SPARE AIR Manual
User Manual: SPARE AIR
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OWNER’S MANUAL
SPARE AIR™
MADE IN USA
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Congratulations on purchasing your new SPARE AIR system!
This product is a sophisticated, high-quality alternate air source designed
for recreational divers. It is produced and tested by people with more than
two decades of diving and manufacturing experience. We use the finest
quality materials and techniques in the construction of this product. Enjoy
the peace of mind that diving with SPARE AIR brings.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
SPARE AIR Diagram & Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Accessory Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Before You Dive WITH SPARE AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
How To Mount SPARE AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
How To Operate SPARE AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .INSERT
After You Dive With SPARE AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Product Compatibility And Use
With Nitrox – Model 300-N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
How To Care For SPARE AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
How To Travel With SPARE AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
How To Refill SPARE AIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13
Accessory Order Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
©2004 SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS, INC.
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IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!
WARNING: Do not use product until you have read and understand
instructions and precautions.
Submersible Systems, Inc. promotes responsible diving practices and the
recommendations that have been promoted by all International Training agencies,
including, but not limited to:
• Before any attempt is made to use this product underwater, you MUST have
received TRAINING and CERTIFICATION in the technique of SCUBA diving from
a recognized certification agency. Use of this equipment by a person who is not
certified by a recognized agency shall render all warranties, express or implied,
null and void. Use of underwater breathing devices by uncertified or untrained
persons is dangerous and can result in severe injury or death.
• SPARE AIR is an EMERGENCY alternate air source. It is NOT designed or
intended for any other use.
• SPARE AIR should not be used as part of your planned air reserve.
• SPARE AIR does not meet the requirements of EN 250; 1993 and therefore
should never be used as a primary air source.
• SPARE AIR is intended for use in water greater or equal to 10 degrees Celsius.
• Recommended Max ascent rates: 15 meters per minute (6 meters per minute
for the last 6 meters).
• Swimming diver accepted as 25 Iiters/min., non-swimming will be less.
• Monitor diving disorders if ascent rates are exceeded or decompression stops
are missed.
• Max depth recommendation is 20 meters (66 ft) for model #170.
• Max depth recommendation is 30 meters (99 ft) for model #300/300-N.
• Practice using SPARE AIR at normal rate ascents in shallow water.
• ALWAYS follow Submersible Systems’ recommended pre-dive standards/post-
dive checklist and annual inspection/repair guidelines.
• NEVER dive with a SPARE AIR system that shows signs of damage, leakage or
substandard performance.
• NEVER OVERFILL the SPARE AIR system above 3000 psi, the air pressure
stamped on the cylinder. ONLY use purified, dry compressed breathing air when
refilling SPARE AIR.
• STORE THE SPARE AIR system PRESSURIZED in a cool, dry place. Avoid
direct sunlight, automobile trunks or other areas subject to temperature
extremes.
• In Europe, Cylinders fitted to SPARE AIR should meet national regulations and
be tested and inspected in accordance with national regulations.
• EC type approval conducted by: SGS United Kingdom, Ltd., Ellesmere Port,
Cheshire, CH65 3EN, UK. Notified Body No. 0120. This item complies with MOD
(PE) Specification RO347. May 1991.
• This manual is supplied to the original SPARE AIR purchaser. Duplicate copies
can be obtained free of charge from Submersible Systems, Inc.
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Model Specifications
Model #300YEL/300-N Model #170YEL
Maximum Capacity 3.0 cu ft / 85 liters 1.7 cu ft / 48 liters
Length 13.4” / 34 cm 8.75” / 22.23 cm
Diameter 2.25” / 5.71 cm 2.25” / 5.71 cm
Maximum Pressure 3000 psi / 200 bar 3000 psi / 200 bar
Weight (full) 2.17 lb / .985 kg 1.51 lb / .687 kg
Surface Breaths* 57 30
Water Volume 26.62 cu in / .42 liters 13.7 cu in / .28 liters
*Based on 1.6 liter breath size
(optional)
SPARE AIR DIAGRAM
PURGE BUTTON
(Refill Port)
Mount SPARE AIR in a variety of locations on virtually any BCD!
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ACCESSORIES
(Included In Package)
SPARE AIR HOLSTER #973
Upside Down On
Your Tank Strap
Vertical On Your
BC
Across Your
Waist
Diagonal
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ACCESSORIES
(Included in Package)
SPARE AIR REFILL ADAPTER #910S
Adapter fits onto Standard SCUBA tank for easy refilling.
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BEFORE YOU DIVE WITH SPARE AIR
• SPARE AIR shipped empty - fill prior to use.
