Honeywell North PR500 mask-mounted PAPR respirator
The North PR500 Series is a powered air-purifying respirator with a blower mounted to a tight-fitting RU6500 full facepiece. It uses a HEPA filter for particulate protection. Honeywell's technical sheet lists an assigned protection factor of 1,000 for the configured PR500 mask-mounted PAPR.
System features
- Blower assembly mounted at the facepiece.
- RU6500 with five-point headstrap.
- Battery-powered airflow through a particulate filter.
- Three facepiece sizes for fit selection.
Selection considerations
- Identify contaminants and measured exposure levels.
- Check required respiratory protection and task restrictions.
- Confirm fit and approved component combinations.
- Review replacement and service availability.
What APF 1,000 means for this PAPR
An assigned protection factor describes the expected workplace protection of a respirator class when used within an effective respiratory protection program. It is not a filter efficiency percentage or a promise that every wearer receives the same protection under every condition.
For the PR500, use the manufacturer instructions, approval label, and applicable exposure limits to establish whether the complete system is appropriate. Maximum use concentrations remain limited by contaminant-specific requirements and immediately dangerous to life or health conditions. A higher APF does not make an air-purifying respirator suitable for an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
Particulate filtration has defined limits
The documented PR500 configuration uses a HEPA filter for particles. Do not interpret that as general protection against chemical gases or vapors. A product description mentioning dust, fumes, or mists does not establish suitability for every material that can become airborne.
For lead, asbestos, or other regulated substances, have the respiratory protection program administrator check the applicable substance-specific requirements and measured exposure before selecting equipment. The name of an industry or task alone is not enough to choose a respirator. Include those details when asking ASA about a replacement.
Fit testing applies to the full facepiece
The PR500 uses a tight-fitting facepiece, so powered airflow does not remove the need for fit testing. Users need the required medical evaluation, training, and fit testing before occupational use. Facial hair must not interfere with the face seal or valve function.
Small, medium, and large options identify facepiece sizes, not guaranteed fits. Record the exact make, model, style, and size used for each worker's successful fit test. If a replacement changes the facepiece, arrange the required fit testing before the new system is used at work.
North PR500 PAPR questions
Is the PR500 still available?
ASA marks it as discontinued. Contact ASA about any remaining stock, service components, or alternatives. A visible size selector does not establish current availability.
Does this PAPR supply oxygen?
No. It filters surrounding air. Do not use it in oxygen-deficient or immediately dangerous to life or health atmospheres.
Can I move PR500 parts to the suggested alternative?
Do not assume interchangeability. A different PAPR must use the components specified in its own approval and instructions. Confirm compatibility before purchasing or assembling equipment.
Is a replacement purchase just a change of model number?
No. Review the new system's protection, facepiece fit, approved components, maintenance requirements, and training needs. Include consumables and charging equipment in the comparison so the proposed purchase covers the complete working system.
What information helps ASA answer a service inquiry?
Provide the equipment model, component numbers, photographs of identification labels, and a description of the request. Specify whether you need a consumable, replacement component, or complete alternative system.
