FAQ
An Aquapac is a real problem solution: A bag which protects electronic equipment and other valuable goods keeping their full function. At all weather conditions and in extreme situations. They are not only splashproof but absolutely waterproof.
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 patented 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!
We've introduced a system to clearly identify the waterproofness of each Aquapac product:
Our Submersible Range is all guaranteed to IPX8, which
means continuous immersion under conditions of the manufacturer's choice. Imperial's testing is to the equivalent of 5m/15ft for 1 hour. The testing: Protected against water submersion - The case is suitable for continual submersion in water at depths of up to 5m/15ft for 1 hour.
There are exceptions for depths of more than five meters: our „Keymaster“ (Code 608) is o.k. for down to 50 meters; „Small VHF Pro“ (Code 229) and „Large VHF Pro“ (Code 245) are o.k. for down to ten meters as well as „Pro Sports Mini“ (Code 216) and „Pro Sports“ (Code 218).
Our special Microphone/Insulin Pump & Connected Electronics cases 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.
Our 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.
Our Stormproof iPod case is the only exception, and it's guaranteed to IPX3. Because it has a hole in it for your headphones, it protects against rain falling on it at up to 60 degrees angle, but there's a small chance that if you hold the case upside-down in hard rain, you might get a drop or two seeping in. The testing: Protected against spraying water - Water spraying up to 60 degrees from vertical at 10 liters/min at a pressure of 80-100kN/m2 for 5 min.
| Code | Modell | Depth | Depth |
| 084 | Flip Phone | 15ft | 5m |
| 094 | Micro Phone / GPS | 15ft | 5m |
| 108 | Mini Phone / GPS | 15ft | 5m |
| 114 | Small Phone / GPS | 15ft | 5m |
| 124 | Medium Phone / GPS | 15ft | 5m |
| 134 | Large Phone / GPS | 15ft | 5m |
| 154 | Radio Microphone / GPS | not | submersible |
| 216 | PRO Sprts Mini | 30ft | 10m |
| 218 | PRO Spots | 30ft | 10m |
| 228 | Small VHF Classic | 15ft | 5m |
| 244 | Large VHF Classic | 15ft | 5m |
| 229 | Small VHF Pro | 30ft | 10m |
| 245 | Large VHF Pro | 30ft | 10m |
| 348 |
Small PDA |
15ft | 5m |
| 364 | Large PDA | 15ft | 5m |
| 351 | PDA Wallet | 15ft | 5m |
| 408 | Mini Camera | 15ft | 5m |
| 418 | Small Camera | 15ft | 5m |
| 428 | Small Camera / Hardlense | 15ft | 5m |
| 448 | Large Camera | 15ft | 5m |
| 458 | SLR Camera | 15ft | 5m |
| 461 | Barrel Camcorder | 15ft | 5m |
| 465 | Camcorder | 15ft | 5m |
| 471 | Palm Camcorder | 15ft | 5m |
| 518 | MP3 Player | 15ft | 5m |
| 517 | MP3 Player -Set | 15ft | 5m |
| 554 | Connected Electronics | not | submersible |
| 560 | Barcode Scanner | 15ft | 5m |
| 604 | Keymaster | 150ft | 50m |
| 644 | Mini Whanganui | 15ft | 5m |
| 658 | Small Whanganui | 15ft | 5m |
| 668 | Large Whanganui | 15ft | 5m |
| 674 | Jumbo Whanganui | 15ft | 5m |
| 748 | Large Seti | 15ft | 5m |
| 760 / 761 | Noatek-Packsack | not | submersible |
| 770 / 771 | Noatek - Packsack | not | submersible |
| 828 | Belt Case | 15ft | 5m |
| 825 | BeltPac | 15ft | 5m |
| 919 | Kopfhörer | 15ft | 5m |
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.
The Aquaclip seals the case hermetically. Its two clamps press together the two layers of foil with tongue and groove. The levers provide the force and prevent accidental opening.
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.
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 our 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 Aquapac in the hot tub?
Around +40ºC (+100ºF) the hard plastic of the Aquaclip starts to soften. The case could therefore leak if submerged in a very hot bath. As long as the case is not held underwater, use in the bath or hot tub is fine.
Please note that an Aquaclip left in the hot sun will instantly revert to its normal state if dropped in water.
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 154 (Radio Microphone case/insulin-pump case) and 554 (Connected Electronics case, same clamp as the 154) 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
For years Aquapacs has been used in the Farming, especially our PDA-Cases. 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 our 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: info@aquapac.de
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.
Every Aquapac comes with a user guide.
Our five-year warranty covers faults in materials or manufacture. The few claims (around 0.05%) we get are mostly caused by damages from contact with sharp objects or aggressive gases or fluids. We can’t guarantee it against accidental damage or general wear and tear (it’s strong but can still be punctured) so make sure you insure the contents separately.
Our quality management manual lays down agreed procedures for everything we do - from manufacturing routines to how we deal with a customer return. We are members of various industry bodies including the Outdoor Industry Association and the British Marine Federation. In order to guarantee that our 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. Our average machine operator has been with us for 8 or 9 years. Two of them - our production managers Debbie Carlisle & Jane Colvin - have been with Aquapac since 1994.
