lifejacket inflators

The inflator gives your inflatable lifejacket its buoyancy that is vital for your lifejacket's performance. One might say it is the heart of the inflatable lifejacket.

OPTIMIZED FOR ROUGH CONDITIONS

Despite its small size, the inflator is of huge importance for your lifejacket's performance. The inflator's mission is to give your lifejacket full buoyancy when you need it.

Hammar's Lifejacket Inflators are designed to activate only when needed and prevent accidental activations. Whether activated automatically or manually, we believe an inflator optimized for rough conditions is a Better Solution for Safety at Sea.

WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE LIFEJACKET?

Lifejackets have saved lives at sea for decades by giving a person in the water the extra buoyancy to stay afloat. You may either wear a lifejacket where the needed displacement element is at all-time present. Or, you may have a lifejacket that creates extra buoyancy by inflating a bladder using compressed gas, a so called inflatable lifejacket.

The inflator initiates the release of compressed gas, either automatically in water or manually, by pulling a handle. Inflatable lifejackets are the primary choice for users requiring better mobility and high flotation due to worn gear and the state of the sea.

Inflatable lifejackets are considered personal safety equipment and should be serviced and controlled regularly.

Lifejacket Standards

WHAT DOES AN INFLATOR DO?

The inflator is where the energy for puncturing the gas cylinder is stored or generated. An automatic inflator will commonly store the energy needed in a spring under tension held by a water-sensitive element. The element will break at entry into the water, releasing the spring connected to a pin, piercing the cylinder, and releasing gas into the bladder. The bladder increases in volume and creates buoyancy. A manual activation either releases the energy or generates the force needed to puncture the cylinder with the pull of the handle.

TECHNOLOGIES

AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION WITH HYDROSTATIC TECHNOLOGY

Hammar's Lifejacket Inflators are equipped with hydrostatic protection and use a valve to protect the water-sensitive element that gives exceptional protection against accidental inflation in the case of rain, spray, splash, or humidity. When the inflators are exposed to sufficient pressure, they will open their hydrostatic valve, allowing the water to meet the water-sensitive element and start the activation.

Learn more

Inflators with Automatic Activation

MANUAL ACTIVATION

Activate the inflator manually by using the pull-tab, and the lifejacket will reach full buoyancy within seconds. The manual pull creates the necessary force to make the piercing pin puncture the cylinder and return to its original position for a free gas flow into the bladder. The inflator is designed to ensure fast and reliable activation when you need it. You should don the lifejacket according to the manufacturer's instructions to secure the lifejacket's function.

Inflators with Manual Activation

PRECISION AND CONTROL USING ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT

The Hammar COR Electronic Inflator System is a new patented technology. It can be customized to specific requirements and optimized for different applications. The technology creates a rapid and reliable activation of the PFD (Personal Flotation Devices) even under extreme conditions.

Learn more

Models with Electronic Activation

OPTIMIZED FOR ROUGH CONDITIONS

Heavy rain will not activate it. Large unexpected waves will not activate it. Extreme humidity, or even being exposed to the pressure in an airplane-cabin, will not activate it.

HYDROSTATIC TECHNOLOGY

Hammar's Lifejacket Inflators are equipped with a hydrostatic valve that gives exceptional protection against accidental inflation in the case of rain, spray, splash, or humidity. When the inflator is exposed to sufficient differential pressure, the hydrostatic valve will open, allowing the water to meet the water-sensitive element and start the activation.

It is important to don the lifejacket according to the manufacturer's instructions to secure the function of the lifejacket and automatic inflation.

Learn more

rwrwrwrqrqrqwrqwafasfdaDDASCASDFAWDAWDASDS

5 year lifetime

The Hammar Lifejacket Inflator needs no service or maintenance. Just make sure to replace the inflator after the five-year expiry date or when the single point indicator is red.

Protected cylinder seal

The gas cylinder is placed inside the inflatable bladder and therefore protected from the atmosphere and corrosive effects of saltwater, and reduces snagging hazards. The cylinder is permanently fixed to the piercing unit, making it impossible to unwind the cylinder.

Humidity resistance

The Hammar Lifejacket Inflator is equipped with a hydrostatic valve that gives exceptional protection against accidental inflation in the case of humidity. The inflator passes the highest standard in a humid atmosphere when tested by the USCG.

