How does Surefire test the 6PN?

Some thing thats been eating away at me for a few weeks regarding the water resistant version of the 6P.

My understanding is its IDENTICAL to a 6P, in every way/shape/form. The difference is that its water-pressure tested to a depth of XX meters (someone please feel free to elaborate). Those 6Ps that can shed water to XX meters get sold as a 6PN.

My understanding also is that its only guaranteed from SF to be water resistant so long as the switch cap and bezel is not removed... from that factory test session.

If that is the case, how do they validate its water resistance?...
A) Load cells.
B) Submerse in pressure tank to XX meters for XX seconds.
C) Pull light from test aparatus.

Now what?

How do they open the light, inspect the inside for water... without removing the switch-cap or bezel (and violating the seal)?

????
:thinking::thinking:

Here's an old thread on the matter. However it doesn't address the issue in any specific depth. I'm curious too.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-156691.html

There is a surprising lack of knowledge about this particular light, as shown in a thread in the incan. forum.

Crenshaw

spoonrobot said:

Here's an old thread on the matter. However it doesn't address the issue in any specific depth. I'm curious too.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-156691.html

Click to expand...

Well I thought I saw 33 Ft and then a 33 M just on a 4 second check of that page. It surely would be a guess of mine if it was a SEAL inspired light. But my Aimpoint Carbine red dot does 180 Ft, so who knows. My two EOTechs do 66 Ft for other red dots.

SureFire's general rating is something like 33'.

They strap it on a dolphin.

kramer5150 said:

How do they open the light, inspect the inside for water... without removing the switch-cap or bezel (and violating the seal)?

Click to expand...

X-Ray or some special viewing equipment

I have asked!

Here's what the Customer Service Rep said:

"I'm not exactly sure on the details, the light itself is a little different, I'll pass this inquiry on to the Engineering Dept."

That was over the phone about a month ago. I haven't heard from them yet...

Hello all,
Yes I still exist. The last time I saw it, we have a pressure testing chamber that is filled with water then sealed and then compressed air is added to mimic depth. I believe we test them at 3 atmospheres. (Approximately 102 ft. (10m depth (abt 34 ft) = 1 atmosphere)) We also add an extra o-ring to the tailcap area. I hope this helps.

Sirahren,
Do you know who you spoke with so I can correctly inform them?

Stuart@surefire

Is it true that if you open the light to change batteries you void the rating and that battery changes need to be done at Surefire as discussed in this thread? :thinking:

kramer5150 said:

My understanding is its IDENTICAL to a 6P, in every way/shape/form.

Click to expand...

kramer5150 said:

The difference is that its water-pressure tested to a depth of XX meters (someone please feel free to elaborate).

Click to expand...

Brownstone,
Thank you for the pictures, very helpful indeed. Theoretically, yes, if you unscrew the bezel or tailcap we can no longer insure that it is waterproof. But common sense says that it will still be waterproof, assuming you keep the 0-rings properly cared for.

From a couple years back

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/52869

I know that for watches, there is an air pressure tester that simulates water pressure. If the watch fails the test, a water chamber is used to see where the leak is located. The top one is the water chamber, the bottom one is the air pressure test. If air is able to get inside then so will water.
My dad uses both machines to test water resistance of watches. I imagine something similar is used to test Surefire 6PN.