Can you use your normal air regulators for NITROX dives?

• A. Yes, with no modification.
• B. No, regulators designated for NITROX use should be cleaned to MIL-STD-1330. Once designated for NITROX use and cleaned, the regulators should be maintained to MIL-STD-1330.
• C. Only for oxygen enriched dives above 40%?
• D. They are prohibited entirely.

Answer: (B)

Nitrox diving uses gas with higher oxygen content, which increases the risk of ignition if hydrocarbons or lubricants are present in the regulator. Because of that, regulators used for Nitrox must be specifically designated for oxygen/Nitrox service and cleaned to an oxygen-clean standard. MIL-STD-1330 defines the cleaning and maintenance requirements to remove hydrocarbons and ensure materials are compatible with high-oxygen environments. Once a regulator is designated for Nitrox use and cleaned to MIL-STD-1330, it should be maintained to that standard to keep it safe for Nitrox dives. This is why normal air regulators aren’t used for Nitrox without that designation and cleaning.