Safety no longer offers the Legacy cartridge, but it remains a reliable cartridge for existing users.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A CUSTOMER HAS CARTRIDGE F2 AND LEGACY CARTRIDGES IN THEIR FLEET?
When a Cartridge F2, including A-CART, is installed on a G7c device, that device automatically updates to firmware 3.505. Once a device has firmware 3.505 installed, it is no longer compatible with Legacy cartridges and will display a ‘’Wrong cartridge” error if a Legacy cartridge is installed. If that customer has other G7c devices still using Legacy cartridges, those devices are not impacted until a Cartridge F2 is installed.
We recommend that customers are notified of this before any Cartridge F2 is introduced into their fleet.
A CUSTOMER’S LEGACY CARTRIDGE HAS FAILED AND THEY NEED A REPLACEMENT. WHICH CARTRIDGE WILL THEY RECEIVE?
They will receive either an A-CART or a Q-CART depending on their application. If they use pumped sampling or work in environments with low or no oxygen, they need the A-CART. If they use diffusion only, the Q-CART is the right fit.
FIRMWARE
WHICH FIRMWARE IS REQUIRED FOR THE A-CART?
G7c: Firmware 3.505 (released May 6, 2026)
G8: Firmware 1.3 (released June 1, 2026)
HOW IS THE FIRMWARE UPDATE TRIGGERED?
Installing a Cartridge F2 on a compatible G7c device automatically triggers an update to firmware 3.505. There is no manual update step required. Once a device updates to firmware 3.505, it cannot be rolled back, and Legacy cartridges will no longer be compatible with that device.
WHICH G7 DEVICES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH FIRMWARE 3.505?
The full list of compatible G7 devices is available in the May 2026 G7c 3.505 Firmware Update notification on the Help Center. G7x is not yet supported.
When the G7x firmware is released, it will behave the same way as G7c. Installing Cartridge F2 will trigger the firmware update, after which Legacy cartridges will no longer be compatible with that device.
MPS AS AN ALTERNATIVE
CAN A CUSTOMER SWITCH TO AN MPS SENSOR INSTEAD OF USING AN A-CART?
Yes, depending on their application. The MPS sensor in a pumped cartridge is not impacted by the certification change, meaning a pumped cartridge with an MPS sensor can still switch between pumped sampling and diffusion modes. If a customer does not specifically require an IR sensor, MPS may be a practical alternative. Engage the customer to understand their operations before recommending a switch.
WHEN IS AN IR SENSOR STILL THE RIGHT CHOICE?
The IR sensor is required when work takes place in environments where oxygen may be depleted or absent. The MPS sensor is not intended for inert environments. Environments with oxygen levels below 18% negatively impact the MPS sensor’s accuracy, and Blackline Safety does not recommend using it when oxygen levels are below 10%. In those cases, the A-CART is the only path forward.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If you have any questions, please contact our Technical Support team for assistance.
