{"id":1894,"date":"2019-05-01T20:49:33","date_gmt":"2019-05-01T20:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bergeng.com\/blog\/?p=1894"},"modified":"2023-12-05T21:34:22","modified_gmt":"2023-12-05T21:34:22","slug":"explosion-proof-intrinsically-safe-meanings-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bergeng.com\/blog\/explosion-proof-intrinsically-safe-meanings-products\/","title":{"rendered":"Explosion Proof & Intrinsically Safe Certifications – What They Mean & Products That Use Them"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
The terms explosion-proof and intrinsically safe are related but not identical. Both explosion-proof and intrinsically safe equipment are used in hazardous environments where there are increased risks of fire or explosion. The ubiquitous \u201cfire triangle\u201d from safety courses and diamond warning signs commonly seen on transportation containers warn us about these dangers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Environments that have significant amounts of flammable\/explosive vapor or dust have an increased risk of catastrophic accidents. Without the proper equipment, something as small as a spark from an electronic device can set off a major explosion. To better understand the benefits of these instruments, it is first essential to know what they mean, where the certifications come from and what environments require them. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Intrinsically safe equipment must have components and connectors\r\nthat are incapable of producing sparks or heat under either normal or fault\r\nconditions that could cause ignition of an explosive atmosphere. Typically,\r\nvoltages and currents are kept at low levels. Equipment that requires voltages,\r\ncurrents and components that do not meet these conditions require an explosion-proof\r\ncertification in these environments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Certifying agencies include international, national, and industry\r\nbodies. Most try to ensure their certifications are compatible with one another.\r\nSome major certifying agencies for intrinsic safety include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As with intrinsically safe certification, there are international,\r\nnational, and industry organizations that certify and specify explosion-proof\r\nsystems. Most organization specify both types of equipment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The NFPA\/NEC definition of \u201cexplosion-proof\u201d states that an apparatus should be enclosed in a case that can withstand an internal explosion from gas, vapor, or dust in an atmosphere. The apparatus inside the explosion-proof enclosure may employ voltages, currents, and temperatures well beyond those present in an internally safe system. The enclosure is designed so that the energy of an internal fire or explosion will not only be contained, but also be dissipated safely through the flanges or threads of enclosure connections.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Many industries and businesses operate in environments where flammable\r\nor explosive atmospheres form through gases, vapors, or dust. They include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n These Industries are just a small example of how hazardous atmospheres are present during regular operations. Care must be taken to prevent any ignition source from being introduced. To avoid the hazards and costs of hot-work permits and unit shutdowns, implementing solutions with explosion-proof and intrinsically safe equipment is often the solution to alleviate operational, process control, safety and security concerns.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Berg Engineering offers a range of CorDEX intrinsically safe\r\nthermal imaging cameras and the Labino MidBeam Hercules Ex explosion-proof UV\r\ninspection lamp as safe solutions for inspection equipment needed in hazardous\r\nenvironments. We also offer additional explosion-proof and intrinsically safe\r\ndevices for other applications including other lights and accessories.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n All objects at temperatures above absolute zero emit thermal\r\nradiation, mostly in the form of infrared radiation (IR) or infrared light. The\r\nwavelength of IR is between 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter, placing it between\r\nvisible light and microwave radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Infrared is not normally visible to humans, so using a thermal\r\nimaging camera is a way to capture physical representations of the subject\u2019s temperature.\r\nThe camera can detect temperatures and \u201chot spots\u201d that are different in\r\ntemperature from their surroundings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n All these applications can be in hazardous atmospheres that demand\r\nintrinsically safe or explosion-proof thermal imaging tools. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The CorDEX ToughPIX Digitherm is a recent addition to the CorDEX\r\nline of thermal imagers and has passed rigorous testing to be certified Class I Div. 2 MET and ATEX\/IECEx\r\nintrinsically safe. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Its features include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The CorDEX TC7000 is an intrinsically safe ATEX and IECEx certified infrared camera. It is a field-tested thermal imager and offers reliable thermal imaging while offering best-in-class intrinsically safe performance. The TC7000 offers Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanning and image tagging for easy referencing of images and reporting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The CorDEX TC7150 is also a high performance radiometric infrared\r\ncamera but offers NRTL certifications for Class I and II, Division 2, and Class\r\nIII Hazardous (Classified) Locations. Like the TC7000, the TC7150 also offers Radio\r\nFrequency Identification (RFID) scanning and image tagging and all of the same\r\nfeatures as the TC7000.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Ultraviolet (UV) light is helpful in a wide range of inspection, troubleshooting,\r\nand quality control applications. UV light has a wavelength of 100 \u2013 400\r\nnanometers, with most inspection processes using UVA light with a wavelength of\r\n315 \u2013 400 nanometers. Industrial applications include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Just as some environments need intrinsically safe thermal imaging, others may require an explosion-proof UV inspection light.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The Labino MidBeam Hercules is an extremely durable product\r\nspecifically developed for use in areas where the risk of an explosion is high\r\n\u2013 think offshore oil rigs, refineries, aerospace and defense. This UV light has\r\npassed many certifications including ATEX, IECEx, NFPA and United States\r\nmilitary tests, Salt Fog Test and Explosive Atmosphere Test. It is rated IP66.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Here at Berg Engineering, we believe in supplying with the right\r\nsolutions for your inspections and NDT applications. If you have any questions\r\nabout what is right for your particular situation, do not hesitate to contact our\r\ntechnical staff at 1-847-577-3980 or email info@bergeng.com<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)<\/a> Overview of Explosion-Proof and Intrinsically Safe The terms explosion-proof and intrinsically safe are related but not identical. Both explosion-proof and intrinsically safe equipment are used in hazardous environments where there are increased risks of fire or explosion. The ubiquitous \u201cfire triangle\u201d from safety courses and diamond warning signs commonly seen on transportation containers warn us…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1897,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[129,141,114,125,132,158,134,112],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1894","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cordex","category-inspection-light","category-labino","category-manufacturers","category-ndt","category-news","category-safety","category-thermal-imaging"],"yoast_head":"\n
Fire Triangle Image Courtesy of Gustavb<\/a>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat Does Intrinsically Safe Mean?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What Does Explosion Proof Mean?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Industries\r\nthat Need Intrinsically Safe or Explosion Proof Equipment<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What Intrinsically\r\nSafe Products Are Best for My Inspections?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Intrinsically Safe Thermal Imagers and Cameras<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Thermal Imaging Can Be Helpful for for a Wide Range of Applications<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
CorDEX TOUGHPIX III Digitherm Compact Digital & Thermal Camera<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>CorDEX TC7000 Intrinsically Safe Thermal Imaging Camera (TC7000)<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>
CorDEX TC700 Intrinsically Safe Thermal Imager\ufeff<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCorDEX TC7150 NRTL Listed Intrinsically\r\nSafe Thermal Imaging Camera (TC7150)<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>
CorDEX TC7150 Thermal Imager<\/a>\ufeff <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nExplosion-Proof UV Inspection Light<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Labino MidBeam Hercules Ex Explosion Proof UV Inspection Light (L3000)<\/a><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a>
Labino MidBeam Hercules Ex<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTalk to Us\r\nAbout Your Safety Needs & Goals<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Sources<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)<\/a>
ATEX Directives<\/a>
Factory Mutual<\/a>
Underwriters Laboratories<\/a>
Canadian Standards Association<\/a>
National Fire Protection Association<\/a>
Labino<\/a><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"