Safety-Tested CO2 Cartridges for Life Jackets – OEM & Bulk Supply
Explore Our Full Range of CO2 Cartridges for Life Jackets
17g CO2 Cartridges for Compact Inflatable Life Vests
24g CO2 Cartridges for Belt Pack PFDs & Recreational Vests
33g CO2 Cartridges for CE 150N Inflatable Life Jackets
45g CO2 Cartridges for Heavy-Duty and Commercial Life Jackets
Custom CO2 Cartridges Tailored for Life Jacket Brands
Which CO2 Cartridge Size Is Right for Your Life Jackets?
Understand the differences between 17g, 24g, 33g, and 45g CO2 cartridges — and why 33g CO2 cartridges remain the industry benchmark for inflatable life jackets.
Cartridge Size | Best Used For | Why It Matters |
17g CO2 cartridges | Youth life jackets, SUP vests, basic recreational PFDs | Lightweight option with minimal buoyancy (50–100N); ideal for compact vest models |
24g CO2 cartridges | Belt-pack PFDs, adult recreational boating vests | Low-profile with sufficient fill for 100–120N; popular in warm-weather regions |
33g CO2 cartridges | CE 150N-rated inflatable life jackets, universal adult safety gear | The most used cartridge for adult PFDs; works with Halkey-Roberts and UML systems |
45g CO2 cartridges | Offshore rescue jackets, commercial and industrial marine PFDs | Delivers full inflation for high-buoyancy (275N+) vests in emergency scenarios |
✅ Why Most Buyers Choose 33g CO2 Cartridges
Custom CO2 Cartridges for Life Jackets – Built for Marine Safety Brands
Laser Marking
Custom Labels & Branding
Thread Type Matching
Size & Gas Fill Adjustment
Corrosion-Resistant Finishes
Marine-Ready Packaging
📩 Want to see how your custom cartridge would look?
Product Specifications & Export Packaging for Life Jacket CO2 Cartridges
- We offer inner boxes (10 / 25 / 50 pcs) optimized for repacking into rearming kits or retail display cartons
- Shock-resistant export cartons are moisture-sealed and certified for DG transport (UN1013, Class 2.2)
- OEM accessories — including inflator devices, water-soluble bobbins, indicator clips, and O-rings — can be packed together for consolidated export
- We support FOB, CIF, or DDP terms depending on your region and customs clearance setup
⚠️ Note: Life jacket CO2 cartridges are regulated as UN1013 (Class 2.2 non-flammable gas) and require DG-certified sea freight procedures. Air transport is generally restricted unless pre-approved under special packaging exemptions.
We’ve prepared a complete export guide including:
- 20ft / 40ft container loading data by cartridge size
- Global shipping lead times (EU, US, Middle East, SE Asia)
- Thread compatibility charts for Halkey-Roberts, UML, and Alpha inflators
🦺 Your Manufacturing Partner for Life Jacket CO2 Cartridges
🏭 The Factory Behind Inflatable PFD Brands
⚙️ OEM-Ready, Built for Life Jacket Systems
- 33g CO2 cartridges for CE 150N inflatable life vests
- 45g high-volume cylinders for offshore rescue kits
- Custom threading (1/2″-20UNF, M18x1.5, OEM)
- Labeling in English, French, Spanish, or your native market
- Sample kits with inflators, bobbins, clips — fully branded for testing or display
🌍 Global Export Compliance for Marine Applications
- CE / TPED / UN1013 / MSDS / Dangerous Goods Packaging
- Moisture-sealed cartons, labeled Class 2.2 (Non-Flammable Gas)
- Optional DDP door-to-door delivery to North America, EU, Australia
- Palletized loading plan and accessory mix-packing support
- Custom cartons and multi-language instruction sheets for rearming kits
🧰 Accessory Support for Life Jacket & PFD Kits
- Manual / automatic inflators
- Indicator clips and dissolving bobbins
- O-rings, pull cords, inspection stickers
- Rearming kit packaging (blister / box / multilingual insert)
- Reduce freight cost by 20–35%
- Speed up customs clearance
- Launch bundled SKUs faster with full OEM control
🔧 Engineered for Life-Saving Reliability
- Each cartridge is internally cleaned and degreased to prevent inflator damage
- Thread tolerances are measured to ±0.02mm to ensure a perfect seal with common inflator heads
- Leak testing and burst pressure validation are performed on every production batch
- Zinc or chrome finishes are tested under salt spray conditions for anti-corrosion protection
- Each unit is batch-coded and date-marked for traceability and regulatory inspection
✅ Our Guarantee: 3× After-Sales Protection
- Free replacements or triple refund value
- No-MOQ guarantee for defect resolution
- Engineering support from actual production staff
- Post-sale tracking to help your team close the loop
Frequently Asked Questions: Life Jacket CO2 Cartridges
1. Which CO2 cartridge size should I choose for my life jackets?
- 33g is the industry standard for CE 150N-rated adult life jackets.
