When the time comes to purchase safety lighting, it is vital to understand the difference between Explosion-Proof (Ex) and Intrinsically Safe (IS) lighting products.
What does Explosion-Proof mean?
EX and IS equipment are both certified by nationally recognized testing laboratories for use in hazardous areas, but there are some key differences. EX lighting is typically built using heavy enclosures made from rugged materials such as stainless steel or aluminum alloys, and EX equipment is designed to both contain an explosion and survive an explosion.
What does Intrinsically Safe mean?
IS equipment is designed to prevent an explosion rather than contain it. It is light weight and limits the energy and temperature in the device to prevent it from producing a spark or reaching a temperature that could ignite a hazardous environment. Using the IS protection method is why these devices require much lower energy levels than EX-protected equipment.
IS and EX are often used interchangeably but are entirely different in how they work. EX contains the explosion and releases the resulting gases from the device at a safe temperature but IS devices reduce the risk of explosion by managing available energy, which eliminates sparks and thermal effects in a hazardous environment before they happen.
Other benefits of IS equipment are cost savings, reduced weight, and portability. The quality of IS equipment is vital in potentially explosive environments, and one must ensure their lighting is manufactured by a reputable company with documented experience in creating IS products. Because of the knowledge, time, and expense required to engineer and produce IS products, a very limited number of companies can achieve this.
Nightstick is a global manufacturer of IS portable LED lighting products that exceed industry standards in performance, quality, and user safety. From penlights to floodlights, above ground or below ground, Nightstick has you covered. Focus on completing your job with confidence, knowing your equipment was designed and rated for the highest safety levels.
When Life Depends on LightTM, choose Nightstick! Visit nightstick.com for more information
