Hammar lifejacket inflator A1 – Manual/Automatic

There are two standard models of the Hammar Inflator:
• A1 – Manual/Automatic version
• M1 – Manual version

Both are compatible so that you can upgrade from a Manual to a Manual/Automatic and vice versa in minutes if you wish.

Some big benefits of the Hammar A1 – Manual/Automatic Lifejacket Inflator

The Hammar inflator A1 – Manual/Automatic version works like this:
When the Inflator is lowered more than about 10 cm in the water, the hydrostatic valve opens and lets the water meet the water sensitive element that in turn releases a stainless steel coil spring. The spring then drives a needle into the end of the gas cylinder, which is now punctured so that the gas instantly fills the lifejacket. Total buoyancy is often reached within 4-5 seconds. 

NOTE: When wearing foul weather clothing a lifejacket has to overcome the fact that air is often trapped in the clothing causing the user to both surface quickly and float on the back. This may cause slow or non-activation of the Inflator, as this will place the valve uppermost, preventing it from being sufficiently submerged. An unchanged parallel position of the body to the water surface with the hydrostatic valve uppermost has the same effect. In such cases, the manual back-up (pull tab) should be used to inflate the lifejacket. Changing position in the water or falling/jumping into the water in all other ways, will activate the hydrostatic valve and the lifejacket will inflate. 

NOTE: When using the manual activation on an automatic A1 model the indicator will not turn from green to red. It is only the automatic activation that activates the indicator.

Getting familiar with your lifejacket and the Manual/Automatic Inflator
If you want to test your lifejacket in water, you can do this without activating the Inflator. Just inflate your jacket through the oral tube and then go swimming. The counter pressure inside the bladder will prevent the hydrostatic valve from opening! In this way you will not use up your gas cylinder and Inflator. After your swim, let the jacket dry off, and then deflate it. (See repacking below)

Service and maintenance
The A1 – Manual/Automatic inflator needs replacement after use or after the five years expiry date.
When not in use always store your lifejacket in dry and well ventilated space.

Periodical checking

Don’t forget the annual service on your lifejacket! 
Please remember the periodical checking and inspection of the rest of the lifejacket. Check the instructions from the lifejacket manufacturer.
For further information on how to perform the annual service on your lifejacket click here

 

Repacking
If your lifejacket (PFD) has been used and/or the Hammar Inflator replaced, always inflate the jacket through the oral tube and check that it stays inflated at least overnight. Empty the lifejacket (PFD) again by pushing in the non-return valve in the top of the oral tube and press out ALL RESIDUAL AIR from the bladder, so that the jacket may be folded properly. Let the lifejacket dry before packing. If you want further information please read our FAQ

Ask your dealer for replacement kits!
We hope that you accept this little inconvenience if and when your lifejacket has been in action to save your life.