{"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

Overview of\r\nExplosion-Proof and Intrinsically Safe<\/h1>\r\n\r\n\r\n\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

\"Fire

Fire Triangle Image Courtesy of Gustavb<\/a>. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\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

What Does Intrinsically Safe Mean?<\/h2>\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