Regulator freeze up?

[BigDiver]

When a regulator freezes up does this primarly happen in the first stage, second stage, both? I ask this because what would be the importance of having the second stage (winterized)? If your first and second are sealed but your octo. is not what are the chances that it will freeze up?
Thanks

 

[Lost Yooper]

Most freeze ups are in the second stage. Unsealed first stages can freeze up pretty easily too. It's pretty tough to freeze a sealed first stage, but a second stage freeze can still occur if you don't do your part or have the IP set high. By "winterized" you are referring to a heat exchanger (piece of metal) that is placed in the second stage that uses the warmth from your breath to keep the guts of the second stage from freezing -- or so they say .

The key to preventing second stage freeze ups is to reduce the IP and use proper breathing techniques. You're octo won't freeze if it's not being breathed on. It takes the cooling effect of moving, super cold air to freeze the condensation of your breath or water inside the second stage (or first stage) to freeze it. If the octo is not being used, then it won't freeze. Of course, if you accidentally purge it, it could very well freeze in a hurry (necklace?).

Take care.

Mike