Explosion-Proof vs. Intrinsically Safe Equipment
There are two characteristic electronic safety standards: intrinsically safe and explosion-proof. Which one do you need? In regard to electronic safety standards, there are two characteristics that are often referred to in manufacturing: Intrinsically safe and explosion-proof. Sometimes the term “explosion proof” is also used to describe the environment of operations and both means of protection, environment or equipment, are acceptable for safe manufacturing processes.
Intrinsically Safe
Intrinsically safety equipment combats hazards because it is incapable of causing sparks or combustion. This means that intrinsically safe equipment must limit electrical current, voltage and heat. This reduces the risk of explosion in hazardous and combustible environments such as distilleries, chemical plants, fuel refineries or textile manufacturers. Intrinsically safe equipment may be more critical in areas impacted by system breakdown, vapors and gases, combustible dust or a combination of all three.
Explosion-Proof
Utilizing explosion-proof or flame-proof equipment is a method of protection
