Skip to content
Industrial Safety Equipment & PPE β€” ANSI/OSHA Compliant
Industrial Safety Equipment & PPE β€” ANSI/OSHA Compliant

Honeywell North Cartridge Guide (2026) β€” Complete Filter & Cartridge Chart for North Respirators

Honeywell North Cartridge Guide 2026 β€” Every Filter Option for North Respirators Explained

Choosing the wrong cartridge for a Honeywell North respirator is one of the most common respiratory protection mistakes on industrial job sites. A worker running a pure vapor cartridge in a dusty spray-painting environment gets zero particulate protection. A worker running a standalone P100 disc while welding galvanized steel with zinc oxide fumes needs an OV/P100 combination. This guide eliminates the guesswork: every North filter and cartridge model, what it protects against, which facepiece it fits, and exactly when to use it.

Honeywell North respirator cartridges and filters are engineered for a single universal bayonet connection shared across the 7700, 5500, 7600, and 5400 series facepieces. One cartridge platform covers the entire North half-mask and full-face lineup β€” which simplifies inventory but requires understanding which cartridge matches which hazard.

The Four Categories of Honeywell North Filters

North organizes its filter system into four functional groups. Understanding these groups makes selection straightforward.

Category 1 β€” Pre-Filters (Particulate Discs Over Vapor Cartridges)

Pre-filters are thin particulate discs that snap onto an existing vapor cartridge using a retainer ring. They add particle protection without requiring a full cartridge replacement. Models include the 7506N95 (N95, non-oil aerosols), 7506N99 (N99), 7506R95 (R95, oil-resistant up to 8 hours), and 7504R95. Pre-filters are the right choice when a worker already has vapor cartridges installed and faces an intermittent particulate hazard β€” for example, a maintenance technician who primarily works with chemical solvents but occasionally sands or grinds.

Category 2 β€” Standalone P100 Filter (75FFP100)

The 75FFP100 is a standalone 99.97%-efficient particulate disc that mounts directly to the North bayonet without a vapor cartridge or retainer ring beneath it. It provides no chemical vapor protection β€” only particulate filtration. This is the correct choice for pure particulate hazards: silica dust, lead dust, asbestos fibers, metal fume, nuisance dust, and mold. OSHA's crystalline silica standard (29 CFR 1926.1153 for construction, 29 CFR 1910.1053 for general industry) requires P100 or higher for many silica exposures above the action level. NIOSH classifies the P100 rating as filtering at least 99.97% of particles β€” the highest efficiency level in the N/R/P system.

Shop disposable respirators if a single-use option better fits your workflow, or browse the full respirator collection for reusable systems.

Category 3 β€” Vapor-Only Cartridges

Vapor cartridges contain activated carbon sorbent that adsorbs chemical gases and vapors. They provide zero particulate filtration. North's vapor cartridge lineup:

  • N75001L β€” Organic Vapor (OV). For solvents, fuels, paint vapors, adhesives. The workhorse for painters, auto body technicians, and workers using solvent-based products.
  • N75002L β€” Acid Gas (AG). For hydrogen chloride, sulfur dioxide, chlorine, and hydrogen fluoride at non-IDLH concentrations.
  • N75003L β€” Ammonia/Methylamine. For agricultural, refrigeration, and chemical manufacturing environments with ammonia exposure.
  • N75004L β€” Formaldehyde. Specific sorbent optimized for formaldehyde exposure in healthcare, laboratory, and embalming environments.
  • 75SCL β€” Super Combo vapor cartridge. Broad-spectrum: OV + acid gas + ammonia. Used when multiple gas classes are present simultaneously.

All vapor cartridges must be paired with a pre-filter or replaced with a combination cartridge whenever particulates are also present in the environment.

Category 4 β€” P100 Combination Cartridges

Combination cartridges integrate both activated carbon vapor protection and a built-in P100 particulate filter in a single unit. These are the most widely used North cartridges in industrial settings because most real-world hazard environments involve both chemical vapors and airborne particles simultaneously.

