SCBA Air Time Calculator
Estimate how long your SCBA air supply will last. Choose your brand to access model-specific cylinder presets.
Select your SCBA brand
Choose a manufacturer to open the calculator with model-specific cylinder data.
MSA
Calculate SCBA air time for MSA M1 (EN), MSA G1 (NFPA), AirMaXX and AirGo models. Enter cylinder size, starting pressure, reserve, and RMV for a firefighter planning estimate.
→Dräger
Calculate air time for Dräger PSS 7000, PSS 5000, PSS 4000 and PSS 3000 SCBA. Enter cylinder size, starting pressure, reserve pressure, and RMV for a training and planning estimate.
→3M Scott Fire & Safety
Calculate air time for 3M Scott ProPak-FX (EN), Air-Pak X3 Pro (NFPA), and Sigma 2 SCBA models. Select cylinder, enter pressure and RMV for a firefighter planning estimate.
→Interspiro
Calculate air time for Interspiro Incurve, QS II, and SpiroGuide II SCBA models. Select cylinder, enter starting pressure, reserve, and RMV for a firefighter planning estimate.
→Honeywell (Fenzy / Survivair)
Calculate SCBA air time for Honeywell Aeris Confort (Fenzy, EN Standard) and Honeywell TITAN (NFPA). Select cylinder, enter pressure, reserve, and RMV for a planning estimate.
→Spasciani
Calculate air time for Spasciani RN/MK2 SCBA (EN 137 Type 2) and SK Escape Set (EN 1146 EEBD). Select cylinder, enter pressure, reserve, and RMV for a planning estimate.
→Ocenco
Estimate duration for Ocenco M-20.2 EEBD (compressed oxygen belt-worn) and EBA 6.5 SCSR (closed-circuit mining escape). These are NOT standard air SCBA — read important oxygen warnings before use.
→How to Calculate SCBA Air Time
On the fireground, "How much air do I really have left?" is a safety decision, not a theory question. This SCBA Air Time Calculator gives firefighters a quick planning estimate based on cylinder size, starting pressure, reserve pressure, and breathing rate. Use it for training, pre-plans, and drills — not as a substitute for your gauge, SOPs, or officer direction.
The formula is straightforward: usable air (L) = water volume (L) × usable pressure (bar), where usable pressure = starting pressure minus reserve. Dividing usable air by your RMV (Respiratory Minute Volume, L/min) gives estimated minutes. If your workload increases, RMV climbs fast — and your time drops with it.
What this tool is useful for
- Training: Compare light vs. heavy RMV values and see how rapidly time changes under stress.
- Pre-plans: Estimate air needs for long corridors, high-rises, basements, and large-area searches.
- Crew briefings: Build shared understanding of reserve pressure and realistic work rates.
- Gear familiarisation: Compare cylinders (e.g., 6.8 L at 300 bar vs. 9 L at 300 bar) for planning.
Practical RMV ranges for firefighters
- Light work (25–35 L/min): Walking, light overhaul, staged wait, low-stress movement.
- Moderate work (35–55 L/min): Hose advancement, stairclimbing, controlled search.
- Heavy work (55–80+ L/min): High heat, aggressive interior attack, victim rescue, prolonged exertion.
If you have completed an SCBA consumption test, use your personal RMV value in the custom field.
Reserve pressure: what it actually means
Reserve pressure is not "extra air" — it's your planned buffer for egress, unexpected entanglement, disorientation, radio communication, and assisting a partner. A common benchmark is 55 bar reserve for 300-bar systems. Some departments require higher reserves for high-rise or tunnel operations. Always confirm with your AHJ and training officer.