MA1 UL-Hammar Manual/Automatic Lifejacket Inflator (PFD)
- Some big-benefit features of the Hammar Manual/Automatic Lifejacket Inflator
- Unique hydrostatic valve that protects the water sensitive element.
- No activation in rain, spray, splash and humidity.
- Single point indicator shows that the inflator is ready for use.
- Cylinder seal indicator (green) ensures that the cylinder has not been used.
- Gas cylinder located inside the lifejacket bladder.
- Cylinder protected against corrosion. Reduces snagging hazard.
- No service requirement of the Inflator Cap for 5 years.
The Manual/Automatic version works like this: When the Inflator is lowered more than about 4 inchesor so in the water, then 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. To manually activate the inflator, just jerk the handle, and the lifejacket inflates 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 their 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.
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
- Check that the single point indicator is green
- Check that expiry date is within the limit
The Manual/Automatic inflator needs replacement after use or after the five years expiry date.
Don't forget the annual service of your lifejacket! Please remember the periodical checking and inspection of 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