- 17g is used for youth vests or compact belt-style PFDs.
- 45g is common for offshore or high-buoyancy jackets (275N+). Still unsure? Share your model or inflator photo — we’ll confirm specs for you.
2. Are your CO2 cartridges compatible with Halkey-Roberts and UML inflators?
3. What certifications do your cartridges carry for life jacket applications?
- UN1013 (Class 2.2 gas transport)
- CE / TPED for Europe
- MSDS, COA, and batch pressure reports We also support third-party factory audits and drop-in compliance letters for tenders.
4. Can I customize the labeling and packaging with my brand?
- Laser-engraved steel body with logo or code
- Waterproof label stickers with safety icons
- Custom instruction sheets in English, French, or Spanish
- OEM cartons for kits or retail packaging — with barcode if needed
5. Do you offer samples or mixed testing kits?
- Mixed-size kits (17g, 24g, 33g, 45g)
- Optional inflator heads, bobbins, and clips Perfect for inflator compatibility testing, field evaluation, or brand trials.
6. What’s your MOQ and lead time for export orders?
- MOQ: 1 pallet for standard SKUs
- Sample requests: no MOQ
- Lead time: 7–10 days production, plus sea freight (varies by region) We support urgent orders and seasonal delivery planning.
7. Can you ship cartridges together with inflators and accessories?
8. What after-sales guarantee do you offer?
- Free replacement or refund
- Engineer response within 24h
- Zero MOQ for claim support
- Post-sale follow-up to ensure product fit and performance
Still Have Questions About Life Jacket CO2 Cartridges?
Life Jacket CO2 Cartridge Buying Guide
Everything Marine Safety Buyers Need to Know Before Placing an Order
Table of Contents
Top 8 CO2 Cartridge Brands for Life Jackets
When it comes to inflating life jackets in emergencies, the reliability of your CO2 cartridge can directly affect survival. Whether you’re a marine safety gear distributor, an OEM life vest brand, or a wholesale buyer preparing for seasonal demand, choosing the right cartridge supplier is critical.
That’s why we’re preparing an in-depth roundup of the Top 8 CO2 Cartridge Brands for Life Jackets — highlighting manufacturers that excel in:
Consistent gas release for fast and reliable inflation
Leak-proof sealing and corrosion resistance
Compatibility with key inflator mechanisms (Halkey-Roberts, UML, and more)
OEM-ready supply for private label and bulk programs
Compliance with SOLAS, ISO, and other marine safety standards
💡 This list will include trusted names like alizeemetal, plus global manufacturers used by life jacket brands worldwide.
👉 Stay tuned — this article will help you compare quality levels, cartridge specs, and sourcing partners side by side.
Why CO2 Cartridges Are the Standard for Life Jackets
CO2 Inflation Is Instant, Manual Blowing Isn’t
Manual inflation depends on lung capacity and calm conditions. That’s not realistic in a rescue scenario.
Global Standards Require CO2-Driven Systems
Uniform Performance, Every Time
CO2 Cartridges Are the Industry Standard — By Design
If you’re sourcing for OEM production, rental fleets, or maritime contracts, CO2 cartridges are not an option — they’re the format your equipment is built around.
What Buoyancy Rating Does Each CO2 Cartridge Size Support?
CO2 Cartridge Size vs. Flotation Capacity
CO2 Cartridge Size | Approx. Buoyancy (N) | Typical Application |
17g | ~80N | Youth vests, slim waist belts, small PFDs |
24g | ~110N | Belt-pack inflatable vests (adult recreational use) |
30g | ~130N | Intermediate vests (non-standard regional models) |
33g | 150N | CE-certified adult life jackets (global standard) |
60g | 275N | Commercial & offshore rescue jackets, SOLAS-level PFDs |
Buyer Notes:
- 33g is the most commonly used CO2 cartridge size for global marine-standard inflatable life jackets.
