Automatic pressure release valves – what’s the significance?

All cases within the Peli Case family, including the Protector, Storm and Air range, incorporate the ever-reliable Automatic Pressure Release Valve. As we're all aware, atmospheric pressure is constantly changing. This can be due to changes in weather conditions, but most predominantly it's due to altitude.

Most people have experienced the bulging crisp packet during air travel, and all sealed containers are subject to the same complications of atmospheric pressure changes – that's where the Peli Automatic Pressure Equalisation Valves come in.

In simple terms, these valves are positioned to automatically equalise the interior pressure of the sealed case with atmospheric pressure, preventing something known as 'vacuum lock'.

What is Vacuum Lock?

Vacuum Lock occurs when the atmospheric pressure and internal pressure of a sealed container is no longer at equilibrium – this can happen after a flight for example. On the other hand, there is also the risk of damage to valuable equipment when an Automatic Valve isn't used. An extreme displacement in air pressure could burst a case open, leaving your equipment vulnerable. An Automatic Pressure Equalisation Valve is a vital component of any Peli Case.

What about the IP67 rating?

An Ingress Protection 67 (IP67) rating means the case can be dropped into a body of water up to a metre deep for up to 30 minutes. So, how is this rating maintained whilst incorporating an Automatic Pressure Equalisation Valve?

These valves consist of a membrane produced by Gore-Tex® that allows the constant flow of gas and vapour, whilst preventing water and other certain liquids from penetrating the case due to it's hydrophobic properties.

Why is the Peli valve so special?

Of course, many other case manufacturers do incorporate pressure release valves, however, they only tend to achieve half of the job expected. Unlike the Peli valves, most others require manual activation to equalise pressure.

These valves are okay for preventing vacuum lock during minute changes in atmospheric pressure. However, preventing over-expansion and possible damage to equipment is not possible. The constant and automatic pressure equalisation of a Peli Case is what sets it apart from it's competitors.

All of our Peli Cases can be found here.