Intrinsically Safe Devices

Workforces operating in the world’s most hazardous environments require mobile communications devices that can be used without the risk of causing an explosion. The Aegex platform includes devices that are Intrinsically Safe (IS) - incapable of creating enough heat or a spark sufficient to ignite the work environment.

Aegex IS devices are purpose-built for explosive environments, meaning their configuration makes impossible the generation of heat sufficient for ignition. Our IS devices are certified ATEX Zone 1, IECEx Zone 1 and Class I, II, III Division 1. Users in critical zones of operation can work safely and efficiently without worrying that their Aegex communication device will cause an explosion.


Intrinsic Safety

Read full details of our devices’ Certifications.

Intrinsic Safety

Global Standards


Intrinsic Safety map

*This map represents intrinsic safety certifications. Countries may require other certifications or approval for market entry.




Worldwide, strict regulations exist for equipment used in explosive and hazardous atmospheres.

Any mobile device intended for use in a hazardous location must pass stringent certification testing to determine in which HazLoc zone(s) it may be safely used. Intrinsic safety ratings differ signifi- cantly from country to country – a device that is certified intrinsical- ly safe for use in the United States may not be certified in Europe or elsewhere. And just because a device is rated intrinsically safe does not mean it can enter into any zone – each intrinsically safe device can only be used in the specific hazardous environment for which it is approved.

In North America, hazardous locations are categorized into classes and divisions, with Class 1 Division 1 being an area that is expected to contain explosive mixtures of gases, vapors, or liquids during normal working operations. Class 1 Division 2 areas are those where flammable liquids and gases are handled but are not normally present in explosive concentrations, though an accident could make such concentrations possible. Class 1 Division 2 areas may contain explosive gases that could escape from adjacent C1D1 areas.

In most of the world outside of North America, hazardous locations are divided into classes as well as zones, with Zone 0 being the most explosive area in which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors are always present or present for long periods of time. Zone 1 areas likely, but do not always, contain concentrations of flammable materials. Flammable concentrations of gases are not likely to exist in Zone 2 areas or may occur only for short periods and are hazardous only under unusual circumstances.



Simply put, if a device enters the wrong zone of a hazardous environment, it could cause a fire or explosion.

If a Zone 2-approved device enters a Zone 1 area, for example, the electric current and/or the thermal characteristic of the device could cause a spark, igniting flammable material that is present in the air as a result of repair work, maintenance or leaks. A C1D2 device entering a C1D1 area also poses a hazard because explosive concentrations of flammable materials that are present may be ignited. However, devices approved for highly explosive areas (Zone 1 or C1D1, for example) can be used in lower-risk areas (Zone 2 or C1D2) where concentrations of flammable materials are not as likely to be a threat.

Needless to say, a fire or explosion in certain industrial locations could be catastrophic, risking lives, information, and physical as- sets, and potentially costing billions in capital. Selecting the correct device for each area of a hazardous location is, therefore, of utmost importance for maintaining safe and secure industrial environmental. Devices approved by ATEX or IECEx for Zone 1, or those approved for C1D1 areas, are certified to be incapable of igniting a spark, and therefore incapable of causing a fire or explosion when used in the appropriate atmospheres.

By employing properly certified devices, personnel can share information in real time, even in the most explosive zones of industrial operations. With improved connectivity, organizations can increase productivity, lower risk, and positively impact their bottom line.

Lives matter. Property matters. Information matters. Intrinsic safety is key to protecting an organization’s most important assets.

ATEX/IECEx



EC type-examination certificate
Explosive atmosphere Behaviour of flammable substances in the Ex area Categorization of potentially explosive areas

ATEX II (2)G

Required labeling of the used items in accordance with CENELEC

EPL
Equipment group Equipment category Equipment protection level
Coal mine atmosphere Parts of coal mines endangered by firedamp and/or combustible dust I M1 Ma
I M2 Mb
Atmosphere from Gas/Fog/Liquid Continuous, long periods, frequent Zone 0 II 1G(1)G Ga
Occasional Zone 1 II 2G, (1)G Gb
Normally not, only for a short period Zone 2 II 3G, (3)G Gc
Dust atmosphere Continuous, long periods, frequent Zone 20 II 1D, (1)D Da
Occasional Zone 21 II 2D, (1)D Db
Normally not, only for a short period Zone 22 II 3D, (3)D Dc
Ex identification acc. to standard (example)
IECEx certificate number IECEx 60079: Ex ib IIC T6
[Ex ia Ga] IIC New EN/IEC 60079-0 Installation in Sale area. Transmits to or receives signal from Ex area. [] Associated equipment
[Ex ia] IIC EN/IEC 60079-0
Ex ia IIC T6 Ga New EN/IEC 60079-0 Installation in Ex area. Equipment
Ex is IIC T6 EN/IEC 60079-0
Typical gas/dust Identification
Methane I
Propane II A
Ethylene II B
Hydrogen II C
Combustible Flyings III A
Non-conducting dust III B
Conducting Dust III C