- 24g is typically used for low-profile belt-type PFDs; not suitable for offshore or industrial use.
- 60g cartridges are required for high-risk scenarios where 275N buoyancy is mandatory (e.g. offshore, SOLAS).
How Does a Life Jacket Inflator Work? CO2 Inflation Trigger Mechanisms Explained
1. Manual Activation
- Used for: kayaking, boating, fishing — where the wearer is conscious and water exposure is frequent
- Advantage: avoids unintended inflation during rain or splashing
- Note: requires user action; not suitable if unconscious or incapacitated
2. Automatic Activation (Water-Activated)
- Used for: offshore safety gear, commercial vessels, rental fleets
- Advantage: activates even if the wearer is unconscious
- Variants:
- Standard bobbin type: activates on direct water contact
- Hydrostatic inflator: detects water pressure, reducing false activations in heavy rain
3. Dual Activation System
- Allows automatic inflation upon submersion
- Includes manual backup via pull handle
- Standard for CE 150N / ISO 12402 / SOLAS-compliant PFDs
Inflator System Components Include:
- A life jacket inflator head with a piercing mechanism
- A compatible CO2 cartridge (e.g., 33g for 150N buoyancy)
- A bobbin unit or hydrostatic sensor (for automatic versions)
- An indicator clip or firing status window
- A manual pull handle with safety pin
How to Safely Store Life Jacket CO2 Cartridges in Wholesale Operations
Storage Guidelines for Life Jacket CO2 Cartridges (Wholesale Scale)
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated environment Avoid exposure to humidity, direct sunlight, or enclosed heat zones. Indoor warehouses with ≤ 45°C (113°F) ambient temperature are recommended.
- Keep away from ignition sources and flammable materials Although CO2 is non-flammable (Class 2.2), cartridges are under high pressure and should be stored away from sparks, welding zones, or fuel.
- Organize by batch and date code Life jacket CO2 cartridges are marked with production lot numbers and expiry dates. Always apply FIFO (first-in, first-out) stock rotation.
- Avoid stacking heavy loads directly on cartons Use standard pallets and avoid compressing master cartons to prevent deformation or accidental activation.
- Store with compatible accessories Keep inflators, bobbins, and indicator clips in the same controlled area. Avoid mixing with unrelated gas products (e.g., N2O, soda CO2).
⚠️ Important for Marine Safety Products:
- Product certification validity
- Inflator compatibility (due to corrosion or seal degradation)
- End-user safety in rearming kits
How to Import Life Jacket CO2 Cartridges from China
- DG-compliant packaging with Class 2.2 labeling
- Full documentation: MSDS, COA, UN certificate, commercial invoice, packing list
- Shipment via sea freight with DG-certified forwarders (FOB Ningbo or Shanghai)
- Coordination for customs clearance and port handling on arrival
Why You Shouldn’t Choose the Cheapest CO2 Cartridges for Life Jackets
In marine safety, a failed CO2 cartridge is more than a product defect — it’s a life at risk.
Factory Quality Checklist: What Actually Affects Safety and Performance?
Critical Factor | Why It Matters in Life Jackets | What We Do at Alizeemetal |
Gas Fill Volume & Pressure | Underfilled cartridges may not fully inflate the jacket — risking flotation failure | Precision filling to ±0.1g, verified by weight-based batch logs |
Internal Steel Cleaning | Residue, oil or rust can damage inflators or cause premature leakage | Full degreasing + air-drying for all life jacket cartridge shells |
Threading Accuracy (1/2” UNF) | If the cartridge can’t screw into the inflator smoothly, it may not seal or fire correctly | CNC-machined threads + real inflator-mount fitting check |
Post-Production Thread Testing | Ensures every cartridge still fits the inflator after plating & sealing | 100% pass-through with Go/No-Go thread gauge |
Seal Closure & Crimp Quality | A weak crimp may lead to slow gas leaks during storage or transport | High-pressure crimping + camera-based inspection |
Surface Plating (Zinc/Nickel) | Prevents rust in humid, saltwater environments | Applied after leak testing, not before |
Leak & Burst Resistance | Verifies pressure safety and deployment under emergency conditions | 100% leak-tested + 1.5× burst pressure test on every batch |
Batch Traceability | Needed for certifications, warranty claims, and import audits | Laser batch ID on every unit, matching carton and test log |
Export Packaging Protection | Avoids crushed threads, false activations or neck damage during ocean freight | Shock-resistant boxes with foam inserts and pallet wrapping |
What You May Not See in “Cheap” Cartridges:
- Threads that look right — but strip under torque
- Fill weights ±1g off spec — failing to meet CE/SOLAS buoyancy
- Coating only applied outside — rust inside neck thread
- No crimp control — small leaks after 3–6 months of shelf storage
- No batch number — making recalls impossible
- Cartons collapse in transit — arriving damaged or unsafe
These shortcuts won’t show up in price — but they’ll show up in your return rate, reputation, or regulatory inspection.