  • 7582P100L β€” OV/P100. Organic vapor plus 99.97% P100. For spray painting, solvent work, woodworking with finishes, auto body. The standard choice for painters.
  • 7583P100L β€” Acid Gas/P100. For chlorinated compounds, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride plus particulates.
  • 7584P100L β€” OV/Acid Gas/P100. Expands coverage to include both organic vapors and acid gases alongside P100 particulate filtration. Suitable for chemical manufacturing, laboratory work, and industrial cleaning with mixed hazards.
  • 75852P100L β€” OV/Acid Gas/Ammonia/P100. Adds ammonia coverage to the OV/AG/P100 base. Relevant in agricultural chemical environments, refrigeration system servicing, and municipal wastewater treatment.
  • 75SCP100L β€” Super Combo/P100. The broadest-spectrum North combination cartridge: organic vapor, acid gas, ammonia, methylamine, plus P100 at 99.97%. Used when hazard assessment identifies multiple overlapping chemical classes. Review the best Honeywell North cartridges guide for more detail on the Super Combo.

Honeywell North Cartridge Selection Chart

Model Type OV Acid Gas Ammonia P100 Best For
75FFP100 Standalone filter No No No Yes Silica, lead, asbestos, metal fume
N75001L Vapor only Yes No No No Solvents, fuels (no particles)
N75002L Vapor only No Yes No No HCl, SO2, Cl2 (no particles)
N75003L Vapor only No No Yes No Ammonia, refrigeration
N75004L Vapor only No No No No Formaldehyde (specific sorbent)
75SCL Vapor only (multi) Yes Yes Yes No Mixed gas environments, no particles
7582P100L Combination Yes No No Yes Spray painting, solvent + dust
7583P100L Combination No Yes No Yes Acid gas + particulate
7584P100L Combination Yes Yes No Yes Mixed chemical + particulate
75852P100L Combination Yes Yes Yes Yes Agriculture, wastewater, refrigerant
75SCP100L Combination (broadest) Yes Yes Yes Yes Complex multi-hazard environments

North Bayonet Compatibility β€” Facepieces That Accept These Cartridges

Every cartridge and filter listed above uses the same North bayonet quarter-turn mount. Compatible facepieces include:

  • 7700 Series β€” Half mask, silicone facepiece, available in S/M and L/XL. The flagship North half mask for industrial use.
  • 5500 Series β€” Half mask, more economical rubber facepiece. Same cartridge mount as 7700.
  • 7600 Series β€” Full face respirator. Uses the same North bayonet. Provides eye and face protection alongside respiratory protection.
  • 5400 Series β€” Full face respirator, economy option. North bayonet compatible.

The North bayonet is not cross-compatible with 3M, MSA, Scott, or any other manufacturer's respirators. Do not attempt to use North cartridges on non-North facepieces. Browse full-face respirators or half-face respirators from multiple brands.

12 Job-Site Scenarios β€” Which North Cartridge to Choose

Scenario 1: Sandblasting / Abrasive Blasting

Silica dust is the primary hazard. No significant vapor present. Use the 75FFP100 standalone P100 filter. OSHA's silica rule (29 CFR 1926.1153) mandates a minimum of APF-10 protection for most silica tasks β€” the North half mask with P100 satisfies this requirement.

Scenario 2: Spray Painting (Solvent-Based)

Both organic vapor (solvent) and paint particulate overspray are present. Use the 7582P100L OV/P100 combination cartridge. This is the single most common North cartridge for auto body shops, industrial maintenance painters, and coating applicators.

Scenario 3: Welding Galvanized Steel

Metal fume (zinc oxide) is the primary particulate hazard. Some organic vapor may be present from coatings. Use the 7582P100L OV/P100 combination cartridge for welding on coated metals, or the 75FFP100 standalone P100 for uncoated mild steel with no organic vapor concern. NIOSH recommends engineering controls first; when a respirator is required, P100 is the appropriate particulate rating for metal fume.

Scenario 4: Chemical Manufacturing β€” HCl and Solvent Vapors

Both organic vapors and hydrogen chloride (an acid gas) are present. Use the 7584P100L OV/Acid Gas/P100 combination cartridge. Confirm with your industrial hygienist that concentrations are below IDLH levels β€” supplied air is required above IDLH.

Scenario 5: Agricultural Chemical Application

Pesticide concentrates often contain organic solvents alongside ammonia-based compounds. Use the 75852P100L OV/AG/Ammonia/P100 or the 75SCP100L Super Combo/P100 when the SDS lists multiple chemical classes. Always verify against the chemical SDS and consult your employer's written respiratory protection program per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134.

Scenario 6: Asbestos Abatement

OSHA's asbestos standard (29 CFR 1926.1101) requires a minimum half-face respirator with P100 filtration for Class III and IV work. Use the 75FFP100 standalone P100. Class I and II asbestos work requires a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) or supplied-air system β€” a half mask is insufficient.