Rain & wave resistance

The Hammar Lifejacket Inflator is equipped with a hydrostatic valve that gives exceptional protection against accidental inflation in the case of rain, spray, and splash.

Single point indication

You will find all information needed to determine your inflator's status, single point indication, and expiry date close together. When the single point indicator is green, the inflator is ready for use. After activation (automatic or manual), the indicator turns red, and the inflator needs to be replaced.

Low temperature

The Hammar Inflator Systems are suitable to operate in cold conditions due to the cylinder location inside the bladder, and moisture cannot get in to form ice. Furthermore, the CO2 does not have to enter through a valve to inflate the lifejacket. This minimizes the risk of icing during inflation.

COR TECHNOLOGY

The patented Hammar COR technology uses an electric signal to ignite a small explosive charge to give the lifejacket full buoyancy when the activation conditions are met.

The small charge makes an efficient piercing in the cylinder with little gas restrictions, which increases the flow of gas to the buoyancy chamber. The method also provides superior reliability in cold condition inflations and minimizes the risk of icing.

The parameters for activation are predefined and customized to meet the users' demands. Hammar's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) can be programmed with up to seven operating modes.

Hammar COR technology, used in other applications.

Learn more

ONE SOLUTION INTERFACE

The Hammar Lifejacket Inflators integrate with the lifejacket bladder through the sealing ring. Depending on the approval and certification of the lifejacket, the inflator is fully interchangeable with electronic, automatic, or manual inflators. The actual activating mechanism consists of two parts:

Activating Mechanism

Piercing Mechanism

FOR USERS WHO DEMAND SUPERIOR EQUIPMENT

Whether you are a fisherman, offshore-sailor, or yachtsman, having an inflatable lifejacket that activates when not needed will lead to complications. The Hammar Lifejacket Inflators are optimized for rough conditions and set to activate only when you need it.

The performance of Hammar's automatic inflators in water is its primary function. But you can also rely on the inflator to perform as expected on dry land or when you are exposed to rough conditions. (However, when boarding an airplane, you should always check with your airline if they allow inflatable lifejackets onboard.)

The construction of a lifejacket equipped with a Hammar Automatic Inflator System provides flexibility and more latitude when doing your duties at the boat – regardless of whether you are out sailing during the weekend or competing in a worldwide ocean race.

THE WORLDS LEADING LIFEJACKET MANUFACTURERS USE HAMMAR

Visit our Lifejacket Showroom

CARE AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR HAMMAR INFLATOR

Your Hammar Lifejacket Inflator requires no annual service and only needs replacement of the activation mechanism at expiry. Every time you use your Hammar-equipped lifejacket, check that the single point indicator is green and the year marked on the unit has not passed.

HOW DO I REARM MY HAMMAR INFLATOR?

If your indicator is red or the year marked on the inflator has passed, you need to rearm your lifejacket. For instructions on how to replace the inflator, please watch the video.

MA1 / M2 Rearming Instructions

BEFORE YOU START REARMING

Make sure you have a smooth, flat, and dry work surface.

Insert the opening key between the black locking ring and the yellow cap. Turn the key anticlockwise. The black locking ring will now turn anticlockwise.
Hold the yellow cap with one hand and continue to turn the black locking ring anticlockwise with the other hand until it stops.
Lift the yellow cap. Remove the old inflator body and gas cylinder from inside the bladder and dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.
Check the Rearming Kit. Ensure that all the following four points are met before you continue.
• The single point indicator on the inflator cap is green. ( )
• The indicator on the black body is green. ( )
• The expiry date on the inflator cap is within the limit.
• The size of the gas cylinder is correct.
Do not assemble any cap or body that does not meet these requirements.
Insert the inflator body with the gas cylinder pointing upwards in the bladder. Let the sealing ring rest on the rounded sealing surface on the body.
Position the replacement cap with the hydrostatic valve pointing to the right, 90° relative to the gas cylinder, and put the cap in place on the body.
Press firmly on the inflator cap and turn the black locking ring clockwise into the locked position.

FINAL CHECK

Pull the cap to make sure it has locked on the inflator body properly.
Check that the locking ring is properly locked and cannot be turned anticlockwise by hand.
Inflate the lifejacket through the oral tube. Check that it stays inflated at least overnight.