Why Life Jacket Brands Choose Us
- Verified compatibility with inflators like Halkey-Roberts, UML, and Alpha
- Consistent inflation for 150N / 275N CE-certified vests
- Safety reports and pressure charts to pass TPED / ISO 12402 testing
- Clean steel, tight threads, sealed pressure — every time
- Burst test videos
- Thread fitting charts
- Batch traceability templates
- Sample cartridges from different coating and sealing types
How to Determine If a CO2 Leak Is Caused by the Cartridge or the Inflator
Quick Diagnostic Table: CO2 Cartridge vs. Inflator Issue
Observed Symptom | Most Likely Cause | How to Diagnose |
Hissing sound before activation, during install | Cartridge neck seal issue | Try another cartridge from the same batch — if issue persists, check the inflator |
Sudden gas release while tightening into inflator | Thread mismatch or cross-threading | Check for smooth threading; use a Go/No-Go gauge if available |
Trigger pulled, but vest doesn’t inflate | Inflator valve malfunction | Disassemble inflator and inspect for jammed spring, old O-ring, or salt residue |
Continuous hissing after activation | Partial puncture or inflator leak | Inspect piercing hole alignment and inflator valve seal |
Removed cartridge appears intact but is empty | Cartridge seal failure | Weigh the cartridge — if weight loss >10%, gas likely leaked prior to use |
Only a few units leak from a full batch | Cartridge-specific issue | Send samples and batch number to supplier for seal or plating defect analysis |
All cartridges fail across multiple inflators | Cartridge threading defect | Provide inflator model and photos — supplier can verify threading compatibility |
Recommended Diagnostic Assets:
- Provide photos of the cartridge, neck, and inflator setup
- Share a video if the leak occurred during or after triggering
- Include the cartridge lot number and purchase date
Beyond Life Jackets: Where Else Are CO2 Cartridges Used in Safety Equipment?
Common Uses for CO2 Cartridges in Inflatable Safety Equipment
Application | Typical Use Case | Cartridge Sizes | Thread Type |
Inflatable Life Jackets (Manual/Auto) | Marine recreation, offshore crew, military PFDs | 24g / 33g / 45g / 60g | 1/2″ UNF |
Waist Belt Inflatable PFDs | Low-profile flotation belts for paddle sports and fishing | 17g / 24g | 1/2″ UNF |
Equestrian Airbag Vests | Rider fall protection vests with tether-based activation | 33g / 45g | 1/2″ UNF |
Motorcycle Airbag Jackets | High-impact safety gear for motorsports and street riding | 33g / 45g | 1/2″ UNF |
Inflatable Rescue Devices (IFDs) | Lifeguard belts, throwable flotation aids | 24g / 33g | 1/2″ UNF |
Aviation Crew Life Vests | Airline cabin crew and passenger emergency flotation systems | 24g / 33g / 60g | Threaded / custom |
Industrial PFDs (Oil & Gas) | Offshore worker safety gear with auto/manual inflation | 45g / 60g | 1/2″ UNF |
Why This Matters to Sourcing Teams
- Multiple inflatable products can be supplied with the same CO2 cartridge spec
- Simplifies inventory and reduces MOQ pressure by grouping compatible SKUs
- Ideal for OEM bundling, re-arming kits, and category-specific private labeling
- Helps you expand into new markets (e.g., equestrian or motorcycle safety) without changing supply chains
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Reliable Delivery and Support
We offer fast, reliable global shipping to ensure your bulk orders are delivered on time. Our dedicated support team is always here to answer any questions you may have, including compatibility issues with your equipment and product packaging design, and to guide you through your CO2 cartridge needs.
Contact Us for Tailored Solutions
Get in touch today for a personalized quote, custom solutions, or to discuss how our CO2 cartridges can boost your business with quality and efficiency.