FAQ - about the Aquapac:
What is an Aquapac™?
So far you have always thought about taking your cell phone, smartphone, MP 3 player, organizer, GPS, e-book, PDA or expensive digital camera with you in your free time: to the beach, the lake or on a trekking tour, for jogging, walking, swimming, camping, surfing or diving. It could rain or there could be a big wave...
With the Aquapacs, you no longer need to worry: The bags are 100 percent waterproof and submersible up to ten meters, protecting against rain, snow, waves or splashing water. And: your electronic equipment works through the film, whether you want to talk, listen, make phone calls, listen to music, operate the touchscreen, take photos or videos or write notes with the stylus.
And of course your ID card, driving license, credit card, flight ticket or car key are also protected. Aquapacs are even used for medical devices such as insulin pumps or the radios of the fire department or DLRG. There are almost no limits for Aquapac™, only from a depth of ten meters does it slowly come to an end. What's more, the Aquapac floats with its contents thanks to the air trapped in the case.
What keeps the water out?
The Aquaclip® is the key to the Aquapacs. An amazing little system that totally seals the bag with a simple twist. Aquapac has invented and patented a simple and easy to use system: Two click rails are attached to a waterproof PU bag, slide your device in, flip two levers and no more drops get in. Everything is completely watertight! Incidentally, this also applies to dust or oil if you want to use Aquapacs in industry or trade.
All parts of the Aquapac are so firmly connected that nothing can fall apart.
The Aquaclip was fully patented in Europe, the USA, Australia and China. But that's the way it is: Unfortunately, patents expire at some point.
What does "100% waterproof" mean?
You can absolutely rely on the cases’ tightness as long ast he case is not punctured by outer influence and as long as the levers are properly sealed. In the range of the clamps – between the two sheets of foil as well as between these and the clamps – nothing may disturb the sealing: No cord, dirt or sand. Please always check before use.
In August 2008 IC Consultants Ltd (part of the Mechanical Engineering Department of Imperial College, London) were commissioned to make an independent assessment of the waterproofness of the Aquapac range.
The tests were carried out using a purpose-built pressure chamber (pictured here).
All the cases met Aquapac's waterproof claims (see below).
Every case sealed with our Aquaclip™ seal tested 100% waterproof to at least 0.5 bar, which is equivalent to a depth of 16.7 feet (5.1m) of water. Some tested waterproof to 2.0 bar, which is equivalent to 66.9 feet (20.4m) of water.
During manufacture we batch-test the cases in our own pressure chamber for 5 minutes at 1.0 bar, which is equivalent to 33ft (10.1m) of water. We also do a simple, manual squeeze-in-a-basin test!
Waterproof Ratings System
Aquapac™ introduced a system to clearly identify the waterproofness of each Aquapac product:
The Submersible Range is all guaranteed to IPX8, which means continuous immersion under conditions of the manufacturer's choice. The case is suitable for continual submersion in water at depths of up to 10m/30ft. There is one exceptions for depths of more than five meters: our „Keymaster“ (Code 608) is o.k. for down to 50 meters / 150 ft. Be aware that the pressure under water deeper then 10 meters/ 30 ft can damage your device.
The special Trailproof Cases like the Trail Proof Phone Case are guaranteed to IPX7, which means that they're OK for temporary immersion of up to 1m/3ft depth as long as you bring them straight back up to the surface. The testing: Protected against water immersion - Immersion at a depth of 1meter for 5 seconds.
The Stormproof range of roll-seal bags is all tested to IPX6, which means as waterproof as you can get without actually immersing the bags underwater. Fire-hose proof!The testing: Protected against heavy seas - Water projected at all angles through a 12.5mm nozzle at a flow rate of 100 liters/min at a pressure of 100kN/m2 for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.
What does dust- and dirtproof mean?
The British Standards Institution BSI carried ou a series of independent tests in 1999 according to BSEN-Standard 60529:1992. The first tests showed if dust can be blown or sucked through the closed Aquaclip. The answer was „No“. All test samples were 100% dustproof and fulfilled the category IP6X, the toughest dust tightness test.
Does the Aquapac™ float with content?
