AKETEK® AIR
Shared AIR system instructions. Also read the instructions for the connected helmet.
AIR — Introduction
The AKETEK® AIR powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) filters the surrounding air, removing up to 99.9% of dust and particles, and supplies clean air to the helmet. Use it only with compatible AKETEK® AIR helmets, and follow the helmet instructions as well.
Areas of application: use AKETEK® AIR with its P3 particle filter only where dust, metal particles or other solid or liquid particles are present, including welding, grinding, metal cutting and handling building materials that emit hazardous dust.
A particle filter does not protect against gases or vapours. The system is not intended for oxygen-deficient or explosive atmospheres. The employer, or self-employed user, is responsible for determining suitability for the specific work.
AIR — Safety & limitations
Enter a hazardous environment only when the helmet is correctly assembled, the fan unit is switched on and no warning indicator is lit.
Use the fan unit only with original AKETEK® parts. Substitute components, modifications, or cleaning that does not follow these instructions can impair protection, damage the unit and cause serious injury. They may also void the warranty.
The particle filter does not protect against gases or vapours (A1). The employer, or the self-employed user, must determine whether the respiratory equipment is suitable for the specific application.
Do not use in flammable or explosive environments; where oxygen is below 17% (Europe); where contaminant concentrations exceed TH3P protection; below −5°C or above +55°C; or where there is immediate danger to health or life.
Very intensive breathing can cause negative pressure inside the helmet. If you feel leakage, leave the area immediately and troubleshoot in a safe location. High wind speeds can affect the pressure inside the helmet; use in these conditions is not advised.
Never remove the helmet or switch off the fan unit while in a contaminated area.
AIR — Before use
Inspect after delivery and before every use for damage, dirt or contaminants. Check the air hose before connecting it.
Fit the P3 HEPA filter, activated-carbon prefilter and spark arrestor. Check that the filter holder is fastened securely and locked. Replace worn or damaged filters immediately.
Connect the hose by pushing in the bayonet coupling and twisting it into place.
Switch on the fan unit and wait for the self-test to finish (see Operating instructions). Then briefly cover the air outlet until the motor speeds up, uncover it and check that the motor slowly returns to normal speed. Do not enter the work area if a warning indicator is lit.
AIR — Operating instructions
Always follow these steps in order.
1. Switch on: press and hold ON/OFF for about 2 seconds. All indicators light briefly during the self-test and then go out. Do not use the equipment if a warning indicator stays lit or an alarm sounds.
2. Put on the helmet only when the fan unit is running, and adjust it so that the face seal fits closely with no gaps. Never wear the helmet with the fan unit switched off: carbon dioxide can build up quickly, the oxygen level can fall and contaminants can leak in.
3. Enter the hazardous area only with the fan unit running and the helmet securely fitted.
4. Leave the contaminated area before removing the helmet or switching off. To switch off, press and hold ON/OFF for 2 seconds.
Airflow: press ON/OFF briefly to switch between low (190 l/min) and high (210 l/min) airflow. The indicators are explained under Indicators & alarms.
AIR — Indicators & alarms
Low airflow alarm: if airflow drops below 145 l/min (±10 l/min) for more than 15 seconds, the alarm activates with audible, visual and vibration signals. Leave the area immediately to troubleshoot.
Low battery alarm: when battery capacity reaches approximately 5%, an audible and visual alarm activates. The unit will run for approximately another 30 minutes before shutting down. Immediately stop work and leave for a safe environment when this alarm activates.
Filter indicator: when the indicator lights up, the filter is providing higher resistance, which affects battery life. You may complete your work, but change the filter after the work shift.
AIR — Maintenance & cleaning
Wipe the outside of the fan unit with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not allow water into the housing or filters. Liquid ingress can permanently damage electronics and invalidate the warranty.
Inspect the breathing hose regularly. Replace it immediately if dirt, detergent residue or other contaminants are inside it. Do not wash the interior of the hose.
AKETEK® AIR has no expiration date. The equipment may be used as long as it remains functional. Regular maintenance can prolong its service life.
AIR — Filters
Replace the filters when the orange filter indicator stays lit or battery life has become noticeably shorter. We recommend replacing the prefilter three times for each HEPA filter: fit a new HEPA filter at every third prefilter change.
Never clean filters with compressed air, a vacuum cleaner or any other method. Cleaning can damage the medium and seriously reduce filtration and protection. Tampering with or cleaning filters voids their warranty.
Filter classification does not predict actual service life. Life depends on the environment and contamination; follow the filter alarm.
Check that replacement filters are marked with EN 12941. Filters may carry multiple markings: do not confuse another standard’s marking with the EN 12941 classification of the complete device.
