In scuba diving and on our cylinder tanks, we use two different valves. You will have first heard of these valves in your Open Water course. Let’s look at the differences between the DIN valve vs Yoke Valve, which valve you should choose for your type of diving, and which valve is ultimately safer underwater.
DIN Valve vs Yoke Valve
Valves regulate and control the flow of gas in a pressurized scuba tank/cylinder. It is important as this is what allows the flow of gas for us to breathe underwater.
The DIN valve was first developed in the US in the late 1950 and originally called a 5/8 threaded connection. The DIN valve is a threaded valve, where you screw the regulator into the tank valve. The name DIN is an acronym for “Deutsche Industrie Norm” (German Industry Standard) which is an industrial testing and approval agency based in Germany.
Remember: DIN screws in!
A Yoke valve, on the other hand, is held by a clamp mounting which is placed over the tank valve. A screw will then secure it in place. A rubber o-ring seals the valve to the first stage of the regulator to ensure no leaks.
A yoke valve is also referred to as an INT-valve as it was the original valve used in scuba diving of international standard.
DIN First Stage
With a DIN setup, you will need a DIN first stage on the regulator with a DIN valve scuba tank.
DIN valves were first used in technical and commercial diving due to its higher pressure capacity. While Yoke valves are generally only approved up to 240 Bar (3400 PSI) a DIN valve can be set to handle 300 Bar (4350 PSI)
A DIN valve is widely accepted to be the safer valve due to its resilience and sturdiness. This is because a DIN valve is screwed in rather than clamped on. A DIN valve is also less likely to be knocked off or loosened compared to a Yoke valve. This is highly unlikely but not impossible in technical diving where there are overhead environments or colder temperatures.
However, Yoke valves are incredibly popular and what you will mostly find in recreational scuba diving. Especially, in more temperate conditions such as when diving in Indonesia, or on a liveaboard in Thailand.
But what if you own a DIN regulator and you are faced with a Yoke valve while on holiday, or vice versa?
Yoke to DIN Adapter
Luckily, there are Yoke to DIN adapters for this very scenario! A DIN adapter allows a DIN regulator to be used on a Yoke cylinder valve. It is a piece of equipment that is easily transported to allow you to use on any scuba tank with your DIN regulator.
A DIN adapter works by clamping onto a Yoke valve cylinder. It then has a threaded opening for a DIN regulator to screw in.
You can also find DIN to Yoke inserts that will be screwed into a DIN valve. This will then convert the DIN valve to a Yoke valve. You will use a hex key or Allen’s key to remove and replace the insert.
DIN valve vs Yoke valve. Which valve do you prefer using and why? Let me know in the comments below!
