INTRINSIC SAFETY

Intrinsic safety is a protection concept used in potentially explosive atmospheres. Electrical apparatus is classed intrinsically safe when it has been designed so that is unable to release sufficient energy, by either thermal or electrical means, to cause ignition of a flammable gas.

The ATEX directive and various harmonised European standards determine the design parameters and use of such apparatus. Manufacturers of intrinsically safe apparatus must design and manufacture their products to comply with these standards.

Intrinsically safe products must be certified by a Notified Body, in order to be legally operated within the European community.

ATEX directive also covers the use of Intrinsically safe products. It is the end users responsibility to ensure that all installed systems conform to the relevant standards.

All Status Instruments products are certified as follows.

• Equipment group II - for use above ground , Very High Protection
• (Equipment Category 1),
• Area classification Zone 0 - Gas, vapour present at all times.
• Atmosphere groups IIC