Regulator port question

[schlosrat]

So is it OK to dive with holes in my first stage like that? This is where I'm confused. I'd understand if the port plugs were really plugs and the ports themselves are for some sort of specialized equipment - but even then why no mention of them in the owner's manual or online anywhere? And why would it ever be OK to dive with holes in the first stage like that? I really can't imagine how it's supposed to wrok like that.

 

[Ed Palma]

Unless it really is the port that exposes the piston to ambient pressure. It is after all a piston reg. IIRC, the environmental ports are usually found around the middle of piston regs.

 

[Ed Palma]

Upon looking at the pictures of the EP plug removed, I really think that they're the ambient pressure ports. Maybe TUSA has some things you can attach to them to improve the environmental sealing kit or something (a wild guess...)

 

[Couv]

I have to guess that EP is for environmental protected/port too, where one would put some sort of grease, like silicone or a O2 compatible grease like Tribolube or Christolube.

However, TUSA has a sub-forum here on SB, that might be a good place to ask, but please don't forget to update this thread with your finding.

TUSA - ScubaBoard

Cheers,

couv

 

[schlosrat]

Here's what the TUSA guys had to say about it.

There are two types of first stage regulators used for scuba, Piston and Diaphragm. A Piston first stage has ambient pressure ports (EP) allowing it to balance itself to the surrounding pressure (various depths) while in use. Sea water or fresh water, depending on what you are diving in, must enter the first stage body (through the ambient “EP” pressure ports) to counter act with the spring and piston balancing the first stage to its surrounding pressure. The ambient pressure ports must not be sealed. The TUSA R-100 first stage is a Piston first stage regulator. The ambient pressure ports should not be plugged. The ambient pressure ports can not be used for High pressure or low pressure hoses as they do not flow any air. Proper care and maintenance for your TUSA R-100 first stage is to soak it in fresh, clean water allowing the water to flow in and out of the ambient pressure ports. There are no adapters or filters to be used with these ports. TUSA does not have an environmental kit for the R-100 first stage. Thank you.