SPARE AIR is always ON and ready for use. The White Pressure
Indicator Pin should extend flush with the top of the Pressure
Indicator Gauge indicating that the unit is full. (The optional Dial
Gauge indicator will show full when dial is at “3”.) If Pressure
Indicator Pin is less than flush SPARE AIR MUST be refilled. Do not
dive until you have refilled SPARE AIR. See refilling instructions on
page 12.
Push Purge Button down and release. Purge Button should move
up and down freely. To maintain full pressure in SPARE AIR do not
use purge unnecessarily.
Make sure SPARE AIR is mounted firmly and adjusted properly in
Holster before entering the water. Velcro must be fully engaged.
NOTE: For added security a safety leash/lanyard is
recommended so that SPARE AIR is not lost if it is dislodged,
dropped or released by accident. Hold SPARE AIR secure
with a free hand on entry into the water or in rough surf or
currents.
HOW TO MOUNT SPARE AIR
1. Determine where on BC you would like to mount SPARE AIR.
Look for an area that has 2 places to attach the Quick
Disconnect Straps (on D-rings, Straps, etc.)
2. The Straps are movable by threading them through any of the
webbing sections on back of Holster. Choose the 2 that would
allow for the tightest fit possible.
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3. Snap Quick Disconnect Straps around mounting point on BC
and cinch up so Holster is snug against the BC.
4. Attach SPARE AIR leash snug around neck of cylinder and clip
other end onto Holster or BC D-ring.
5. Insert SPARE AIR into Holster and secure velcro on top flap,
attach Mouthpiece Cover.
6. Try on BC and try removal of SPARE AIR several times to become
comfortable with the steps necessary to remove the unit.
HOW TO OPERATE SPARE AIR
1. Upon ascent, pull D-ring on flap of Holster to open.
CAUTION: Begin ascending immediately to avoid using
valuable time and air.
2. Grab SPARE AIR regulator head and pull out of the Holster. This
action will release the Mouthpiece Cover.
3. Place SPARE AIR into user’s mouth.
4. Press Purge Button lightly or exhale sharply to clear regulator
before inhaling.
CAUTION: Failure to purge the SPARE AIR regulator before
inhaling will result in swallowing water.
5. Continue to inhale and exhale to a safe and normal rising rate of
ascent.
NOTE: SPARE AIR is only for use to recreational depths.
Never deplete SPARE AIR entirely in a SIMULATED ascent,
water will enter inner stages of regulator and may result in
internal corrosion.
IMPORTANT WARRANTY INSERT
Congratulations!
You've just joined the ranks of over 200,000 discriminat-
ing divers who enjoy the peace of mind of diving with
SPARE AIR™.
SPARE AIR is the absolute best strategy for successful-
ly dealing with out-of-air emergencies, because it is a
completely independent air supply.
Submersible Systems is proud of the fact that we
contribute to divers' safety. Every year more and more
lives are saved because of SPARE AIR. SPARE AIR
continues to be refined out of our commitment to provide
our customers with a Simply Dependable product.
SPARE AIR is made entirely in the U.S.A. by craftsmen
dedicated to producing a quality product.
Send in your warranty
card NOW in order to be
eligible for our monthly
accessory drawing!!!!
Important Warranty Information
Retain this section for your records
_____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
Name Address
_____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
Authorized Dealer’s Name Dealer’s Address
___________________________________________________________________________ Model # ■■ 170YEL ■■ 300YEL ■■ 300-N
Purchase Date Regulator Serial #
Submersible Systems Limited One-Year Warranty
Statement of Warranty
Submersible Systems, Inc. (SSI) guarantees, to the original purchaser only, that
the product purchased will be free of defects in materials and/or craftsmanship
under normal SCUBA use for one year from date of purchase provided proper
care has been performed as prescribed by the owner's manual supplied along
with the product. Should this product prove to be defective for any reason (other
than those listed in the limitations section below) the product will be repaired or
replaced (at SSl's discretion) free of charge (excluding shipping and handling
charges.) This warranty shall be considered null and void if the registration card
is not filled out completely and mailed to SSI within 15 days of purchase. This
warranty is non-transferable and applies to the original purchaser only.
How to obtain warranty service
You must return your product to Submersible Systems to obtain warranty
service. You must provide a copy of the original sales receipt and a copy of the
owner's portion of this warranty registration. Freight must be prepaid. Please
enclose a letter with your daytime telephone number describing the exact nature
of the difficulty you are experiencing.
Statement of Limitations
General Warranty does not cover damage from accident, abuse, tampering, lack
of proper care and maintenance and/or improper annual servicing. Modifications
or repair by anyone other than an SSI Authorized Repair Facility voids warranty.
