3M Versaflo is a family of powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) systems built around three blower platforms: the TR-300 for particulates, the TR-600 for particulates plus gases and vapours, and the intrinsically safe TR-800 series. The right one depends on the hazard, the headtop and the work environment. This guide compares the Versaflo kits ERE Inc. supplies and explains what is sold in the kit and what is sold separately.
In this guide
- Which Versaflo blower do you need: TR-300, TR-600 or TR-800?
- Which Versaflo kit fits your job?
- Which headtop should you choose?
- How long does a Versaflo battery last?
- Which filters and cartridges does a Versaflo take?
- How do you choose a Versaflo system, step by step?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Which Versaflo Blower Do You Need: TR-300, TR-600 or TR-800?
Choose the TR-300 for dust and other particulates, the TR-600 when gases or vapours are also present, and the TR-800 series when the atmosphere requires an intrinsically safe unit. All three blow filtered air through a breathing tube to a loose-fitting headtop, so the wearer is not breathing through the filter.
| Platform | Protects against | Key features from the product records |
|---|---|---|
| TR-300 PAPR | Particulates and certain nuisance odours | One-button operation; audible and LED alarms for low battery or low airflow; two flow options, 6.5 and 7.2 CFM; slim profile for tight spaces |
| TR-600 assembly | Particulates; certain gases and vapours with cartridges | Filter loading and battery indicators with visual, vibratory and audible alarms; IP53 in a decontamination shower, IP67 with cleaning and storage plugs; tool-free maintenance; pre-calibrated |
| TR-800 series (in the TR Series Heavy Industry PAPR Kit) | Particulates plus gas and vapour cartridges | Blower rated Division I for Classes I, II and III under UL 60079 (6th Edition, 2013); intrinsically safe battery; multi-speed blower functions up to 16,000 feet |
The product records do not give assigned protection factors or NIOSH approval numbers for each combination. Confirm the approved headtop, tube, filter and blower combination with 3M and your respirator program before purchase. For the general principles, see our PAPR guide.
Which Versaflo Kit Fits Your Job?
Pick the kit by the work, not the blower: a heavy-industry kit adds a hard hat and faceshield, an easy-clean kit adds a hood for washdown settings, and a painter's kit pairs a faceshield with an organic vapour cartridge. Each kit is sold as a ready-to-use system.
| Kit | Built for | Included per the product record |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Industry PAPR Kit | Industrial work needing respiratory, head, eye and face protection together | Respiratory hard hat, PAPR assembly with high durability belt, heat resistant neoprene breathing tube, single-station charger, HE filter, spark arrestor prefilter |
| Easy Clean PAPR Kit | Food and beverage, pharmaceutical and healthcare applications | Hood assembly with single shroud, PAPR assembly, easy clean belt, high capacity battery, self-adjusting breathing tube, single-station charger, HE filter, prefilter, airflow indicator |
| Painter's Kit | Spray painting | Respiratory faceshield assembly, breathing tube, OV/HE cartridge, TR-802N unit, intrinsically safe battery, easy clean belt, charger, airflow indicator, storage and cleaning kit |
| TR-300 Complete Assembly Kit | Particulate environments | PAPR unit, filter cover, easy clean belt, high capacity battery, single-station charger, five P100 HE filters, prefilter |
Kit contents are listed per the manufacturer descriptions on each product page; check the page of the exact kit before you order, since variants differ in headtop and battery.
Beyond the kits above, the catalogue also lists the TR-600 Heavy Industrial Kit with hard hat and faceshield, the TR-600 Easy-Clean Kit with hard hat and faceshield, the Easy Clean Assembly, the TR-600 Motor/Blower as a bare replacement, the 3-Station Battery Charger Pack for TR-600 and TR-800 and a helmet assembly with premium visor and flame-resistant shroud. Confirm the exact combination by part number when you request a quote.
Which Headtop Should You Choose?
Choose a hood for light work and cleaning, a helmet or hard hat where head protection is required, and the welding helmet where arc, spark and splatter are present. Versaflo M-Series headgear must be used with BT-Series breathing tubes.
- Soft hood: the integrated-suspension hood is ready to use out of the box, with a wide faceseal and neck and shoulder coverage, and is described as ideal for painting and cleaning.
