The modern world exposes us to plenty of technology that can significantly impact our safety. Engineers now have to go far and beyond to ensure all equipment developed is intrinsically safe during use. Hazardous areas pose a risk to workers and equipment as they may contain flammable gases, liquids, or vapors that can ignite and explode. A great example of an intrinsically safe portable device is the smartphone. According to Dscout, the typical cell phone user taps, swipes, or clicks their phone about 2,617 times every day, so it's important to make sure this device is safe.

What Is Intrinsically Safe Equipment?

Intrinsically safe electronics allow you to work and operate in hazardous areas by limiting the thermal or electrical energy available for ignition. Popular equipment like motor switches and brushes may be at risk of overheating and short-circuiting. To make things safe, experts simplify the circuitry, adjust components, and control thermal temperatures to reduce dust-caused shorts.

How Does It Work?

Engineers use a low-energy technique to make an intrinsically safe portable device or equipment where the current-voltage and power are reduced to a level too low to cause ignition. Generally, according to our team, the maximum level of power available is less than 1.3W. They also control the maximum temperature to ensure the levels don't exceed 135 degrees.

Which Devices Are Intrinsically Safe?

Many electronics are found to be intrinsically safe. These include mobile phones, radios, gas detectors, flashlights, and cameras. Since these are everyday products that most people interact with, there was a need to make them intrinsically safe. Devices used in environments with flammable gases like propane and hydrogen must never have the risk of overheating or sparking, as this could mean putting workers at risk of an explosion.

What Are the Benefits of an Intrinsically Safe Portable Device?

Aside from meeting the safety requirements for electronics, intrinsically safe devices have other benefits. One of the main benefits is that they prevent the cost of tedious and bulky installation of explosion-proof enclosures. They allow people to work without worrying about their safety. Diagnostic and maintenance work can also be conducted safely without shutting down production and ventilating areas. Companies also pay lower insurance premiums due to reduced risk.

We all need to use intrinsically safe devices across different environments. From our phones to children's video devices, intrinsically safe devices allow you to operate around different environments without worrying about explosions and other safety issues. To learn more about intrinsically safe devices, contact our team at Xciel Inc today.