The term intrinsically safe is often misunderstood by people, but it’s actually a very important concept. The most common misconception about intrinsically safe equipment is that it doesn’t need to be grounded or earthed.
Actually, intrinsically safe equipment needs to be grounded in order to function properly and safely. Grounding the device ensures that any excess voltage produced by an electric current will not cause harm through contact with people or objects surrounding the device.
What is an intrinsically safe radio?
An intrinsically safe radio is a type of industrial grade equipment that has been tested and certified by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association for use in hazardous environments. This certification means they can be used without any concern for interference with sensitive frequencies, circuits, or devices. Many factors go into deciding which type of radio to purchase including frequency range, battery life, durability and price.
What to consider when choosing it?
When working in industries where flammable or explosive material is present, it is critical to use radios that are intrinsically safe. Intrinsically safe radios are designed not to produce sparks that could ignite the material. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an intrinsically safe radio.
One key factor to consider is the type of work you will be doing. The intrinsically safe radio is better for industrial applications, while others are more suited for fire and police departments. Another factor to consider is the range you need your radio to have. If you need a radio that can cover a large area, you may want to consider a model with greater range.