PACKING

Before packing, deflate the lifejacket through the oral tube. Make sure all residual air is pressed out from the bladder to assure the best activating conditions for the inflator and that it can be folded properly according to the manufacturer's instruction. Make sure that the lifejacket is dry before packing.

MAKING THE INFLATOR OPERATIONAL AFTER USE OR WHEN EXPIRED

MA1 / M2 Periodic Service

Check Periodically

Check that the single point indicator on the inflator cap is green. ( • )
Check that the expiry date on the inflator cap is within the limit.
Always inspect the sealing ring for wear and tear that can affect the sealing function. Pull the cap and locking ring to make sure it has locked on the inflator body properly.
Inflate the Hammar MA1 lifejacket through the oral tube. Check that it stays inflated at least overnight.

Packing

Before packing, deflate the lifejacket through the oral tube. Make sure all residual air is pressed out from the bladder so that it can be folded properly according to the manufacturer's instruction. Make sure the lifejacket is dry before packing.

A1 / M1 Rearming Instructions

How to rearm an A1/M1 lifejacket

Before you start rearming your lifejacket, be sure to have a flat, smooth, and dry work surface.

1. Use the opening key, and insert it between the black locking ring and the yellow cap. Then turn the key counterclockwise. Now, the black locking ring will turn counterclockwise.

2. Continue to turn the black locking ring counterclockwise until it stops. Hold the yellow cap with one hand and the black locking ring with the other hand.

3. You can now lift off the yellow cap. From inside the bladder, remove the used gas cylinder. Be sure to dispose of it in an environmentally friendly manner.

4. Reset the piercing pin by rotating the shaft in the inner body to a position where the underside monitor with an eyelet surrounds the green dot ( • ) in the center of the indicator.

5. Carefully examine the top of the new gas cylinder to make sure it is not punctured. The cylinder must be very firmly tightened into the black inner body. The black inner body should be checked for any damage or splitting following this tightening.

6. Check your Hammar A1/M1 Rearming Kit. Ensure that all conditions are met before you continue.

Hammar A1 Model:

Check that the indicator is green ( • ).
Check that the expiry date is within the limit.
Be sure to check that the red handle is attached.
Check that the gas cylinder is firmly tightened.

Hammar M1 Model:

Make sure that the red handle is attached.

If YES is the answer to ALL these questions, then proceed to:

7. When you insert the inflator body, make sure the gas cylinder is pointing upwards inside the bladder. The sealing ring can rest on the body's rounded sealing surface.

8. Make sure that the position of the hydrostatic valve in the replacement cap is pointing to the right, 90° relative to the gas cylinder. Put the replacement cap in place on the body.

9. First, press firmly on the inflator cap, and then turn the black locking ring clockwise until the locked position is reached.

FINAL CHECK

Make sure the cap has been locked on the inflator body properly by pulling the cap.
The locking ring should not be able to be turned counterclockwise by hand. Try to turn the locking ring to make sure it is properly locked.
Inflate the Hammar A1/M1 lifejacket through the oral tube to make sure it can inflate properly. Check that it stays inflated at least over one night.

PACKING

Before packing, deflate the lifejacket through the oral tube. Make sure that all residual air is pressed out from the bladder to assure the best activating conditions for the inflator and that it can be folded properly according to the manufacturer's instruction. Make sure the lifejacket is dry before packing.

A1 / M1 Periodic Service

A1 PERIODIC CHECK

Check that the indicator is green. ( • )
Check that the expiry date is within the limit.
Check that the red handle is attached.
Check that the gas cylinder is firmly tightened by holding it through the lifejacket fabric.
To protect the sealing ring from damage that can affect the sealing function, always inspect the sealing ring for wear and tear.
To make sure the inflation is working properly, inflate the Hammar A1 lifejacket by using the oral tube. Be sure to check that it stays inflated over the night.

PACKING

Before packing, deflate the lifejacket through the oral tube. Make sure that all residual air is pressed out from the bladder so that it can be folded properly according to the manufacturer's instruction. Make sure the lifejacket is dry before packing.

Check periodically

Check that the indicator is green. ( • )
Check that the expiry date is within the limit.
Check that the red handle is attached.
Check that the gas cylinder is firmly tightened by holding it through the lifejacket fabric.
To protect the sealing ring from damage that can affect the sealing function, always inspect the sealing ring for wear and tear.
To make sure the inflation is working properly, inflate the Hammar A1 lifejacket by using the oral tube. Be sure to check that it stays inflated over the night.

