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8
COMPONENTS
8.1 AIRBAGS
a
Each of the two airbags has a volume of 85 litres
when inflated. They are inflated simultaneously
but have separate closure and suction valves. If
one of the airbags is damaged the other one will
remain inflated for a sufficient amount of time.
The inner pressure equals approx. 0.1 bar.
8.2 SUCTION AND RELEASE VALVE
a
This combination part is attached directly to
the airbag. The button for the release valve is
located in the middle of the black suction and
release unit. It is protected from unwanted
pressure by a red plastic cover.
a
The net cover over the suction and release valve
prevents snow entering the airbag when it is
being filled. Damaged nets can be replaced at
any time.
8.3 PUNCTURE UNIT
a
The puncture unit, into which the cartridge is
screwed, is housed at the top of the backpack.
Make sure that it stays clean and that no objects
can damage it. Therefore, always close the
cover. A screwed in cartridge can be unscrewed
from the puncture unit at any time. Only the
pull on the attached handle will activate the
cartridge. We generally recommend to always
leaving the cartridge attached.
8.4 ACTIVATION HANDLE
a
The activation handle is equipped with a blank
cartridge. By attaching the handle to the coupler
at the shoulder strap of the backpack and then
pulling the activation handle, the blank cartridge
will ignite. The explosion pressure travels
through the tube to the puncture unit. There a
cartridge containing nitrogen will be pierced
with the pin and the nitrogen is forced through
the pressure tubes to the two airbags where in
combination with the suction and release valve
the airbags get inflated. Inflation time is approx.
2–3 seconds!
a
The ignition cartridge of the activation handle
has a durability of three years. The handle must
be replaced at the end of its expiration date.
8.5 CARTRIDGE
a
The cartridges contain only harmless gas, the
same as in our air. The inside pressure is 300
bar (carbon cartridge 340 bar). The piercing
of the cartridge should only occur within
the puncture unit of the ABS
®
system. Any
manipulation at the closure or at the cartridge
can trigger an explosion which may result in
a high risk of injury and or death, including
bystanders.
a
Each cartridge is designed for temperatures
from -40ºC to +50ºC (-40F to +122F). Empty
cartridges can only be filled by ABS. The
exchange can only be done at an ABS retail
shop. Avoid impacts such as dropping the
cartridge.
a
Depending on the model, the cartridges comply
with the following guidelines:
1. Steel cartridge Europe: EG guidelines
2. Steel cartridge North America: DOC and TC
certified
3. Carbon cartridge: EG guidelines
8.6 CARRYING SYSTEM
a
The authorized carrying systems are identified
by the ABS
®
logo. The various straps and belts
comply with the TÜV requirements for extreme
operational demands. The tensile strength for all
weight bearing straps equals 3000N (674lbs). In
order to ensure that the ABS
®
avalanche airbag
system stays connected to the wearer’s body in
an avalanche, it is essential to tighten the chest
strap and the complete high tour belt. Otherwise
it cannot be guaranteed that the ABS
®
Avalanche
Airbag System will not be torn from the body in
an avalanche.
ENGLISH