User safety is one of the primary drivers for the development of all Fluke test tools, so intrinsically safe instruments that comply with ATEX certification are a natural extension of the range. Fluke was one of the first manufacturers of ATEX-compliant hand-held tools, and now offers a broad range of intrinsically safe process calibrators and a multimeter.
The Ex range comprises process calibrators and a version of the world’s most popular industrial multimeter. They meet the needs of technicians who install, maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment in petro-chemical plants, oil platforms, refineries, governmental bodies, commercial organizations and any location subject to the risk of explosion.
Intrinsically safe standards apply to all equipment that can create one or more of a range of defined potential explosion sources:
Electrical sparks
Electrical arcs
Flames
Hot surfaces
Static electricity
Electromagnetic radiation
Chemical reactions
Mechanical impact
Mechanical friction
Compression ignition
Acoustic energy
Ionizing radiation
What is ATEX?
The primary intrinsically safe standard has been set in the European Union with the 9/94/EC Directive, commonly called ATEX (“Atmosphères Explosibles,” French for explosive atmospheres). The stated goal of the guidelines is to “help ensure the free movement of products in the European Union” by “minimizing the number of safeguard clause applications, at least those originating from divergent interpretations.
The ATEX rules have been in place as a voluntary standard since 1 March 1996. The rules are mandatory on electrical and electronic equipment for use in environments subject to explosion hazard sold in the EU starting 1 July 2003. From this date onwards, all products sold for use in explosive atmospheres must have ATEX certification and carry the distinctive symbol:
Free Poster and product information.
Request a free copy of the Fluke Intrinsically Safe Test tool poster and product information. The poster clearly shows where Fluke’s Ex test tools can be used in hazardous environments.
