Dräger PSS 5000 SCBA Air Time Calculator

Select a model, choose your cylinder, enter pressure and breathing rate — duration is calculated instantly.

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The Dräger PSS 5000 is the mid-tier PSS model with integrated HUD and PASS, 300 bar carbon or 221 bar steel cylinder options at 6.8L, and EN 137 Type 2 certification. It is lighter than the PSS 7000 by 0.3 kg.

PSS 5000 vs PSS 7000: what the 0.3 kg weight difference costs

The PSS 5000 weighs 4.2 kg (without cylinder) versus the PSS 7000's 4.5 kg. The difference reflects a slightly reduced electronics package and configuration range rather than reduced cylinder capacity. For most structural firefighting applications, the PSS 5000's HUD and PASS meet operational requirements. The PSS 7000 becomes the preferred choice when NFPA dual certification, advanced telemetry options, or the 9.0L cylinder size is required.

PSS 5000 cylinder options and air time comparison

The PSS 5000 is available in 6.8L at 300 bar (carbon) or 6.8L at 221 bar (steel). At 60 L/min RMV: the 300 bar carbon option gives approximately 27.8 min usable time (reserve 55 bar); the 221 bar steel gives approximately 19.4 min (reserve 50 bar). The steel cylinder is a common legacy option in departments that haven't transitioned to carbon. If operational planning requires 25+ minutes of interior working time, the 300 bar carbon cylinder is necessary.

Electronic alarm vs SOP reserve: using the right number

The PSS 5000 HUD and PASS electronics include a low-pressure alarm. The alarm trigger point is set by Dräger to comply with EN 137 requirements. Your department's operational reserve policy may specify a higher reserve than the alarm trigger — for example, the alarm may sound at 60 bar while your SOP requires 70 bar reserve before initiating exit. Use your SOP reserve value in this calculator, not the alarm trigger.

FAQ

Yes. The PSS 5000 is approximately 0.3 kg lighter than the PSS 7000 (4.2 kg vs 4.5 kg without cylinder). The weight reduction comes from a slightly reduced electronics scope and configuration range — both models include HUD and PASS in their standard configurations.

The standard PSS 5000 configuration supports 6.8L cylinders. The 9.0L cylinder option is available on the PSS 7000. If extended duration is required for your operations, the PSS 7000 with 9.0L cylinder provides significantly more air — approximately 50% more than the 6.8L option at the same pressure.

With 6.8L at 300 bar, minus 55 bar reserve: usable pressure = 245 bar, usable air = 6.8 × 245 = 1666 L. At 60 L/min RMV: 1666 ÷ 60 ≈ 27.8 minutes. In heavy interior attack at 70–75 L/min this reduces to approximately 22–24 minutes.

Dräger SCBA Air Time Calculator – PSS 7000, PSS 5000, PSS 4000, PSS 3000

Dräger's PSS series (Pressluftatmer, meaning compressed-air breathing apparatus) covers four current generations designed for different operational requirements and budget profiles. The PSS 7000 is the flagship with full electronics; the PSS 3000 is the entry configuration without HUD or integrated PASS. All share the same air calculation logic — cylinder water volume multiplied by usable pressure — but differ in weight, electronics, and NFPA availability. Select the exact PSS model to match the cylinder and pressure options available for your unit.

PSS 7000 vs PSS 5000 vs PSS 4000 vs PSS 3000: what changes

The PSS 7000 is Dräger's full-featured model: integrated HUD, integrated PASS, and dual certification capability (EN 137 Type 2 and NFPA 1981 in some configurations). The PSS 5000 adds HUD and PASS but at a lower price point. The PSS 4000 drops the HUD. The PSS 3000 has no HUD and no integrated PASS. Air capacity and cylinder options are similar across models — the differences are electronics, harness options, and certification scope. This affects operational capability, not basic air volume.

EN 137 vs NFPA 1981 on Dräger PSS units

Some Dräger PSS 7000 configurations can be ordered with dual certification (EN 137 Type 2 and NFPA 1981), but this requires specific cylinder types and electronics packages. The standard European PSS 7000 is EN 137 Type 2 only. If your department procured NFPA-certified PSS units, confirm the cylinder operating pressure and reserve with your Dräger datasheet — NFPA configurations may operate at different pressure ratings than the EN standard 300 bar.

Dräger cylinder options: 221 bar steel vs 300 bar carbon

Dräger PSS cylinders are available in both 221 bar steel and 300 bar carbon fibre configurations. The 221 bar steel cylinder is older technology and provides less air per kilogram of cylinder weight, but is still in service at many departments. The 300 bar carbon cylinder is lighter and holds more air at equivalent water volume. When calculating air time, selecting the correct service pressure matters — a 6.8L cylinder at 221 bar holds significantly less air than the same volume at 300 bar.

Dräger alarm signals and reserve: matching your SOP

Dräger PSS units equipped with electronics typically provide audio/visual warnings at defined pressure thresholds. The low-pressure alarm is set by the manufacturer to comply with EN 137 requirements, but your department's operational reserve policy may be different from the alarm trigger point. Always enter your department's required reserve pressure in this calculator, not the alarm trigger value — they are not always the same number.

Why two firefighters with identical PSS units get different times

Same PSS model, same cylinder, same starting pressure — but actual air time varies by individual. The primary driver is RMV (Respiratory Minute Volume), which depends on fitness level, heat adaptation, stress response, task intensity, and mask seal. A well-fitted, trained firefighter in moderate conditions may breathe at 35–40 L/min. The same person in high heat during victim rescue may exceed 70 L/min. Use this calculator with your department's measured RMV data where available.

FAQ

Both have integrated HUD and PASS, but the PSS 7000 is the full flagship with dual certification capability (EN + NFPA in some configurations) and a more complete electronics package. The PSS 5000 is a mid-tier option with similar electronics at a lower price point. Cylinder and air volume options are comparable across both.

The standard PSS 3000 configuration does not include an integrated PASS device or HUD, making it the entry-level option in the PSS range. It is EN 137 Type 2 certified for structural firefighting but lacks the electronic safety features of the PSS 4000 and above.

Because usable air = water volume (L) × usable pressure (bar). A 6.8L cylinder at 221 bar minus 50 bar reserve gives 6.8 × 171 = 1163 L of air. The same cylinder at 300 bar minus 55 bar reserve gives 6.8 × 245 = 1666 L — about 43% more air from the same physical cylinder.

Some Dräger PSS 7000 configurations are available with NFPA 1981 certification, but this requires specific cylinder types, pressure ratings, and electronics. Not all PSS 7000 units sold in EN markets are NFPA compatible. Confirm with your Dräger datasheet and local procurement documentation.

For EN 137 Type 2 units operating at 300 bar, 55 bar is the common department reserve in European fire services. For units with electronic alarm systems, note that the alarm trigger and your department's required reserve may differ — always use your SOP reserve value in this calculator.

Notes & Safety

This is an estimate based on the values you enter. Real-world air consumption changes with workload, stress, temperature, mask seal, leaks, and individual physiology. Always follow your SOPs and monitor your pressure gauge continuously.

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