A vacuum seal system on an underwater camera housing is a safety system that uses a small vacuum pump to remove air from inside the housing and create negative pressure.
Many modern underwater camera housings come with a vacuum monitoring and sealing system already installed. Depending on the manufacturer and housing model, however, a vacuum seal system may not be included as standard equipment.
In these cases, the vacuum system can often be ordered as an optional add-on and installed on the housing. The system allows you to create a vacuum inside the housing and monitor the pressure before entering the water, providing an additional level of security against potential leaks.
How It Works
- Close the underwater housing with the camera inside.
- A small vacuum pump removes air through a dedicated vacuum valve.
- The housing reaches a predetermined vacuum level.
- The vacuum is monitored by a vacuum sensor or indicator.
- If the housing is properly sealed, the vacuum remains stable.
- If water-tightness is compromised, air enters the housing and the vacuum level changes, triggering a warning.
Why Use a Vacuum Seal?
- Detects leaks before diving – You create a slight vacuum inside the housing. If the pressure remains stable, the housing is likely watertight.
- Protects expensive camera equipment – A small problem with an O-ring, hair, sand particle, or incorrectly closed housing can otherwise allow water inside.
- Checks the O-rings – The vacuum test confirms that the main housing seal and other sealing surfaces are functioning correctly.
- Provides continuous monitoring – Many systems have a pressure indicator or electronic alarm that can warn you if the vacuum starts to drop underwater.
- Adds confidence for professional filming – Especially important when using expensive cameras, long-duration dives, or remote locations where equipment failure would be costly.
A vacuum monitoring system provides an important additional check before entering the water. Once the housing has reached the correct negative pressure, monitoring the vacuum allows the diver or underwater filmmaker to confirm that the housing is maintaining its seal.
For professional underwater filming, this additional level of protection is particularly valuable when working with expensive camera systems or filming in locations where replacing damaged equipment would be difficult.
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