Selecting the right SCBA compressor is a significant investment. Use this checklist to guide your decision-making process:
How many SCBA cylinders do you need to fill? The size of your compressor will be heavily determined by the number of SCBA cylinders you need to fill.
What is the volume and pressure rating of these cylinders? Common volumes include 30, 45, 60, or 75 minutes. Standard pressure ratings include 2216 PSI, 4500 PSI, and 5500 PSI.
How quickly do you need to refill them, especially during peak demand or an emergency? You never want to “hot fill” the cylinders, but you do want your compressor to have enough pressure power to fill your cylinders at the correct rate.
Don’t just consider what you need now. SCBA compressor lifetimes can be upwards of 10 years. Are you planning on upgrading cylinder sizes in the next 5 years? Are you adding an additional station you will need to support in the next 3 years? Considering factors like these can significantly impact the size of your compressor.
Is suitable electrical power (voltage, phase) readily available? Electric units are generally quieter, easier to maintain, and don’t carry the risk of fumes or odors.
How much space do you have for the compressor and any associated storage or fill stations? Knowing the dimensions of your space (height, length, and depth) will help you and your sales rep determine the best fit for your needs.
Are there ventilation requirements? If using a compressor other than electric, you may need to consider additional ventilation requirements for clean air.
Is the location easy to access for operation and maintenance? While electric compressors have minimal maintenance, easy access will promote regular check-ins.
Determining if you need a stationary or a mobile SCBA compressor comes down to a few key questions:
Will the compressor be used in a fixed location (e.g., fire station)? A stationary system is likely best.
Do you need to refill cylinders on-scene or in various locations? Consider a mobile vehicle or trailer mounted system instead.
What air purification standards do you need to meet? Ensure the compressor’s purification system meets or exceeds required standards (e.g., NFPA 1989, CGA Grade E, etc.).
What is the long-term cost implications of the system? While there is an upfront cost to an SCBA compressor, understanding the ongoing maintenance costs can make a big difference in your choice.
Are CO monitors or other air quality sensors included or available as options? Many compressors, like the Arctic Compressor 2500 Series, come equipped with a CO monitor in their standard builds.
What kind of fill station and air storage do you currently use? Many compressors can be added on to your existing air storage cylinders and fill station. However, compressor replacement is a great time to evaluate your cylinder filling setup.
Do you require a cascade storage system for rapid refilling? This is crucial for high-demand scenarios.
Are controls intuitive and user-friendly? Having a system that is simple to use is key to training in new operators.
How easy is it to perform routine maintenance (e.g., oil changes, filter replacements)? This is often an overlooked, but important, factor.
What kind of automated features are included (e.g., auto condensate drains, auto shutdown)? Understanding the auto features that are included in the compressor can help with ongoing maintenance.
What kind of reputation does the SCBA compressor manufacturer have? Choose a reputable manufacturer with a proven track record in SCBA compressors.
What is the warranty coverage? Does the compressor come with a standard warranty, or do you have to pay additional?
Is technical support and spare parts availability reliable in your area? Understanding your support coverage is crucial for emergency response teams.
How much do you realistically have to spend on this investment? SCBA compressors are a significant investment. Balance upfront cost with long-term reliability, performance, and cost of ownership. Different kinds of procurement options are also available.
A good way to get an idea of how much to budget for is to request a quote from a compressor manufacturer. They can often get you estimated figures for future dates as well.
Will your department grow? Will your air demand increase? It may be best to invest in a larger compressor up front instead of looking to replace one in the near future. Choose a system that can accommodate some future growth if possible.
Some common technical specifications to compare across different SCBA compressors include:
“I needed something that was going to be able to service our community best. And we found that in Arctic.” Chief Watson
At Arctic Compressor, we specialize in engineering and manufacturing high-quality, reliable breathing air compressors, including systems specifically designed for SCBA applications. Our compressors are built with durability, performance, and safety in mind, backed by exceptional customer support.
Get in touch with our team so we can help you find the best fit for your needs.
Phone:
Copyright 2025 – Arctic Compressor “The simple Choice”. All rights Reserved
