by Joel Myerson
iFacility Exclusive Respirator Maintenance Provider
Ifacility offers a variety of services, one of which is maintenance on various types of respirators. We can service and check Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), airline respirators, Powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs), and even half and full-face respirators. For Powered air purifying respirators which are more commonly called by their acronym PAPRs, we offer a level or service that other companies can’t offer, and that end users can’t do on their own.
PAPRs need both visual inspections to make sure all of the components are working properly, don’t have any damage, and aren’t missing any parts. More importantly, the housing of the PAPR blower needs to be tested to make sure that it’s airtight. The only way to test the PAPR blower is to create a vacuum in the blower.
We are the ONLY company in New England and in Upstate New York that has the part to do testing of the ILC Dover Sentinel PAPRs, and of the Bullard PAPRs.
The part that is needed was custom made for us; it was custom made in conjunction with ILC Dover and in conjunction with Bullard. And that part allows us to draw a vacuum in the housing, and test that housing to make sure it holds a vacuum – we then know it’s airtight. If the blower housing isn’t airtight, contaminated air can be drawn into the housing without going through the filters, and be directly drawn into the hood, or into the respirator, right into the user’s breathing zone.
The vacuum housing test is the most critical test for a PAPR, and we’re the only company that can perform that test. Other service companies or other providers that claim that they can test PAPRs are only doing visual inspections, and end users need to be aware that a visual inspection alone isn’t enough. If that housing isn’t airtight then the PAPR shouldn’t be used.
🧪 What Is a Vacuum Housing Test?
A vacuum housing test is a procedure used to check the integrity (air-tightness) of a sealed enclosure or housing— usually around mechanical or electrical equipment.
This test involves:
- Applying a vacuum (negative pressure) to the housing or enclosure
- Monitoring for pressure loss, air leaks, or deformation
- Ensuring the housing is properly sealed and secure
It’s often used for:
- Gas detection sensors
- Electrical enclosures
- HVAC components
- Battery housings
- Any sealed system that must resist external air, moisture, or gas ingress
🧠 What Does It Mean?
If a housing passes the vacuum test, it means:
- No significant air leaks
- The seals (gaskets, welds, fittings) are intact
- The internal components are protected from environmental exposure
If it fails, it suggests there are:
- Leaks or faulty seals
- Potential contamination risks (moisture, gas, dust intrusion)
- Safety or performance issues down the line
🚨 Why Is It Important?
- Protects Sensitive Equipment
Leaky housings can let in moisture or dust, leading to corrosion, short circuits, or system failures. - Ensures Safety
Especially in gas detection or hazardous environments, maintaining a sealed system is critical to avoid exposure or false readings. - Verifies Manufacturing Quality
This test confirms that enclosures meet design and safety specs, especially for mission-critical or certified equipment. - Compliance & Reliability
For equipment governed by standards (like ATEX or UL), passing a vacuum test may be part of mandatory validation.
✅ What Is a Vacuum Housing Test?
A vacuum housing test checks whether a sealed enclosure can maintain a vacuum without leaking. It ensures that the equipment inside is protected from air, moisture, or contaminants. This is especially important for gas sensors, electrical devices, and any system where environmental protection is critical. A passed test means reliability, safety, and compliance—key factors in any high-performance facility.
Contact iFacility Services for more information or to schedule an Exclusive Respirator Maintenance Provider service. We offer fit testing services throughout New England (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine).
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