Is the sound quality affected?
You should be able to use your phone or radio handset normally inside an Aquapac. Even Your camcorder’s microphone works well. There is very little loss of volume, since sound waves travel straight through the plastic.
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. „Digital Camera“ and „Camcorder“: Be very careful under water. The case is waterproof as long as You don’t move the Aquaclip’s levers. You find some interesting tipps for good photos and videos here.
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.
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 us or from camera shops. We recommend use of desiccant sachets in all Aquapacs in humid climates.
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.
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.
McNett Tenacious Tape
This is a very strong, very sticky tape which can be used to cover over small holes and tears in TPU and fabrics.
Clean your Aquapac product using fresh water and dry it thoroughly.
Apply enough tape to seal around any damage and leave the repair to set for a few hours.
Tear-Aid Repair Tape
Tear-Aid is an alternative to McNett Tenacious Tape and works in the same way.
You must use TYPE A for Aquapac products.
McNett Seamseal (or similar Urethane Repair Glues)
If you follow the instructions on the packet for Seamseal or Urethane Glue, then you can get a pretty good repair. It is slightly more messy and time-consuming than using a repair tape.
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
We send Your order from Aquapac-Aquaman Deutschland GmbH, Bückeburg depending on Your payment method with DPD, DHL or Deutsche Post.
The freight cost are independent of the number of ordered cases:
- Germany and Europe, incl. Switzerland: Euro 3.90
- Germany cash on delivery: Euro 3.90 + Euro 8.50 Euro C.O.D fee
How long does the sending take?
- Germany: 1 to 2 labourdays
- Austria, Switzerland and BeNeLux: 2 to 4 labourdays
- Rest of Europe: 3 to 7 labourdays
All shipments are replicable. Please ask us if it should take longer. After ordering online You get a shipping confirmation by e-Mail on the same or next workday. In case of prepayment the e-Mail is sent when we receive the payment.
For Christmas 2011: Latest order for Germany should be on Wednesday, 21st, midday paying per credit card or PayPal recommended. For Austria the 20th, for Suisse and Benelux 19th of december.
If an article is not in stock?
Usually we have all Aquapacs in stock. It might come to delays especially when the media recommended a case. You can nevertheless order it online. All articles in the shop show the status of availability. If it is urgent please call us. We try our best!
You have got the choice of several payment option in our shop: By Credit card (we accept American Express®, MasterCard® or VISA®, Diners Club®), by cash on delivery (German: Nachnahme), by PayPal, or by prepayment (German: Vorab-Überweisung or Vorkasse). Authorities may purchase on account.
Usually yes. Our prices are including 19% German V.A.T.
We have been in the internet for 15 years and we have obtained our customers’ confidence and a good reputation. The data transfer during the order is SSL encoded and cannot be fished by anyone. Your personal data and especially Your credit card data is safe.
If You however prefer other methods You can pay by PayPal. Or order by phone.
Do I have to buy online? Or can I purchase Your products in high street shops?
Of course You don’t have to buy online directly from us. Aquapacs are available in specialist shops as well like for example in all Globetrotter affiliates, the Finnmark Group with its 17 outdoor shops, affiliates of the aqua-nautic GmbH, A.W. Niemeier GmbH or Compass Yachtzubehör H. GmbH. To find a shop near You please visit our (Germany only) Dealer List.
How can I reach You in case of problems?
Our business hours are Monday through Thursday (9 am to 5 pm) and Friday (9 to 4).
Our phone number: +49 (0)5722/ 98 10 50
Our fax number: +49 (0)5722 / 98 10 52
Our e-Mail: info@aquapac.de
In case You should not be satisfied with one of our products You are able to either get it replaced or return the unused product within two weeks. You may of course try if Your device fits into it but the Aquapac has to be in resellable condition. You can return any product (bought from us) to us within 14 days from invoice date without giving us a reason. Special orders and consumable supplies are exempted from return and replacement. To keep the term it is sufficient to return the parcel in time. Please let us know in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
Returnsheet
All deliveries are controlled and packed carefully before being send. Claim apparent damages with the parcel service at the door. Damages You cannot see from outside must be claimed with us within seven days in written form:
Aquapac-Aquaman Deutschland GmbH
Donaliesstr. 2 B
31 675 Bückeburg
Germany
Fax: +49 (0)5722 / 98 10 52
e-Mail: info@aquapac.de
Which device fits into which Aquapac?
We have size lists with cellphones, MP3 players, cameras, VHFs etc. and do our best to keep them updated. If You don’t find what You are looking for please contact us. We will try to help You!
You are not sure, Your device really fits? Measure its length and width and most of all circumference. If no measuring tape available You can as well use a thread and a ruler. You find the max. dimension on each product site. In doubt send us an e-Mail or call us.
We rarely advertise. The chance of hearing from us through word-of-mouth and recommendations is high. Therefore our reputation is our future. We cannot afford unsatisfied customers.
To make for you products that we ourselves would want to own. And to treat all our customers the way we ourselves would like to be treated.