AIR — Battery & charging
Use only the manufacturer’s specified charger. Incompatible chargers can cause explosion, injury or death. Charge indoors in a safe place away from welding equipment and flammable materials.
Charge only between 0°C and +40°C. For best life, charge and store between +5°C and +25°C. Do not leave the battery connected to the charger for more than 48 hours.
Do not disassemble, modify, puncture or crush the battery. Damage to safety devices can cause heat, explosion or ignition. Keep dry; do not expose cells to water. Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources and electrical arcs.
If the battery swells, leaks, appears damaged or becomes abnormally hot during charging, stop using it immediately and store it in a fireproof container for recycling.
AIR — Storage & transport
Store dry between −10°C and +50°C, below 80% relative humidity; the recommended storage range is +5°C to +25°C. Protect from direct sunlight, dust and airborne contaminants in the original AKETEK® AIR storage bag.
AIR — Spare parts
The respirator parts below fit both VIEW AIR and Lift-Up AIR. Only the helmet shell is model-specific.
| Part | Part number |
|---|---|
| P3 HEPA particle filter | 81001 |
| Activated-carbon prefilter | 80005 |
| Spark arrestor | 15030 |
| AIR battery | 82001 |
| AIR PAPR unit | 15002 |
| Belt and shoulder straps | 15015 |
| Protective hose cover | 15005 |
| Air hose | 15001 |
| Lift-Up AIR helmet shell | 12109 |
| VIEW AIR helmet shell | 12009 |
AIR — Troubleshooting
Always leave the contaminated area before troubleshooting.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Filter alarm stays on | Replace filters. If new filters do not resolve it, check for another airflow obstruction, including the hose. Contact support if the alarm persists. |
| Battery alarm | Charge the battery immediately in a safe place. If the alarm continues with a fully charged battery, it may need replacement. |
| Airflow alarm | Check the hose for kinks or obstruction and ensure the outlet is not blocked. Contact support if the alarm persists. |
| Short battery life | High pressure drop makes the fan work harder; replace the filters. An ageing battery may also need replacement. |
| Fan unit will not start | Check that the battery is charged and properly connected. If it still does not work, contact support. |
| Smell or taste of contaminants | Leave immediately. Check that filters are fitted correctly and appropriate for the hazard; replace old filters. Check the face seal for damage or poor fit, including interference from facial hair. |
| Battery will not charge | Make sure the battery is seated correctly in the charger. Check that the ambient temperature is between 0°C and +40°C. Inspect the contacts for corrosion. |
AIR — Technical specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Airflow: low / high | 190 / 210 l/min |
| Operating temperature | −5°C – +55°C |
| Rechargeable battery | 3300 mAh |
| Runtime: low / high | 16 h / 13 h |
| Filter / class | HEPA / TH3P; P3 TH3 |
| Fan | Brushless |
| Weight | 1.65 kg |
| Dimensions | 200 × 190 × 70 mm |
| Standard listed | EN 12941 |
| PAPR and battery warranty | 1 year |
| Alarms | Low battery: audible and visual. Low airflow: audible, visual and vibration. |
AIR — Product markings
The symbols used on the product are explained below. The table lists the protection classes defined in EN 12941.
| Class | Maximum inward leakage (%) | Maximum particle-filter penetration (%) |
|---|---|---|
| TH1 | 10 | 10 |
| TH2 | 2 | 2 |
| TH3 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
AIR — Conformity & notified body
EU type examination, module C2, for EN 12941:2023, performed by:
Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs, Jeruzalémská 1283/9, 110 00 Praha 1 – Nové Město, Czech Republic.
Notified body registration number: 1024.
The declaration of conformity is available at www.aketek.com. This document complies with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
AIR — Warranty
The PAPR unit and batteries have a one-year warranty against material or workmanship defects under normal use. The helmet’s ADF has a separate two-year warranty. Remedies are repair, replacement or refund for a product or part found defective. Keep the original invoice and serial number as proof of purchase. The warranty excludes indirect or consequential damages and damage from tampering, misuse, abuse, improper maintenance, non-original components or changes to the original configuration.
AIR — Recycling & manufacturer
Do not dispose of the product with household waste. It contains electrical components and must be handled as electronic waste. Follow local battery-disposal rules. Contact Aketek support if you need help with disposal.
Manufacturer: Aketek Industries AB, Bernhard Erikssons väg 1B, SE-791 32 Falun, Sweden. VAT: SE556594164701. Website: www.aketek.com.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these instructions, no guarantee or liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions. Aketek Industries AB reserves the right to change the specifications of the product described at any time without prior notice.