Commercial in Confidence
Smartfind EPIRB service manual
Page 25
3.7. Leak testing
The leak test described here raises the air pressure inside the EPIRB. Check that no air
bubbles escape when the EPIRB is submerged in water. Since the EPIRB is buoyant it
must be held under the water. To avoid activating the unit the sea switch should be
disabled by using the magnet (by fitting in a carry safe bracket).
.
Gross leak test
Use hot water at +60º +5ºC (140F + 9F)
Cooler water will not raise the air pressure enough.
Hotter water will damage the EPIRB.
HOT
1. Remove lanyard.
2. Immerse EPIRB in the hot water.
3. Dislodge ALL trapped air from the screw holes etc.
4. For the next 5 minutes, rotate the EPIRB and check for any escaping bubbles.
5. If there is any sign of water ingress, remove EPIRB quickly.
6. Remove EPIRB from water, wipe thoroughly dry. Note that there will still be water
under the outer edge of the dome (inside the outer clear plastic edge but outside
the waterproof seal).
7. Refit the lanyard.
Any escape of bubbles must be corrected
.
Disassemble, rebuild and re-test. A new sealing kit is needed.
Drying times
A gross leak may still lead to water inside the EPIRB. If this occurs, then disassemble the
EPIRB and dry its component parts in an oven at +40 to +60ºC. Most parts will dry in a
few hours, however the battery pack traps water and should be left in the oven for at
least 16 hours. The oven is necessary, the battery will not dry out if left at room
temperature.
