Hello, I am from the UK. I have been reading a number of threads on this site about the Exit Bag, SCBA and EEBD. I have been able to identify where I can purchase the equipment to make the exit bag and a nitrogen cylinder is really easy to obtain without anyone asking questions. I am now exploring SCBA as I would be more comfortable wearing a mask than covering my head with an exit bag or EEBD.
I may have missed it but is it down to choice as to if someone chose SCBA over EEBD or is EEBD safer? There seems to be allot of discussion regarding EEBD which leads me to believe it maybe a more recommended approach.
In the UK the cylinder has a BSP 5/8 connection and the regulator has a BSP 5/8 to BSP 3/8 as pictured. For the exit bag approach I was going to get a 3 meter BSP 3/8 extension hose and tape it inside the bag. It sounds as if this would work and would mean the fitting on both the regulator, cylinder and hose would be tightly secure. Please let me know if you see any issues with this?
For the other two methods it doesn't seem as straightforward although I would prefer them over making my own bag. Branded SCBA/EEBD seems to be really pricey as noted by others and I am really struggling to find Chinese versions of the mask/hood. Can anyone assist with sources? Also it looks more difficult extending the hose or connecting it to the BSP 3/8 connector. Any advice?
Hi,
I highly recommend getting your post count up so you can use the search function.
This thread is full of valuable information, but some of the information is also scattered around in other threads which are too difficult to find by just browsing.
You really need to use the search function to find the information you want.
It may take hours or even days of thoroughly searching to find all the information you need, but it should be there.
As for your questions, I have some quick answers:
- EEBD is preferred over the plastic exit bag, because generally it's more reliable. The EEBD hood is pre-made and uses durable material compared to the plastic bags.
Also, the EEBD hoods have an exhale valve for getting rid of the carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide buildup should be much less of a problem compared to the plastic bag, which relies on the displacement of the carbon dioxide using the gas flow.
- SCBA has an important advantage over both the plastic bag/EEBD methods, and that is the significantly reduced gas consumption. Gas is only supplied by the demand valve when necessary (as you breathe in/out), instead of a continuous supply.
This significantly reduces the gas needed, making the method slightly more accessible, because you can use a smaller gas cylinder which is easier to handle and transport.
There might be other advantages I don't know of.
- Chinese EEBD hoods can be found relatively cheap on Alibaba, but I don't know about the quality.