You are here:About>Sports>Scuba Diving> Equipment> Basic Equipment Glossary> Regulator
About.comScuba Diving
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg

"Regulator"

From Nicholas McLaren,
Your Guide to Scuba Diving.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Definition:

Regulator

This is what you use to breathe the air from the cylinder. The regulator is divided into two parts:

  • First Stage
    This is the component that attaches to the cylinder and converts the pressurised air inside to what's called intermediate pressure (less pressure than in the tank but still higher than breathing pressure). The regulator usually supplies air to the Alternate Air Source and BCD in addition to the Second Stage Regulator. It will also have an SPG attached to it.

  • Second Stage
    This is the component that you put in your mouth to breathe. It reduces the air coming from the first stage regulator to ambient pressure (the right pressure for you to breathe).
Also Known As: Reg, First-Stage, Second-Stage, Octopus
 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.