In this post you'll learn
Introduction
Intrinsically safe phones or IS phones are designed for explosive environments. They mitigate the risk of ignition by avoiding sparks and arcs. IS phones are used in facilities where flammable products are present. In this article, we will discuss the concept of IS and IS phones in particular, you can also review our catalog of safety tools.
Understanding Intrinsic Safety
Intrinsic safety is a preventative measure that prevents electronics from generating sparks. Traditional devices can cause sparks. Sparks in the presence of flammables pose an ignition risk. That is why IS devices are needed in such environments.
IS devices are engineered to meet certain safety standards. ATEX in Europe, Class 1 Division 1 in North America, and IECEx internationally are the IS standards.
Key Features of Intrinsically Safe Phones
Restricted Electrical Energy: IS phones prevent sparks by limiting electrical energy. Limited energy ensures that no single component has enough energy flow to cause an arc. Batteries, displays, and other components are selected carefully to adhere to energy restrictions.
Explosion-Proof Design: Even with certain precautions spark generation might not be prevented. Thus, IS phones are built from special materials that contain sparks. They are durable and they can withstand harsh industrial environments.
IS Accessories: Some industrial settings need workers to use hands-free accessories. Any accessories that would be used with an IS phone also need to follow IS standards. Some of the most common accessories are headsets and chargers.
Applications of Intrinsically Safe Phones
Oil and Gas Industry: IS phones are commonly used in the oil and gas industry due to the presence of flammables.
Chemical Plants: Certain chemical plants manufacture or handle flammable substances. In such facilities, IS phones are used.
Mining Industry: Mining operations can be dangerous due to combustible dust and gases. Communication is crucial in mining operations because of the obvious risks involved. IS phones provide safe communication thus, they are commonly used in the mining industry.
Limitations
While intrinsically safe phones offer many benefits, there are some limitations to consider.
Cost: These specialized devices are more costly than standard counterparts. Additional cost comes from special materials, design, and production methods.
Limited Features: IS phones are designed with one goal, safe communication. As mentioned earlier, they are made safe by limiting the energy flow. That is why they commonly lack the features of consumer-grade devices.
Conclusion
Communication is crucial in industrial settings. However, consumer-grade communication devices may not be suitable for some facilities. Oil refineries, chemical plants, and mines are environments with flammable presence. Common electronics are prone to generating sparks thus, they are not safe to use in such places.
IS phones provide a safe way of communication in explosive environments. But, they come with their own set of limitations.