SSI will not be responsible for recovery or replacement of the product in the
event of loss or theft. SSI, its distributors, and retailers make no warranties, either
expressed or implied, with respect to this product or its accompanying owner's
manual except those stated in the preceding paragraphs. By purchasing this
product it is agreed and understood that in no event will SSI, its distributors or
retailers be held liable for any personal injuries resulting from its operation, or for
any other damages whether direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential even if
SSI has been advised of such damages.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND FOLLOW ALL PRE-AND-POST-DIVE
PROCEDURES. REMEMBER THAT THE BEST WARRANTY IS PREVENTATIVE
MAINTENANCE. HAVE YOUR SPARE AIR SERVICED ANNUALLY!
Submersible Systems Limited
One-Year Warranty Registration
This registration card must be filled out and returned within 15 days of purchase for warranty coverage. Please print.
Last Name First Name MI
Street Address Apt. #
City State Zip/Postal Code Country
Phone Date of Purchase month/date/year
Regulator Serial # Authorized Dealer’s Name
Dealer’s Address
E-Mail Address (for special offers, important product information)
Model # ■■ 170YEL ■■ 300YEL ■■ 300-N
Number of Years Diving
■■ Less than 1 ■■ 1-3 ■■ 4-6 ■■ 7+
Average Number of Dives per Year
■■ 1-12 ■■ 13-25 ■■ 26-50 ■■ 51-100 ■■ 100+
Certification Level
■■ Advanced ■■ Rescue ■■ Divemaster
■■ Open water ■■ Instructor ■■ Other
Age Group
■■ Under 18 ■■ 18-25 ■■ 26-35 ■■ 36-45 ■■ 46-50 ■■ 51+
Sex
■■ Male ■■ Female
What influenced your purchase?
■■ Magazine ad ■■ Magazine editorial ■■ Brochure ■■ Store display
■■ Store personnel ■■ Instructor ■■ Dive Buddy
■■ Other ____________________________________________________________________
Occupation _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why did you purchase SPARE AIR? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
IN THE
UNITED STATES
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 1243 HUNTINGTON BEACH CA
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEMS, INC
18072 GOTHARD ST.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648-9942
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AFTER YOU DIVE WITH SPARE AIR
1. Visually check the Pressure Indicator Gauge and press Purge
Button.
2. White Indicator Pin should be extended and airflow should occur.
This ensures pressure was maintained during your dive.
NOTE: If Indicator Pin is not extended or no air flow occurs,
water and contaminants may have entered the regulator’s
internal stage and could lead to corrosion and/or failure of the
system. Contact your Authorized SPARE AIR Dealer or
Submersible Systems, Inc. for service and/or check-up.
3. Remove SPARE AIR from the Holster to rinse and dry.
4. With pressure in the SPARE AIR, rinse or soak in fresh water for 30
minutes and run fresh water inside the mouthpiece and around the
regulator.
5. Shake excess water from the system and dry thoroughly.
CAUTION: Never use chemicals or solvents to clean SPARE AIR.
PRODUCT COMPATIBILITY
AND USE WITH NITROX–MODEL 300-N
• Submersible Systems Nitrox SPARE AIR shall not be used with Pure
Oxygen, or Nitrox with greater than 40% Oxygen.
• Only gas from storage and supply equipment cleaned and
maintained for Oxygen Service is acceptable for use with Nitrox
SPARE AIR.
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• If the SPARE AIR Nitrox is used with equipment or connected to air
supply systems which are not rated for Oxygen Service, it will be
considered contaminated and will require cleaning for Oxygen
Service prior to use again with Nitrox.
• Equipment users must be trained and certified in the specific use of
Nitrox by dive industry training agencies.
• Only a halocarbon based lubricant such as Christo-Lube MCG 111
should be used on SPARE AIR Nitrox.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SPARE AIR
Providing the best possible preventative maintenance and
following routine pre- and post-dive steps diligently will help to
ensure the maximum life of your SPARE AIR system. SPARE AIR
should be serviced ANNUALLY by an Authorized SPARE AIR
Dealer or by Submersible Systems, Inc.
If you notice damage, wear or suspect any leaking or missing
parts, have SPARE AIR examined by an Authorized SPARE AIR
Dealer immediately.
WARNING: DO NOT attempt to repair SPARE AIR yourself.
Unauthorized repairs or tampering are hazardous and WILL
VOID your warranty.
The SPARE AIR cylinder has a DOT 3AL3000 rating and will require
HYDROSTATIC TESTING EVERY FIVE (5) YEARS and a VISUAL
INSPECTION ANNUALLY. Keep the Threads on both the Check
Valve and Refill Adapter clean and lubricated. Use a high-quality,
non-toxic, food grade spray silicone for best results.
WARNING: NEVER use a hydrocarbon based oil (i.e.
household oil or motor oil).
HOW TO TRAVEL WITH SPARE AIR
1.When taking Spare Air on commercial aircraft TSA
(Transportation Security Administration) requires air cylinders to
be empty. Purge Spare Air until empty of air.
