SR 500 and SR 500 EX: Powered air-purifying respirators for demanding industrial environments
In industrial environments where air quality is compromised dust, chemical vapors, hot or explosive atmospheres respiratory protection is an absolute priority. The SR 500 and its ATEX-certified version, the SR 500 EX, are powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) designed to meet the most stringent requirements of professionals working in industry, petrochemicals, metallurgy, waste treatment, and many other high-risk sectors.
What is the SR 500? Definition and operation
The SR 500 is a battery-powered assisted ventilation unit integrated into Sundström respiratory protection systems. Its operating principle is based on active air filtration: ambient air is drawn through one or two particle filters or combined filters, then delivered to the facepiece (hood, full-face mask, half mask, or face shield) via a dedicated breathing hose.
SR 500 standard vs SR 500 EX (ATEX): what are the differences?
We offer two versions of this powered air system, adapted to different use cases.
The SR 500 standard is intended for industrial environments with no explosion risk. It operates with a 14.4 V / 2.25 Ah lithium-ion battery and provides an airflow rate of 175 to 240 l/min. Its audible, visual, and vibrating alarm system alerts the user in case of blockage or insufficient airflow. Lightweight (1,650 g), it is suitable for long operations thanks to its automatic airflow regulation, which compensates for variations in pressure and temperature to maintain consistent breathing comfort.
The SR 500 EX is the version certified for ATEX zones (explosive atmospheres), compliant with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and standards EN 60079-0 and EN 60079-11. It is equipped with a more powerful battery (18 V / 3.0 Ah) and offers up to 12 hours of autonomy at 175 l/min with a P3 filter. Its explosion-proof design makes it the reference solution for work in classified Ex zones (zones 1, 2, 21, 22). It is visually distinguished by its black/orange color, compared to the black/blue of the standard model.
Technical performance: autonomy, airflow, and durability
One of the key advantages of the SR 500 is its operational autonomy. The SR 500 EX offers up to 12 hours of continuous operation at low airflow (175 l/min) and 7 hours at high airflow (225 l/min), making it particularly suitable for long work shifts.
Charging is fast: approximately 2 hours for the standard battery (STD) and 3 hours for the high-performance (HD) version. For the ATEX version, the charger reaches 80% capacity in 2 hours and 100% in 4 hours, enabling quick redeployment.
In terms of robustness, both models are IP67 certified (IEC/EN 60529 standard), ensuring complete protection against dust and resistance to temporary immersion. This is essential for humid, dusty, or splash-prone industrial environments.
The device operation is intentionally simplified: a single button allows start, stop, and mode selection, reducing the risk of user error even when wearing gloves.
Compatibility with facepieces: a modular solution
The SR 500 and SR 500 EX are compatible with a wide range of Sundström facepiece interfaces, providing modular and scalable systems.
On the SR 500 page, you will find a wide selection of facepieces including hoods, head covers, construction helmets, face shields, bump caps, full-face masks, half masks, as well as filters, hoses, and harnesses.
Why choose the SR 500 from GazDetect?
Spécialistes en détection de gaz et en protection respiratoire, nous vous accompagnons dans le choix, la mise en œuvre et la maintenance de vos équipements de sécurité.
Nous proposons l’ensemble de la gamme SR 500, ainsi que les filtres associés, les pièces faciales et les accessoires, avec un service de vérification annuelle permettant de maintenir la garantie de 5 ans au lieu de 2 ans.
Pour toute demande d’information, de devis ou de conseil technique sur le SR 500, le SR 500 EX ou l’ensemble de notre gamme de protection respiratoire, contactez notre équipe au +33 (0)1 64 09 35 16 ou par e-mail à contact@gazdetect.com