Scenario 7: Woodworking with Lacquers and Stains

Both wood dust (particulate, potential carcinogen per IARC) and solvent vapors from finishes are present. Use the 7582P100L OV/P100. The P100 layer handles wood dust at 99.97% efficiency while the OV sorbent captures lacquer and stain vapors.

Scenario 8: Wastewater Treatment / Sewage

Hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and methane are common in confined-space wastewater environments. For half-mask use in non-IDLH atmospheres, the 75SCP100L Super Combo/P100 covers the broadest spectrum of gases. Note: hydrogen sulfide at high concentrations reaches IDLH quickly β€” supplied-air or SCBA is required for confined-space entry with unknown atmospheres.

Scenario 9: Formaldehyde Exposure (Healthcare/Laboratory)

Formaldehyde requires a specific sorbent optimized for its molecular properties. Use the N75004L formaldehyde vapor cartridge. If particulates are also present (e.g., histology lab with tissue particles), add a pre-filter retainer with a 7506 series pre-filter disc. OSHA's formaldehyde standard (29 CFR 1910.1048) sets a PEL of 0.75 ppm TWA and 2 ppm STEL.

Scenario 10: Lead Abatement

OSHA's lead standard (29 CFR 1926.62 for construction) requires a minimum half-face respirator with P100 filtration when exposures exceed the PEL. Use the 75FFP100 standalone P100. No vapor cartridge is needed for lead dust β€” a combination cartridge adds unnecessary bulk and cost without benefit.

Scenario 11: Pesticide Application (Fumigation)

Fumigants such as methyl bromide or sulfuryl fluoride are IDLH-level hazards β€” a half-mask respirator is not appropriate. For non-fumigant pesticide application involving organic solvent carriers and airborne particulates, use the 7582P100L or 75SCP100L depending on the SDS profile. Always follow the pesticide label, which is a federally mandated document under FIFRA.

Scenario 12: Confined Space Maintenance β€” Unknown Atmosphere

An air-purifying respirator (APR) β€” including any Honeywell North half mask β€” is never appropriate for unknown atmospheres or IDLH-level exposures. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 requires SCBA or supplied-air for permit-required confined spaces with unknown atmospheric hazards. Know your limitations before entering.

Cartridge Change-Out Schedule β€” When to Replace North Cartridges

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134(d)(3)(iii) requires employers to establish a cartridge change-out schedule based on objective information or data that ensures cartridges are changed before the end of their service life. For vapor cartridges, change-out is typically determined by:

  • End-of-service-life indicators (ESLI) β€” North does not use ESLI on most cartridges; schedule-based change-out is the norm
  • Odor breakthrough β€” Smell of the chemical through the mask means the cartridge is saturated and must be replaced immediately
  • Shift-based schedule β€” Many employers change cartridges every shift for high-concentration environments
  • Humidity and temperature β€” High humidity accelerates activated carbon saturation; change more frequently in hot, humid conditions

P100 filters (75FFP100 and the P100 layer in combination cartridges) do not have a chemical service life β€” they are replaced when breathing resistance increases noticeably, when physically damaged, or when contaminated with oil mist.

Where to Buy Honeywell North Cartridges

Browse the complete respirator cartridges and filters collection at WC Safety for in-stock North cartridges with fast shipping. Need the full respirator? Shop half-face respirators or full-face respirators. For budget-conscious worksites, disposable respirators may suit lower-exposure tasks.

Also available on Amazon: Honeywell North cartridges on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions β€” Honeywell North Cartridges

Disclosures & editorial standards
WC Safety participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Outbound Amazon links are affiliate links. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. This content is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Safety equipment selection is governed by applicable OSHA standards and your facility's safety program.

Q: Are Honeywell North cartridges compatible with 3M respirators?

A: No. North cartridges use a proprietary bayonet mount that is specific to Honeywell North facepieces. They are not compatible with 3M, MSA, Scott, or any other brand's respirators. Cross-brand mixing creates a seal failure risk and is never NIOSH-approved.

Q: What is the difference between the 75FFP100 and the 7582P100L?

A: The 75FFP100 is a standalone P100 particulate filter only β€” no vapor protection. The 7582P100L is a combination cartridge providing both organic vapor protection and P100 particulate filtration in a single unit. Use the 75FFP100 when only particles are present; use the 7582P100L when both vapors and particles are present.

Q: Do I need a pre-filter retainer ring to use North pre-filters?