Yes. The Aquaclip seals the case airtight. The principle: Most electronic devices do contain a lot of air. To be added to the air around the device. In case of doubt please test if it floats in the tub.
What is an Aquapac™ made of?
The soft material is a special polymere made exclusively for Aquapac. We weld them with high frequency welding machines. The Aquaclip is a mixture of injection moulding materials as Nylon, ABS and Polypropylene.
How durable are they?
They are tougher than they look. The Aquaclip was tested at the University of Bath. After having been opened and closed 10,000 times is still was absolutely waterproof. The soft material made of special polymeres is high frequency welded. That means they are chemically joined which makes the welding as durable as any other part of the material. All materials used are UV stabilized and salt water resistant.
Aquapacs are recommended as a ‘Best Buy’ by Sailing Today: "We can vouch for the toughness…Much as the case was pulled, stretched and twisted, the material did not break or tear, and it really took some abuse"
What does UV-stabilization mean?
Unless specially treated, most plastics will gradually break down from prolonged exposure to sunlight. This is especially true of transparent plastics, which quickly go yellow.
All case materials are UV-stabilized so they will not break down in sunlight.
Note: Although the material itself is protected, the case will not protect its contents from harmful rays. Electronic equipment should never be left out in bright sunlight - not even in an Aquapac.
Can I use my Aquapa in the hot tub? Or at the North Pole?
The temperature range of use of the foil ranges from -20°C / -4°F to 45°C / 113°F. The hard plastic parts start to soften from approx. 40°C. If you immerse the Aquapac in a very hot bath, it could start to leak. However, as long as you do not hold the bag under water, you will have no problem.
In the cold the foil becomes brittle and can even break.
Who uses Aquapacs™?
Aquapacs are used and appreciated by people who do boating, fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, hiking, biking, camping and have fun on the beach ...
A lot of professional users rely on Aquapacs as well: coast guards, mountaineering rescue teams, fire brigades, armies, airports, farmers, bakers, painters, mechanics, construction workers, craftspeople, clinics and doctors (Aquapacs are even germproof) …
Can I use an insuline pump in an Aquapac™?
Aquapac have commissioned research by Imperial College London into the use of the 158
(Radio Microphone case/insulin-pump case) and 558 (Connected Electronics case, same clamp as the 158) after receiving a large number of customer enquiries regarding their suitability for use with insulin pumps. Results show that, in some circumstances, insulin flow rate can be reduced by the case. In particular, low flow rates are impeded, and as such Aquapac can make no claim regarding the suitablity of these cases with insulin pumps. Use of these cases for insulin pumps is entirely at the discretion of the user. Aquapac has been advised to recommend that users of Aquapac cases with insulin pumps regularly check their blood sugar levels.
The tests were conducted by Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine using a Roche Accu-Check Spirit insulin pump at a temperature of 20C at flow rates of 2U/hr and 10U/hr.
The amounts of insulin delivered over 60 minutes observed were as follows:
2U/hr not in case - 0.0131g (flow rate of 100%)
2U/hr in Aquapac 154 - 0.0106g (flow rate of 81%)
2U/hr in Aquapac 154 - 0.0056g (2nd test model)(flow rate of 42%)
2U/hr in Aquapac 554 - 0.0121g (flow rate of 92%)
10U/hr not in case - 0.0864g (flow rate of 100%)
10U/hr in Aquapac 154 - 0.0878g (flow rate of 100%)
10U/hr in Aquapac 554 - 0.0903g (flow rate of 100%)
21st August 2006
Aquapacs™ in the Farming?
For years Aquapacs has been used in the Farming, especially our Smartphone-Case plus . Agriculture or forest aren`t any problem. But use in a stable could be a problem, due to the ammonia fume. The material of the foil will age quicker, the foil chapped, there is a chance of cracks. But it is better to use an Aquapac – because Your PDA or electronical advise will live longer. To protect Your Aquapac if you use it in the stable, please clean it with clear water regularly.
Which extras do You offer?
Most of the cases are equipped either with a cord or a shoulder strap. Some come with a carabiner. And some offer foam padded material for extra protection and comfort. You find our extras here.