- Helmet: the helmet assembly gives respiratory protection plus limited head and eye protection with a 6-strap textile suspension, recommended for powder handling, paint spraying and general maintenance.
- Welding: the M-Series helmet with Speedglas shield has a flame-resistant shroud and helmet cover, protects against welding arc (ANSI Z87) plus spark and splatter, and can be combined with the TR-600 to build a complete welding system.
Fit and seal still matter. Review CCOHS guidance on respirator selection and our fit-testing guide where a tight-fitting facepiece is used.
How Long Does a Versaflo Battery Last?
Per the TR-600 product records, a new standard battery with a new filter gives a run time of 4 to 12 hours at the standard flow setting, and a new high capacity battery gives 8 to 18 hours; both charge in under 4 hours. Run time depends on filter loading, flow setting and temperature.
For intrinsically safe TR-800 work, the Intrinsically Safe Battery is rated for approximately 750 full charge and discharge cycles and reaches a 90% charge in about 3.5 hours. The Easy Clean Backpack fits the TR-300+, TR-600 and TR-800 and is rated IP53 with the TR-300+ and IP54 with the TR-600 or TR-800.
Which Filters and Cartridges Does a Versaflo Take?
The TR-300 uses P100 HE filters; the TR-600 uses HE particulate filters and combination cartridges that attach directly to the blower. A prefilter extends the life of the HE element by catching large particles.
- The Multi-Gas/HE Cartridge is described as the first multi-gas PAPR cartridge with NIOSH approval for mercury, and also covers ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen chloride and organic vapour, for the TR-600.
- The TR-600 particulate prefilter captures large particles that may otherwise clog the HE filter.
- The spark arrestor installs inside the TR-300 filter cover to help protect the HE filter and unit from sparks or hot material.
A PAPR is not an escape device and does not supply oxygen. For atmospheres that are oxygen-deficient or immediately dangerous, a supplied-air system is the usual route; the V-300 supplied air valve works with various 3M headgear from a compressed air source. Contact 3M for compatibility.
How Do You Choose a Versaflo System, Step by Step?
- Name the hazard. Particulates only points to the TR-300; gases or vapours point to the TR-600 with a cartridge.
- Check the atmosphere. A flammable or explosive atmosphere needs the intrinsically safe TR-800 series and its battery.
- Pick the headtop. Hood, helmet, hard hat or welding helmet, and confirm the breathing tube.
- Decide kit or build. A kit is faster; a bare assembly lets you choose headtop, filter and charger.
- Plan the battery. Compare run time to a shift and consider a charger with more stations.
- Confirm the approved combination. Check it with 3M and your respirator program, and arrange fit testing where needed.
Employers should also review CCOHS guidance on wearing respirators. Browse the full range in the PAPR & Supplied Air Respirators collection.
Need help choosing a Versaflo system?
ERE Inc. has been Canada's environmental equipment specialist for 30+ years. Tell us the hazard, the headtop and the work setting and we will recommend the kit and confirm the approved combination.
→ Request a Quote | 1-888-287-EREC | Browse PAPR & Supplied Air Respirators | sales@ereinc.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 3M Versaflo TR-300 and TR-600?
The TR-300 is a slim, lightweight PAPR for particulate environments. The TR-600 adds support for cartridges that protect against certain gases and vapours, indicators for filter loading and battery status, and an IP67 rating when fitted with cleaning and storage plugs.
Is the 3M Versaflo intrinsically safe?
The TR-800 series is. The TR-802N unit in the TR Series Heavy Industry PAPR Kit is rated Division I for Classes I, II and III under UL 60079 (6th Edition, 2013) and uses an intrinsically safe battery. The TR-300 and standard TR-600 are not described this way.
How long does a TR-600 battery run?
A new standard battery gives 4 to 12 hours and a new high capacity battery 8 to 18 hours, with a new filter. Both charge in under 4 hours.
Does a Versaflo protect against gases?
The TR-600 and TR-800 series accept cartridges for certain gases and vapours. The TR-300 is for particulates. Confirm the approved filter or cartridge for your contaminant with 3M.
Can I use a Versaflo for welding?
Yes, with the M-Series helmet and Speedglas shield, which can be combined with the TR-600 to build a complete welding system.
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Lire en français : Respirateurs 3M Versaflo : guide de choix TR-300, TR-600 et TR-800 au Canada