The Subsea M8 Vent & Vacuum Plug is a compact, dual-purpose component designed for watertight subsea enclosures. It enables both passive venting for pressure equalization and manual vacuum leak testing. This system consists of two separate components: the M8 Enclosure Vent and the M8 Enclosure Vent Vacuum Plug, which are sold separately.
During vacuum testing, the plug accepts a hose with a 5 mm inner diameter (ID) and 8 mm outer diameter (OD). It does not self-seal—air re-enters the enclosure immediately after the hose is removed. A compatible manual vacuum pump is required for testing but is not included. After testing, the stainless-steel hex plug is installed to seal the port, providing a watertight seal rated for 1,000 m / 3,280 ft. A built-in stainless mesh prevents particles from entering the enclosure.
For applications that require vacuum to be maintained after testing, or when a single port is needed for both vacuum and vent functions, consider the Subsea M10 Self-Sealing Vent & Vacuum Plug. It features an internal valve and lock cap that allows it to retain vacuum after disconnection, making it a more advanced alternative suited to demanding use cases.
In summary, the M8 system is ideal for simpler builds focused on temporary vacuum testing or pressure equalization during disassembly, while the M10 version is better suited for vacuum retention and dual-purpose port configurations.

The Subsea M8 Vent & Vacuum Plug offers a compact, modular solution for vacuum testing and passive venting of subsea enclosures. For applications requiring long-term vacuum retention, the larger Subsea M10 Self-Sealing Vent & Vacuum Plug provides enhanced sealing and automation.
M8 Vent & Vacuum Plug
Designed for short-term leak testing or manual pressure equalization, the M8 system allows hose-based vacuum testing but does not self-seal after disconnection. It is ideal for temporary use during enclosure assembly, disassembly, or troubleshooting in shallow to mid-depth deployments.
M10 Self-Sealing Vacuum Plug
Engineered for persistent vacuum retention, the M10 version includes an internal valve and locking cap that automatically seals after vacuum is applied. This makes it better suited for sealed systems during transport, storage, or extended subsea missions.
Key Differences
- Vacuum Retention: M8 must remain connected to a hose; M10 self-seals after pump removal.
- Use Case: M8 is best for leak testing and temporary access; M10 supports long-term sealed deployments.
- Components: M8 includes a threaded copper plug; M10 includes a valve-integrated plug and lock cap.
- Mounting Size: M8 uses a smaller M8 threaded port; M10 requires an M10 bulkhead fitting.

Sold Separately
The Subsea M8 Vent & Vacuum Plug integrates with a wide range of Blu-Sub subsea enclosures using a standard M8 bulkhead port. It should be installed into a properly sized through-hole (Ø8.1 ± 0.1 mm) with adequate panel thickness to ensure proper compression of the O-ring. Always verify the sealing surface is flush and debris-free before conducting vacuum testing.
Subsea Watertight Enclosure Box
Compact aluminum housing rated to 300 m, pre-drilled with twenty M10 ports. To install an M8 plug, custom drilling of an M8 port is required.
Subsea Enclosure Acrylic Tube
Transparent cast acrylic tube rated to 250 m. Compatible with aluminum end-caps that can be custom-drilled with an M8 port for use with the vent and vacuum plug.
Subsea Enclosure Aluminum Tube
Rugged housing rated to 1,000 m. Compatible with Blu-Sub aluminum end-caps featuring an M8 mounting hole or blank area suitable for drilling to integrate the plug securely.

Item | M8 Enclosure Vent |
Material | Aluminum + Stainless Steel |
Appearance | Stainless Steel Natural Color Plug, Black Bulkhead |
O-ring Size | Ø10 × 1.5 |
O-ring Material | FKM75 Brown Fluorine Rubber |
Maximum Rated Depth | 1,000 m / 3,280 ft |
Design Lifetime | 3 years or 500 cycles |
Temperature Rating (air) | -25 ~ 60 °C / -13 ~ 140 °F |
Temperature Rating (water) | -4 ~ 40 °C / 32 ~ 104 °F |
Plug Hex Size | 3 mm hex wrench |
Plug Material | Stainless steel |
Bulkhead Material | Aluminum |
Bulkhead Thread | M8×1 |
Filter Size | 60 mesh |
Filter Material | Stainless steel |
Item | Vacuum Plug for M8 Enclosure Vent |
Material | Copper |
Appearance | Copper – Natural Color |
Compatible Hose | Inner Diameter 5 mm / Outer Diameter 8 mm |
Self-Sealing | No |

Recommended Size | Enclosure Vent |
---|---|
Recommended Bulkhead Through Hole Size (A) | Ø8.1 ± 0.1 |
Hatch Cover Thickness (B) | 14 mm |
Surface Range (C) | 17 mm |

Does the plug need to be tightened very tightly?
No, overtightening is unnecessary. Simply tighten until flush with the surface. Excessive force can make removal difficult, but it does not improve sealing performance.
Under what circumstances is it needed?
It is recommended for any watertight enclosure to allow air exchange or vacuum testing during assembly, disassembly, or storage.
When removing the plug, will the enclosure vent loosen and come off?
It’s possible. To prevent this, apply threadlocker to the bulkhead and nut. Do not apply threadlocker to the plug itself.
Is it necessary to apply lubricating grease every time the plug is removed?
Yes, applying grease helps check the O-ring condition and ensures smooth installation. It also extends the life of the sealing surface.