What else is to be considered?
After the delivery’s receipt check the content for completeness and state. Before you use it for the first time please check that the case got to you in perfect condition. Seal something worthless inside, then submerge in a basin. A few air bubbles may escape from the clamp. This is ok, water can get into the clamp without getting into the case. Only if a stream of bubbles escapes when you squeeze it there is a problem. Please check again if the Aquaclip is sealed properly. If it still is not waterproof please contact us. E-Mail: contact
Check the Aquapac before each use for damages. In case of doubt do the bubble test.
In order to stop any water getting into the case when you’re opening the case, first shake any water from the Aquaclip and then hold the case with the clamp at the bottom as you open the levers.
Treat all lens windows as carefully as you would treat the lens of your camera. Avoid scratching, and do not fold LENZFLEX. Avoid sharp or abrasive objects. Stow carefully so it won’t be damaged in rough seas. Examine it before each use to make sure it’s not visibly damaged (to be safe you should always do the Bubble Test). After regular contact with chlorinated or salt water, or with sun creams, wash it in soapy water and then rinse with fresh water. Do not use bleach, alcohol or proprietary cleaners.
Please have a look on the Aquapac Product Care & Instructions.
What about quality control?
The quality management manual lays down agreed procedures for everything we do - from manufacturing routines to how we deal with a customer return. They are members of various industry bodies including the Outdoor Industry Association and the British Marine Federation. In order to guarantee that the cases are genuinely submersible we need to manufacture to extremely fine tolerances. To do this we rely entirely on the talents and experience of our loyal production staff. Average machine operator has been with them for 8 or 9 years.
Is the sound quality affected?
You should be able to use your phone or radio handset normally inside an Aquapac. Even Your camcorder’s or Smartphone`s microphone works well. There is very little loss of volume, since sound waves travel straight through the plastic.
How does taking photos work?
It’s a bit like taking a photograph through your window at home. First of all the window needs to be as clean as possible. Even with a clean window you may notice some reflection, but the closer you hold the camera lens to the window, the less the reflection. Similarly our cases give best results with the lens window tight against the camera lens. Above water the photo quality is not influenced. Under water You get good results to depths of around two meters if the water is clear and there is enough sunlight. The case is waterproof as long as You don’t move the Aquaclip’s levers.
I have got problems with flash light.
Try to avoid flash photography but if you do need to use the flash, make sure that the case is tight over the flash so the light doesn’t reflect back into the lens. Flash rarely works underwater. Not because of the Aquapac, but because the flash tends to reflect off particles in the water itself. Even clean water is full of micro-organisms and other particles.
Why do I need desiccants?
To absorb condensation in humid conditions. In humid climates there will be moisture in the air sealed inside the case. With cameras, this moisture tends to condense inside the lens. Desiccant sachets will absorb any such moisture, keeping the contents completely dry. Camera and camcorder cases come ready supplied with a desiccant sachet.
You can buy more from out partnershop silicagel.de or from camera shops. We recommend use of desiccant sachets in all Aquapacs in humid climates.
How to repair an Aquapac™?
We've all done it; accidentally stuck a hole in something or dropped a piece of gear.
The good news is that most small areas of accidental damage to Aquapac cases can be repaired very easily - with the puncture pad.
However, we have to say that any damage to the sealing system, hard parts or welds of a case isn't easily repairable and you should contact us for advice.
Repairs that won't work very well
We've tried a load of different things over the years in order to find the best solutions for repairs, and here's some which didn't work so well...
- Hot Glue Gun - not a permanant bond to the case
- Superglue - doesn't work at all
- Duct Tape - peels off and leaves a sticky residue
- Electrical Tape, Scotch Tape - don't stick properly and aren't waterproof
- Soldering Iron - burning TPU gives off nasty fumes, please don't!
- Elastoplast - don't be silly
Watch out for cheap imitations!
Unfortunately, cheap imitations of the Aquapac appear from time to time in some countries - often illegally, as they infringe the trademark. Please check carefully before you buy a supposed “bargain” and then have to complain about losing your valuable electronic device. A tip: The name “Aquapac” should at least appear on the clamp. If not, it is not an original.