When to Replace my LJ Trigger?

Mark-1

Mark-1

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 Sep 2008
Messages
5,546
Visit site
1000015296.jpg1000015295.jpg

I understand Hydrostatic triggers last longer than the date, and this one has, but looking at it it's still mint. The LJ hasn't spent much time on the boat and has only been worn a dozen times if that.

Leave it another year?
 
Last edited:
Kwik Decision said:
That isn't a hydrostatic trigger, it is a dissolving salt type. In my experience they only fail by "firing" and so would almost certainly work as desired. However replacements are inexpensive, and so if it were mine I'd replace it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I thought the tablet ones had windows. Every day's a school day.
 
If tablet is still in good condition - it can go another year

If you buy replacements and you swap out - it can go another year

The decision is yours and 'peace of mind' .....

TBH - there's an old saying on ships for OOW ... if you question - then its time to act. The fact is you are uncertain and asked on here. Good. If you are confident your assessment of the tablet is good - OK .. if you have any doubt (you asked here so you must have) - change it and relax.

The old - you could see how it works ... once out of LJ ... drop in a bucket of water and see what happens .... you'll then know what happens better than most people here !!
 
You either wait till it falls (goes off), and buy another gas cylinder or replace.

Cost analysis and depends if you change your had cylinders periodically.
Very spares of cylinder and cartridge just on case, they always go off when least wanted.

My experience they just become more sensitive.
 
I recently changed the triggers on three of my life jackets. The old ones had 'expired' in 2007! I chucked one of them into a glass of water and it happily triggered. I suspect they would last forever if kept dry.
 
Aeolus said:
I recently changed the triggers on three of my life jackets. The old ones had 'expired' in 2007! I chucked one of them into a glass of water and it happily triggered. I suspect they would last forever if kept dry.
Click to expand...

I think manufacturers have to consider the way and where the LJ's are used ... the tablets are not sealed away from the elements .... plus of course they want to sell service items !
 
Kwik Decision said:
That isn't a hydrostatic trigger, it is a dissolving salt type. In my experience they only fail by "firing" and so would almost certainly work as desired. However replacements are inexpensive, and so if it were mine I'd replace it.
Click to expand...

If the lifejacket is stored in a damp place these may trigger at an inconvenient time . Best to replace close to indicated date. I have even seen some trigger when stored in the boot of a car.
 
Bilgediver said:
If the lifejacket is stored in a damp place these may trigger at an inconvenient time . Best to replace close to indicated date. I have even seen some trigger when stored in the boot of a car.
Click to expand...

But it would make no difference if old or new ... if the 'environment' causes tablet to fire ... that's environment - not the tablet.
 
Refueler said:
But it would make no difference if old or new ... if the 'environment' causes tablet to fire ... that's environment - not the tablet.
Click to expand...
I imagine that exposure to a damp environment (short of being submerged) would not have an instantaneous effect but would gradually lead to the tablet wasting away to the point at which the trigger operated. It would therefore seem entirely logical to try to preempt this by changing the cartridge before the expiry date, how soon before being based on how damp the environment was and how long the cartridge was exposed to it.
 
alan_d said:
I imagine that exposure to a damp environment (short of being submerged) would not have an instantaneous effect but would gradually lead to the tablet wasting away to the point at which the trigger operated. It would therefore seem entirely logical to try to preempt this by changing the cartridge before the expiry date, how soon before being based on how damp the environment was and how long the cartridge was exposed to it.
Click to expand...
More logical not to store lifejackets in a damp place?
 
Shop around for the UML Lifejacket trigger (dissolving paper tablet type), the price difference is staggering, I replace mine on the expiry date and keep the old ones as spare parts as I usually fire a couple during the season for various reasons. I am not fixated on the anniversary date, but just do it over winter, as I have no idea why they have an expiry date.

I can't see how paper could harden up in normal use over time. I could imagine the paper degrading over time and accidentally activating. I don't think it wastes away, it just gets damp and the spring overcomes the resistance offered by the paper How It Works | UML Lifejacket Inflation & SOLAS approved Lights

Interestingly my marina has reduced their on hand stock because of the volume that gets wasted when the expiry expiry date is reached. Just replaced one today on a lifejacket by coincidence.
 
alan_d said:
I imagine that exposure to a damp environment (short of being submerged) would not have an instantaneous effect but would gradually lead to the tablet wasting away to the point at which the trigger operated. It would therefore seem entirely logical to try to preempt this by changing the cartridge before the expiry date, how soon before being based on how damp the environment was and how long the cartridge was exposed to it.
Click to expand...

I do not disagree with that .. and is reason I posted about Manufacturer playing safe as he does not know your storage conditions - but must expect worst.
 
Goldie said:
Long life on items and well priced.
Click to expand...
More importantly, they tell you the expiry before you order!

Prices are ex-VAT so beware that they aren't as cheap as they appear at first glance, but are usually the cheapest.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top