A: Yes. North pre-filter discs (7506 series) require the North pre-filter retainer to secure them over an installed vapor cartridge. The retainer snaps onto the outer face of the vapor cartridge and holds the disc in place. Without the retainer, the pre-filter will not stay secured.

Q: What does the "L" suffix mean on North cartridge model numbers?

A: The "L" suffix indicates the cartridge is designed for the North bayonet large-format mount, which is standard across all current North half mask and full-face facepieces. Older North equipment may use different suffixes β€” verify compatibility with your specific facepiece model number.

Q: Can I use North 7700 series cartridges on a North 5500 series facepiece?

A: Yes. All current North cartridges use the same North bayonet mount and are compatible across the 7700, 5500, 7600, and 5400 series facepieces. The cartridge, not the facepiece model, determines protection type.

Q: How long do Honeywell North organic vapor cartridges last?

A: Service life depends on chemical concentration, humidity, temperature, and breathing rate. OSHA requires a documented change-out schedule. In moderate-concentration solvent environments, cartridges typically last one shift. High humidity or high concentrations require more frequent changes. Replace immediately if you detect odor through the mask.

Q: What is the 75SCP100L Super Combo cartridge best used for?

A: The 75SCP100L is Honeywell North's broadest-spectrum combination cartridge, covering organic vapor, acid gas, ammonia, methylamine, and P100 particulates at 99.97% efficiency. It is best used in complex multi-hazard environments where a hazard assessment identifies multiple overlapping chemical classes β€” for example, wastewater treatment, agricultural chemical application, or multi-product chemical manufacturing.

Q: Does the North 7582P100L protect against formaldehyde?

A: The 7582P100L provides organic vapor protection which offers some adsorption of formaldehyde, but formaldehyde requires a specific sorbent (North N75004L) for reliable protection per NIOSH approval. For formaldehyde-primary environments, use the N75004L cartridge, not the 7582P100L.

Q: Is a half-mask respirator with P100 approved for asbestos work?

A: For Class III and IV asbestos operations under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1101, a half-face respirator with P100 is the minimum required respirator. Class I and II operations (friable asbestos removal) require a PAPR or supplied-air respirator β€” a half mask does not provide sufficient protection.

Q: What NIOSH rating do Honeywell North combination cartridges carry?

A: Honeywell North combination cartridges carry NIOSH approval for their specific gas classes (OV, AG, ammonia, etc.) plus P100 particulate filtration at 99.97% efficiency. The NIOSH approval number appears on the cartridge label and the packaging. Verify the TC (approval number) for your specific cartridge model.

Q: Can North cartridges be used on a full-face respirator for eye protection?

A: Yes. North 7600 and 5400 series full-face respirators use the same North bayonet cartridge mount. Using the same cartridges on a full-face facepiece adds eye and face protection β€” important in environments with chemical splashes or high-velocity particulates. See the full-face respirator collection.

Q: What is the difference between N75002L (acid gas) and 7583P100L?

A: The N75002L is a vapor-only acid gas cartridge with no particulate filtration. The 7583P100L is a combination cartridge that adds a P100 filter to the same acid gas sorbent. Use N75002L only when no particulates are present; use 7583P100L whenever both acid gas vapors and airborne particles exist simultaneously.

Q: Do I need a written respiratory protection program to use North cartridges?

A: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 requires a written respiratory protection program whenever respirators are used in the workplace β€” either required by the employer or voluntarily used at the employee's request. The program must include hazard assessment, respirator selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, and a change-out schedule for cartridges. Self-employed individuals and certain small employers may qualify for simplified requirements.

Q: How do North pre-filter discs compare to combination cartridges in terms of protection?

A: When a North pre-filter disc (7506 series) is properly installed over a vapor cartridge with the retainer ring, it provides the same level of particulate filtration as a combination cartridge for that rating class. The advantage of pre-filters is cost β€” you reuse the vapor cartridge and only replace the pre-filter disc when loading increases. The disadvantage is the extra assembly step and the risk of improper installation.

Q: Where can I find the NIOSH approval number for my North cartridge?

A: The NIOSH TC (approval) number is printed on the cartridge body and on the packaging. You can verify it against the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL) at cdc.gov/niosh. The approval number confirms the cartridge has been independently tested and certified for the listed hazard classes.

Related Resources

Shop Honeywell North Respirators on WCSafety.com

Previous article Best Smart Smoke Detectors 2026 β€” Tested & Ranked (12 Picks)