200 vs 300 bar

[Teller]

What is the difference between 200 and 300 BAR Valves? How can I tell the difference? Are they different between steel and aluminum?

 

[Graeme Tolton]

300 bar valves are not yoke convertible. Typically, 200 bar valves are actually rated for 230 bar (3442 psi). The majority of tanks are 3442 psi or lower... As far as I understand, the inner workings of them are the same.

 

[halocline]

The 300 bar valves have deeper threaded recesses to make regs with 200 bar DIN fittings incompatible. That is the only difference, they are not stronger than the 200 bar fittings, they can't handle more pressure, etc...

There is no practical reason to choose the 300 bar valves over the 200 bar ones. In fact, the 200 bar valves may be a little less prone to damage as the recesses are not as deep.

OTOH, practically every regulator DIN fitting is the longer 300 bar type, and will fit either valve. So, unless you wish to be able to convert between yoke and DIN, there's no real disadvantage to the 300 bar fittings either.

 

[SkimFisher]

The 300 bar valves have deeper threaded recesses to make regs with 200 bar DIN fittings incompatible. That is the only difference, they are not stronger than the 200 bar fittings, they can't handle more pressure, etc...

There is no practical reason to choose the 300 bar valves over the 200 bar ones. In fact, the 200 bar valves may be a little less prone to damage as the recesses are not as deep.

OTOH, practically every regulator DIN fitting is the longer 300 bar type, and will fit either valve. So, unless you wish to be able to convert between yoke and DIN, there's no real disadvantage to the 300 bar fittings either.

we have a winner

 

[Scared Silly]

The best reference:

SCUBA Valves: Regulator Fittings, 200 vs 300 Bar FAQ and Cylinder Neck Threads - Dive Gear Express

 

[Leadking]

An easy way to tell 200 from 300 bar DIN is to look for a yoke dimple on the back of the valves!

No difference steel vs aluminum. It's the valve not the tank.