An explosion-proof torch is safety equipment. Buy the wrong one and at best it gets turned away at the gate. Read this before you order.
What explosion-proof means
In places where flammable gas, vapour or dust can build up, an ordinary torch is an ignition source. Certified lights are designed and tested so they cannot set off the atmosphere around them.
ATEX and IECEx are not the same thing
- ATEX is the European scheme.
- IECEx is the international scheme.
Many Australian sites require IECEx or ANZEx certification and will not accept ATEX on its own. Your site's hazardous-area rules decide what is allowed. Ask your safety officer or electrical supervisor before you buy.
How to read a marking
Markings look like this example: II 2 G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb. Each part means something.
| II | Equipment group. Group II is surface industry. Group I is underground mining. |
|---|---|
| 2 | Category. Category 2 suits Zone 1. Category 1 suits Zone 0. Category 3 suits Zone 2. |
| G | Gas and vapour. D means dust. |
| Ex ib | Protection method. "i" is intrinsic safety. "d" is a flameproof enclosure. |
| IIC | Gas group. IIA covers propane. IIB adds ethylene. IIC adds hydrogen and acetylene. |
| T4 | Maximum surface temperature. T4 is 135 degrees C. T5 is 100. T6 is 85. |
| Gb | Equipment protection level for Zone 1. |
Zones
- Zone 0: explosive atmosphere present continuously or for long periods.
- Zone 1: likely during normal operation.
- Zone 2: not likely, and only briefly if it happens.
Dust zones follow the same pattern: 20, 21 and 22.
What we do
Every explosion-proof light we sell carries its certification marking on the body and on the box. Before you buy, call us and we will send you a photo of the marking on the actual unit. Match it to your site's requirements, then order.
Some certifications only apply with a specific battery fitted. Check the manual in the box and use only the battery it names.