For example, the Hytera PT790 Ex radio meets the following explosive protection: gas: II 1G Ex ia IIC T4 dust: II 1D Ex ia IIIC T120oC IP6x mine: I M1 Ex ia. Radios will be marked with the standards above to which they have been tested. These agencies engage in harmonisation activities so that equipment canīe exported between regions without extensive retesting.The ATEX standard can be broken down into specifics such as the environment and testing regimes the gas and dust classifications are shown in the table below. In other regions of the world, the IECEx standards are used. In Canada, the Canadian Standards Association certifies radios and in the European Union, ATEX certification applies. In North America, the Factory Mutual(FM) research corporation certifies radios, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certifies mobile phones. There areseveral bodies which define the standards for testing and, once certified, the products are labelled with the standards that they meet. To ensure there is no risk in service, electrical equipmentis thoroughly tested to predefined standards. Techniques used by manufacturers in the design ofTETRA ATEX radios include the encapsulation of the electronics inside the radio, and care in the design of external electrical connections and materials which resist the build-up of static electricity. These industries have been a growth area for TETRA as users recognise the security, resilience, and versatility of this technology. Other industries also require radios to work in danger areas, including some types of food manufacture, utilities, mining, ports, airports and fire services. This includes all types of communication equipment including TETRA radios and accessories. The potential risk to life and investment at all stages makes it imperative that all equipment used in danger areas cannot generate sparks which would ignite gasses or dust. This industry has specific stages each with their own challenges such as exploration, extraction, refining, storage, transportation and retail operations. The oil and gas industry is the most well-known example of where there is a risk of explosion. Hazardous environments demand highly reliable, easy to use and intrinsically safe communication equipment.” Many industrial facilities encompass large, complex environments and these require integrated communication systems to facilitate effective and safe operations. The scale of modern production means that a wide range of industries generate dangerous working environments where correct controls and safety must be stringently applied. La Pensee continues: “Understanding what constitutes a ‘hazardous environment’ is a critical consideration when meeting communications and operational requirements.Īn environment is defined as potentially hazardous if three conditions are met: there is a fuel source - a gas, a vapour, or some sort of ignitable dust oxygen and an ignition source. Mark La Pensee, head of TETRA Subscribers, Product Management at Motorola Solutions, says: “The reality is that many of the goods we regularly use will have passed through a hazardous environment during their creation and this presents a considerable communications challenge for those securing raw materials and manufacturing products.”
Even this requirement is well catered for, as Richard Martin discoversįrom the fuel in our cars to the food on our plates,we give very little thought to how complicated, difficult or even dangerous the processes might be behind our daily necessities. Our coverage of TETRA devices continues with a look at those that meet the needs of users who have to work in areas where ignition sources of any kind cannot be allowed.
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