M1A1-Hammar Manual/Automatic Lifejacket Inflator
The Hammar lifejacket inflator safeguards you against unexpected inflation with a hydrostatic valve. This is just one of its many advantages!
- It has a hydrostatic safety valve
- It protects the gas bottle from corrosion
- It's fully disposable
- It needs no maintenance
- Fast inflation even at low temperature
- It's easy to re-arm
- It's easily checked
- It's small and light in weight
- It converts easily to a manual version
There are two models of the Hammar M1A1 Inflator, a Manual and a Manual/Automatic 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® Manual/Automatic Lifejacket Inflator
- Unique hydrostatic valve that protects the water sensitive element. No activation in rain, spray, splash or humidity.
- Gas cylinder located inside the lifejacket bladder. Cylinder protected against corrosion. Reduces snagging hazard
- No service requirement of the Inflator for 5 years.
The 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, 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 parallell 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 jumping or falling into the water in all other ways, will activate the hydrostatic valve and the lifejacket will inflate.
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)
The Manual Inflator is activated by pulling the red handle. The gas cylinder is then punctured with a needle and the lifejacket inflates within seconds. Manual activation will not turn the single point indicator from green to red. It is only the automatic activation that activates the indicator. Service and maintenance The Manual/Automatic inflator needs replacement after use or after the five years expiry date. The Manual Inflator needs replacement after use. No expiry date. Periodical checking
- Check that the single point indicator is green
- Check that expiry date is within the limit
- Check that red handle is attached
- Check that the gas cylinder is firmly tightened by holding it through the lifejacket fabric.
Don't forget the annual service on your lifejacket! Please remember the periodical checking and inspection ff the rest of the lifejacket! Check the instructions from the lifejacket manufacturer. 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. 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. If you want further information please read our 10 questions and answers here
