How to Know the Difference Between Cold Water Regulators

Scuba divers count a cold water regulator as a crucial part of their equipment. The purpose of a regulator is to take the pressure from the oxygen tank the scuba diver is carrying and provide a lower pressure airflow that the diver can breathe. While all regulators serve this purpose, not all are designed or function the same way.

Instructions

  1. Balance

    • 1

      Check the manual for the number of parts contained in the first stage of the regulator, the apparatus which connects the breathing tube to the air tank. An unbalanced regulator uses several less parts than a balanced regulator of the same brand. This makes it lighter, less costly and easier to repair, but it is not as functional at high pressures.

    • 2

      Look for whether your regulator has a piston or diaphragm. Both of these devices are ways of reducing pressure from the tank to the diver. Pistons allow water to enter the first stage of the device, and diaphragm regulators do not. There is little difference between the two with regards to performance, but piston regulators do have the ability to corrode over time with seawater exposure.

    • 3

      Examine the fitting used in the first stage to join the tank and regulator. There are two common types of fittings, a DIN and Yoke fitting. DIN fittings is inserted directly into the tank while Yoke fittings form a seal over the tank exterior.

    • 4

      Check with the manufacturer to determine whether your regulator's first stage apparatus has high pressure or low pressure ports. Ports are areas on the regulator where other devices connect, such as hoses. This is a critical difference to note as high pressure and low pressure ports cannot support the same devices.