Ingersoll Rand R37341-600-VS 250 PSI MAX 1/2-Inch Regulator, Black

• 1/2-Inch NPT
• 0-140 PSI Pressure Range
• Flush-mount gauge
• Relieving - standard knob control
• 210 CFM

I have a 175 PSI 7.5 HP 80 Gallon 1PH Horizontal 2 Stage Stationary Air Compressor in the garage I have behind my home. Of course, with a compressor of this size, I wanted to keep flow levels high at each air outlet in the plumbed air line that is mounted in the garage walls. The Ingersoll Rand R37341-600-VS 250 PSI MAX 1/2-Inch Regulator, Black is what I chose to regulate pressures on my hoses using various air tools requiring differing pressures.

Looking at the design, I determined this model does not rely on a true rubber diaphragm to control pressures it uses a nitril and nylon diaphragm that should be good for at least three to five years. A true rubber diaphragm would also mean the regulator adjustment should be zeroed after use with all pressure shut off and removed from my lines. Compressor air line sludge is also detrimental to true rubber. For these reasons, I wanted mechanical regulators that I could just set and leave rubber diaphragms also allow for eventual pressure "creep" as they age (unnoticed higher pressure requiring adjustment down), and true rubber deteriorates over less time before needing replacement. Beyond all of this, Ingersoll Rand offers a service kit for these ARO regulators.

Using the IR model R37341-600-VS, I can leave my air lines pressurized 24/7 with less worry concerning reliability. This IR model also includes the gauge eliminating the need for my having to supply a separate one. I can just quickly pull the adjustment knob down, rotate it for the proper pressure using the gauge, push it back up to lock the setting, connect a hose, and begin using whatever tool I have set it for. Since I also use Air Chief Industrial 1/2" fittings and quick connects with larger hose sizes, and correctly sized hose whips on my tools, my flow stays high enough with this regulator to run even higher flow CFM equipment like my sandblaster, 3/4 impact, and my automotive body paint and repair tools.

Even though the physical size of this regulator is small, and it has an aluminum body, it does have some "heft" to it at about 1 1/4 lbs. There is also grooved rectangular, and "lipped", flange at the inlet and outlet ports that looks just right for adding a metal support if needed the Ingersoll Rand aluminum 104401 "T" bracket. The bottom of the regulator also has a threaded section just above the adjustment knob and comes with a panel nut for the Ingersoll Rand steel 104405 "L" bracket. Since my plumbing already offered healthy support at the outlets, no brackets were needed but some may need to add a bracket. I actually believe the flange support was designed in because this appears to be the same regulator housing assembly used on the Ingersoll Rand P39344-600-VS 1/2-Inch Filter-Regulator Piggyback, Black, and on the Ingersoll Rand C38341-600-VS 1/2-Inch Filter-Regulator-Lubricator Combination, Black/Gray.

Of course, it also doesn't hurt that this regulator has a nice black powder coat finish and the gauge is easily read with its contrasting color indications. It's a nice clean look against my garage walls. As I have an air drying system with auto drains in place just after the compressor (and before my plumbed lines), I didn't need any added filters but, if you do, I would suggest the Ingersoll Rand P39344-600-VS 1/2-Inch Filter-Regulator Piggyback, Black although it does have a manual drain. If you also want an oil mist model, the Ingersoll Rand C38341-600-VS 1/2-Inch Filter-Regulator-Lubricator Combination, Black/Gray may be what you want. Personally, I avoid oil mist types as the oil gets distributed through the hoses and degrades any rubber hose, not to mention making any oil contaminated hose permanently unsuitable for painting use.

Instructions:

(chuckle) Well, there are none included in the package but I will provide you with some concerning the nice included features of the gauge...

The gauge cover is a polycarbonate nylon piece that unscrews with a standard left-hand twist. Once you remove it, you can access the two quick reference bright yellow pointers on the gauge dial which also narrow or expand the green range field all depending on where you want them set. So, if the cover was loose you might only need to tighten it. Or, if your lens was loose, a tiny dab of adhesive on a pin could secure your lens just let it dry before screwing the cover back on.

Warranty:

One year

After everything has been said and done, I'm glad I decided on the Ingersoll Rand R37341-600-VS 250 PSI MAX 1/2-Inch Regulator, Black for my garage.

***NOTE***

This regulator is good for 250 PSI at the inlet. Should you want or need a "piggyback" type filter/regulator for inlet pressures of 175 PSI compressor systems, the ARO filter models with polycarbonate bowls are only rated for a maximum of 140-150 PSI inlet pressures. You can use this R37341-600-VS first in a line and add ARO polycarbonate bowl "piggyback" models after it in a line. The (P39344-610)Ingersoll-Rand P244-610 1/2'' Female NPT Regulator NEW "piggyback" model (metal bowl) accepts pressures of up to 250 PSI at its inlet, and regulates outlet pressure from 0-140 PSI.

Update 4/11/2012:

After using this regulator several days, I decided it was easier to just turn off the pressure on the main line to the regulators, and to turn the R37341-600-VS regulators off by their adjustment knobs. This should make the regulators, hoses, and quick connects, last much longer depressurized during disuse whether or not I disconnect the hoses after use. This regulator also bleeds off pressure on the outlet side as it has its pressure setting changed downward. This feature also makes it easier to connect quick connect couplers when there is no pressure on the fitting.

Made in South Korea

Buy Ingersoll Rand R37341-600-VS 250 PSI MAX 1/2-Inch Regulator, Black Now

Just a regular ol regulator, nothing to get excited about. It does what I need it to do. To those claiming that it leaked air. You will need more than a couple wraps of teflon tape to seal the corse threads. I did about 5-6 and have not had any problems. Pressure adjustment knob took a second to get used to but works well.

Read Best Reviews of Ingersoll Rand R37341-600-VS 250 PSI MAX 1/2-Inch Regulator, Black Here

Pros:

Easy to install

easy to set

seems durable enough

High Flow

Name brand

Cons:

Wish it was made with a little more metal

Want Ingersoll Rand R37341-600-VS 250 PSI MAX 1/2-Inch Regulator, Black Discount?

Just a run of the mill regulator. Does its job. As long as it is regulating the pressure like a want it to, I guess I can't complain. I haven't noticed any leaks or irregularities. I use my compressor weekly and have had no issues in its first year of use.

This regulator seems to be well built. I have had it installed for eight months now and it has performed admirably. I use it for spray painting and nailing.