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EG50 & EP50
WARNING
The EPIRB will NOT be activated by moisture
while it is in the bracket or in the CARRYSAFE
collar (but it may activate if placed in close
proximity to a magnet). The EPIRB must be
removed from all parts of the bracket;
it will then activate if immersed or if switched on
manually.
3.2 Float-free enclosure
If you purchased the automatically activated version, also known as the
"float-free" version, then your EPIRB is supplied in a plastic enclosure
(see section 9). This is much more than just a protective housing; it
contains a spring-loaded lever which automatically pushes the
enclosure lid off and releases the EPIRB if your vessel sinks. This
automatic ejection is controlled by a device called a Hydrostatic
Release Unit (HRU). If the enclosure is sinking then before it reaches 4
metres (13 feet) depth the HRU cuts a plastic rod that retains the lever;
this ejects the lid and releases the EPIRB which floats to the surface
and switches on automatically, as shown opposite:
• As the vessel sinks, the enclosure fills with water. The HRU
contains a blade which is released due to water pressure acting
on a diaphragm. Before it reaches a depth of 4 metres, the HRU
will operate and cut the plastic rod, releasing the coil spring.
• The spring pushes the EPIRB and the enclosure lid outwards. As
the lid pivots off it disengages from the moulding lip that helped
hold it in place. The lid is weighted so it rolls over and falls
away.
• As the EPIRB floats away, it moves out of range of the magnet.
Once away from the magnet its sea switch becomes armed.
• The sea switch activates. The EPIRB then floats on the water
surface with its strobe light flashing. After 50 seconds it makes
its first distress transmission.
16
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