Packing

M1 PERIODIC CHECK

Make sure the red handle is attached.
Check that the gas cylinder is firmly tightened. Do this by simply holding the gas cylinder through the lifejacket fabric.
Make sure you always inspect the sealing ring for wear and tear that can affect the sealing function.
Inflate the lifejacket manually through the oral tube. Check that it stays inflated over one night.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Where can I find an authorised service station?

Please check with your lifejacket manufacturer:
Axis PFD´S Australia - www.axispfds.com.au
Baltic Safety Products AB -www.baltic.se
Canepa & Campi - www.canepaecampi.com
Certec - www.certec.fr
Crewsaver - www.crewsaver.com
Helly Hansen - www.hellyhansen.com
International Safety Products Ltd. - www.oceansafety.com
KRU - www.oceansafety.com
MarinePool - www.marinepool.com
Mesica Marine www.mesicamarine.com/
Mullion Manufacturing Limited - www.mullion-pfd.com/
Mustang Survival Corp. - www.mustangsurvival.com
Ocean Safety - www.oceansafety.com
Pakpoord Ou - www.marinepool.com
Plastimo S.A. - www.plastimo.com
Poseidon NZ - www.poseidonnz.com
Seawolf Marine - www.seawolf.co.kr
Sioen N.V - www.sioen.com
Spinlock - www.spinlock.co.uk
Takashina Life Preservers Co. Ltd. - www.tlpc.co.jp
Ursuit - www.ursuit.com
Veleria San Giorgio S.R.L. - www.veleriasangiorgio.com
Viking Life-Saving Equipment - www.viking-life.com
Regatta - www.regatta.no

2. There are no authorized service stations in my area. Who should I contact?

3. I'm out at sea most of the time and with limited access to a service station. What should I do?

4. I'm a recreational user, and in my country, we are advised to service the lifejacket every second year. Is that correct?

5. I don't use my lifejacket regularly. How often do I have to service my lifejacket?

6. Can I clean my lifejacket?

You must wash your lifejacket according to the instructions from the lifejacket manufacturer.

The Hammar Inflator will withstand a normal rinse with the lifejacket hanging.
For more thorough washing, always remove the inflator. After washing, let the lifejacket dry before rearming (see rearming instructions).
Do not dry clean.
When not in use, always store your lifejacket in a dry and ventilated space.

7. Can I replace my automatic inflator with a manual one?

8. Can I bring my Hammar inflator with me when flying?

The Hammar inflator is not affected by the pressure differences created in the air.

Whether or not you are allowed to bring it onto an aeroplane is up to the airline. Inflatable lifejackets are considered life-saving appliances, inflatable, and should generally not be an issue to bring onboard. There is an inflatable lifejacket stored under each seat of the aeroplane as demonstrated in the pre-flight safety demonstration.

Check with your airline before flying and ask for their specific recommendations on how you may transport your inflatable life-saving appliance.

CAN´T FIND YOUR ANSWER?

Showroom for lifejackets

Find the lifejackets with the Hammar system

Showroom

lifejacket inflators

OPTIMIZED FOR ROUGH CONDITIONS

WHAT IS AN INFLATABLE LIFEJACKET?

WHAT DOES AN INFLATOR DO?

TECHNOLOGIES

AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION WITH HYDROSTATIC TECHNOLOGY

MANUAL ACTIVATION

PRECISION AND CONTROL USING ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT

OPTIMIZED FOR ROUGH CONDITIONS

HYDROSTATIC TECHNOLOGY

5 year lifetime

Protected cylinder seal

Humidity resistance

Rain & wave resistance

Single point indication

Low temperature

COR TECHNOLOGY

ONE SOLUTION INTERFACE

FOR USERS WHO DEMAND SUPERIOR EQUIPMENT

THE WORLDS LEADING LIFEJACKET MANUFACTURERS USE HAMMAR

CARE AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR HAMMAR INFLATOR

HOW DO I REARM MY HAMMAR INFLATOR?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN´T FIND YOUR ANSWER?

Showroom for lifejackets

Copyright 2024 © CM Hammar AB

Privacy policy