ISA



Conditions in potentially explosive areas
Flammable Substances Class Division Group Eqv. Zone Temporary behavior of the flammable substance in the Ex area
Gas Fog Liquid Class I 1 A,B,C,D 0 or 1 Continuos, long periods, frequent
Occasional
2 A,B,C,D 2 Normally not, only for short periods
Dust Class II 1 E,F,G 20 or 21 Continuos, long periods, frequent
Occasional
2 f,G 22 Normally not, only for short periods
Fibers Class III 1 20 or 21 Constant
Occasional
2 f,G 22 Normally not, only for short periods
Conditions in Ex areas
Typical gas/Dust Identification NEC 505 Indentification NEC 500
Methane I Mining
Propane II A Class 1/GP D
Ethylene II B Class/GP C
Hydrogen II B+H2 Class 1/GP B
Acetylene II C Class 1/GP A
Fibers and flyings III A Class III
Non-conductive III B Class II/GP G
Carbonaceous dusts III B Class II/GP F
Metal dusts III C Class II/GP E
Permissible surface temperature
Temperature class Gas Ignition temperature
T1=450
T2=300
T2A=280
T2B=260
T2C=230
T2D=215
T3=200
T3A=180
T3B=165
T3C=160
T4=135
T4C=120
T5=100
T6=85
Ammonia 630oC
Methane 595oC
Hydrogen 560oC
Propane 470oC
Ethylene 425oC
Butane 365oC
Acetylene 305oC
Cyclohexane 259oC
Diethyl ether 170oC
Carbon disulfide 95oC


Protection Type
Types of risks for electrical devices in potentially gas explosive areas Protection Principle CENELEC?IEC Zone FM UL Class, Zone, Div. Application
ia, ib, ic, iaD, ibD, icD intrinsic safety Limiting the ignition energy EN 60079-11
IEC 60079-11
0,1 or 2 FM 3600 / ISA 12.02.01 UL 60079-11 Class I, Zone 0,1 Measurement, control and regulation technology, sensors, actuators, instrumentation
FM 3610 UL 913 Class 1, Div. 1
nA Non-sparking No arcs, sparks or hot surfaces EN 60079-15
IEC 60079-15
2 FM 3611 UL 1604 Class 1, Div 2
ISA 12.12.02 UL 60079-15 Zone 2
nC Non-incendive Contain the explosion, quench the flame EN 60079-15
IEC 60079-15
2 FM 3600/ISA 12.12..02 UL 60079-15 Class 1, Zone 2 Zone 2 only

IP65 INFORMATION

IP codes define the ability of an object to resist dust and water. The scale in this instance is from 4 to 6 . The first number indicates dust resistance, the second is water resistance. For example: IP44 indicates dust resistant, splash resistant; while IP65 means dust-proof and washdown capable.

First number

(Protection against solid objects)

Definition Second number

(Protection against solid objects)

Definition
0

No protection

0 No protection
1

Protected against solids objects over 50mm (e.g. accidental touch by hands

1

Protected against vertically falling drops of water

2

Protected against solids objects over 12mm (e.g. fingers)

2

Protected against direct sprays up to 15o from the vertical

3

Protected against solids objects over 2.5mm (e.g. tools and wires)

3

Protected against direct sprays up to 60o from the vertical

4

Protected against solids objects over 1mm (e.g. tools, wires and small wires

4

Protected against sprays from all directions – limited ingress permitted

5

Protected against dust – limited ingress (no harmful deposit)

5

Protected against low-pressure jets if water from all directions – limited ingress permitted

6

Totally protected against dust

6

Protected against strong jets of water e.g. for use on shipdecks – limited ingress permitted

 

7

Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m. Duration of test 30 minutes

 

8

Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure