Why do CO2 regulators go up to 60 PSI? Is there a use for the upper PSI levels?
Regulators are used for a lot more than just CO2 and CO2 is used for a lot more than just beer. Both have many uses and it would make little sense to make a different regulator and/or gauge for each application. Pretty much economics 101. People do actually use higher pressures to burst carbonate beer too. It’s not odd to use up to 50psi for a few hours to speed the carbonation process.
Soda? Beer gas in a long draw system? Both could at least require over 30psi in some cases.
I too have often wished a 0-30 psi regulator were available, but came to the same conclusions as the replies above why no one will make just one for me.
Then I ran across this one: https://www.co2masters.com/product-page/co2-regulator
I recently purchased a new regulator, so I have not tried this one and therefore cannot recommend it. It lists for $40 plus shipping. For all I know, it may be totally inappropriate and even unsafe for beer applications. The model I purchased at a home brew store, works well, and this now seems like fixing a problem I don’t have.
Maybe someone who has one or knows more about regulators than myself can comment.
I use 60 psi to carb a keg of water
Also, the regulator is separate from the low pressure gauge. You can put a gauge that reads the 0-30 scale on your current regulator, but the screw mechanism in the regulator still supports a larger range.
I don’t really mind that I hang out at the low end of the gauge. I was really just curious. I appreciate all the answers and insights.
Yeah, I think the main reason is that in this case, you can manufacture something that really is “one size fits all” and that saves money.