2. Remove regulator from cylinder (they are attached hand tight) by
turning counter clock-wise. Leave o-ring, washer etc. on the
regulator.
3. Pack Spare Air in your check on luggage (NOT carry on).
4. Notify counter personnel when checking in for your flight that you
have a Spare Air mini-breathing system that is empty and
disassemble in your luggage.
5. When you reach your dive destination, reassemble Spare Air and
refill.You may lightly lubricate the tank 0-ring with a small amount
of silicone spray or grease – never use a hydrocarbon based oil.
Do not force regulator onto tank – if you feel resistance stop and
unscrew and start again.
6. Replace tank o-ring after product has been disassembled and re-
assembled 3 times, or o-ring shows signs of wear or air leakage.
7. Keep Spare Air regulator and cylinder threads clean and dry.
Note: We recommend the purchase of the SPARE AIR Travel
Pack #963 which includes a durable plastic carrying bag, 3
extra tank o-rings and protective caps for the regulator and
cylinder threads (go to website for more information).
Note: This product, Spare Air, is an emergency breathing
system that utilizes breathing air and is not hazardous.
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HOW TO REFILL SPARE AIR
NOTE: Always refill SPARE AIR immediately after use,
so the system is ready for subsequent use.
CAUTION: DO NOT stand directly over top of
SPARE AIR regulator while filling.
A feature of this adapter is that as you rotate the knurled ring
on the adapter to the right it automatically closes the vent.
When unscrewing to the left it vents the pressure, allowing the
adapter to unscrew easily.
1. Unscrew black knurled Cap from the SPARE AIR Check
Valve filling port.
2. Place the Adapter onto Check Valve and turn the knurled
part of the adapter to the right until finger tight.
3. Attach Adapter to SCUBA tank valve.
4. Fill (Important: Gently open SCUBA valve to fill slowly, take
45 – 60 seconds to fill). The pin on the Pressure Indicator
will rise while filling and when flush with the top unit is full
at 3000 psi. For Dial Gauge option, unit is full when needle
points to 3.
5. Close SCUBA tank valve.
6. Turn the knurled part of the Adapter to the left to relieve
pressure in the adapter.
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7. Remove Adapter from SCUBA tank and SPARE AIR.
8. Replace black knurled Cap on Check Valve.
NOTE: If air is escaping from the adapter during filling,
close tank valve, wait for air to stop and retighten
knurled ring by turning to the right.
NOTE: If SCUBA tank WAS NOT FULL at beginning of
refill procedure, then the pressure indicator will not
show full and your SPARE AIR will not be filled to its
recommended full capacity, diminishing available air
volume.
WARNING: If the SPARE AIR check valve or adapter
threads are damaged or worn these parts will require
replacement. Continued use may cause injury.
If you have any questions concerning this product,
please call:
Submersible Systems, Inc. Customer Service at
800-648-3483 or 714-842-6566
8 am-5pm PST, Monday-Friday,
or log on to our website at
www.spareair.com
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14
ANNUAL SERVICE RECORDS
Date:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
By: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
By: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
By: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Distributor Stamp:
18072 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 USA
800-648-3483 P: 714-842-6566 F: 714-842-4626 www.spareair.com
Rev. 5/04
SPARE AIR ACCESSORY ORDER FORM
Call your local dive shop or log on to our website at www.spareair.com to order
SPARE AIR accessories or order direct by mail:
Model# Description Price Qty
003DGS Dial Gauge Pressure Indicator $64.00
Bag Drawstring Nylon Carrying Bag $12.00
961 Safety Leash (Lanyard that prevents accidental loss) $14.00
910S Scuba Tank Refill Adapter $54.00
973 SPARE AIR Holster (Fits 3.0 cu. ft. models) $30.00
971 SPARE AIR Holster (Fits 1.7 cu. ft. models) $30.00
920C Air Compressor Refill Adapter $28.00
963 SPARE AIR Travel Pack (Includes durable plastic carrying bag,
3 extra tank o-rings and protective caps for the regulator
and cylinder threads) $12.00
Ship To: Sub Total $
U.S.
Shipping $8.00
Shipping
Abroad $15.00
Total $
Name _____________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ________________________________________________
Country _____________________________________________________
Phone (___________) __________________________________________
Method of Payment:
■■Check Enclosed ■■VISA / MasterCard / AMEX (circle one)
Credit Card # ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Exp. Date
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name on Card
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery
15
Mail order form to:
Submersible Systems, Inc.
18072 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648 USA
or
Log on to our website at
www.spareair.com
to purchase
SPARE AIR Accessories
Distributor Stamp:
18072 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 USA
800-648-3483 P: 714-842-6566 F: 714-842-4626 www.spareair.com
Rev. 5/04 #098128NX
