What is Breathing Air?

Breathing air is a mixed gas in accordance with NEN-EN 12021, consisting of oxygen and other gases (such as helium and/or nitrogen – Heliox, Nitrox), with a maximum content of oil, CO, CO₂, and moisture. This gas serves as a safe source of breathing air in hazardous environments. It enables fire brigades and other emergency services, professional and recreational divers, classifiers, spray booth operators, and employees in the (bio)chemical industry to perform their tasks safely in dangerous surroundings.

Breathing Air Quick Couplings

In this section of our webshop, you will find our range of breathing air quick couplings, including models compliant with NEN-EN 14593-1 and NEN-EN 14594.

Short and Long Profile

The quick couplings and plugs are divided into the short profile (ESI1A), used on the belt and mask, and the long profile (ESI2A), used on the pressure reducer/supply unit. This design prevents connecting excessive breathing air pressure directly to the mask. The quick couplings are equipped with a modified two-hand release mechanism, making accidental disconnection impossible.

The ESI1A coupling can be connected with the ESI2A plug. The ESI1A plug, however, can only be connected to the ESI1A coupling — not to the ESI2A quick coupling.

These profiles are interchangeable with the standard profiles used by fire brigades, allowing compatibility with breathing air systems of other emergency services.

If you require a non-interchangeable solution for your breathing air system, we recommend the quick couplings from Stäubli, which feature a unique profile.