At Wall to Wall we are proud to stock a number of intrinsically safe radios. These include the Hytera ATEX radios, Motorola ATEX radios, ICOM ATEX radios and Kenwood ATEX Radios. For more information on which one is best for you, you can read our blog ‘Which ATEX Radio Is Right For Your Business’ here
What is an intrinsically safe radio?
An intrinsically safe radio is a two way communication device that is safe to use in hazardous environments. They are certified to be present around any material or substance that could potentially be dangerous if there was a spark, heat or a flame present.. Intrinsically safe radios meet the highest safety standards to ensure they do not ignite any flammable materials.They are also known as ATEX radios, which stands for ATmosphere EXplosibles.
Intrinsically safe radios can be defined as “equipment and wiring which is incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy under normal or abnormal conditions to cause ignition of a specific hazardous atmospheric mixture in its most easily ignited concentration.”
Intrinsically safe radio standards
Industries that work around potentially explosive substances have some the highest level of safety standards that need to be upheld. This includes two way radios which cannot produce heat, a flame or a spark. This is not only for the people working in these industries, but the facility itself and those living in the surrounding area. These industries include but are not limited to petrol stations, coal mines, oil refineries and factories. It is therefore extremely important that all of the technology used in these industries comply with stringent safety standards.
Intrinsically safe radio standards are typically classified under four categories. These include the class, group, division and temperature.
Class: This refers to the type of hazardous material that will be present on site e.g. flammable gas, vapours and liquids, combustible dusts and ignitable fibres.
Group: ATEX radios will be classified by the ignition temperatures and explosion pressures of the materials
Division: The site on which the radios are used will be assessed. Factors such as the concentration of hazards and cause of potential hazards such as equipment failure.
Temperature: The temperature at which an ignition can be started should not exceed the maximum surface temperature of the radio
Tips for using intrinsically safe radios
You must never charge an intrinsically safe radio in a hazardous area
You must never remove the battery whilst in a hazardous area
Ensure all radio accessories are Intrinsically Safe Approved
Regularly check for damage- do not use a damaged Intrinsically Safe Radio in a hazardous area
Do not remove or install radio accessories whilst in a hazardous area e.g. headsets or speaker
At Wall to Wall Communications we are proud to stock a variety of two way radios, including Motorola ATEX radios. From Digital walkie talkies, to analogue radios, License free radios to a selection of ATEX radios. Stocking a wide range of two way radios ensure that you get the exact radio rental you are looking for. By using Wall to Wall as your two way radio supplier you will be advised by experts in telecommunications, with a company that has over 40 years experience. You can read about everything Wall to Wall provides on our blog post here.
What is an ATEX Radio?
ATEX stands for Atmosphere Explosibles, but are also known as Intrinsically Safe radios. These radios are specifically designed to be used in hazardous environments where there is flammable substances, dust and explosives. Where ‘normal’ radios would pose a health and safety risk, ATEX radios are designed to be extremely dust-proof, emit no sparks and meet the highest safety standards. Intrinsically Safe radios are appropriate for environments such as petrol stations, flour mills, chemical plants, oil refineries, coal mines and factories. For more information you can read our blog post ‘What Are ATEX Radios and Do I Need Them?’ here.
Motorola ATEX Radio
At Wall to Wall Communications we stock two Motorola ATEX radios. These include the MOTOTRBO DP4801EX ATEX and the MOTOTRBO DP4401EX ATEX. Both of these Motorola ATEX radios have their own key features and benefits.
Motorola DP4401 EX: This Motorola radio is ATEX certified, meaning it meets the highest safety standards. This easy to use two way radio delivers the highest quality voice and data communications. As well as performing the basic functions of a two way radio, this radio comes equipped with a host of additional functions. These include…
Three programmable functions
Emergency button
32 channel capacity
GPS
Customisable voice announcements
Priority-based interruption
Built-in scrambling
Rugged design
Intelligent Audio Feature
IP Site Connect
Motorola DP4801 EX: This Motorola is also ATEX certified radio, meeting the highest safety standards. This digital radio comes with even more additional features. These include…
GPS
Text messaging
Day/night mode
Full colour display
Intelligent Audio Feature
Low powered (good for areas with explosive gas)
IP Site Connect
Priority based interruption
Emergency button
Built-in scrambling
Rugged design
Water submersible
Kenwood ATEX radios
In addition to Motorola ATEX radios, Wall to Wall Communications are also proud suppliers of Kenwood ATEX radios. In particular the Kenwood TK-2260EX (VHF) and the Kenwood 3260EX (UHF).
If you are looking for an ATEX radio, feel free to read our blog post ‘Which ATEX Radio is Right For Your Business’ which details and compares all of the ATEX radio Wall to Wall Communications stocks, including Motorola ATEX radios, Kenwood ATEX radios, Hytera ATEX radios and ICOM ATEX radios.
At Wall to Wall Communications we are determined to meet your every two way radio communication needs, including ATEX radios. An ATEX radio stands for ATmosphere EXplosibles. They are radios that meet a higher standard of safety so they can be used in explosive environments without an increased risk of explosions.
For more information you can read our blog on ATEX radios here.
What industries are ATEX radios suitable for?
ATEX radios can be used in industries such as engine rooms, factories, coal mines, gas mines, airports, chemical plants, oil refineries, timber sawmills and emergency scenes attended by the ambulance, fire and police services, and any other industry that involves explosive materials.
Specialised features of an ATEX radio
To make sure our ATEX radios are safe for use around explosive materials they come with specialised safety features. These include…
Waterproof
Dustproof
Shockproof
Aside from these features, the ATEX radios importantly features a battery which produces a stable output of power, with a long battery life, whilst still maintaining a low temperature. This limits the risk of the radio producing a flame or a spark which could create an explosion. A key feature for ATEX radios.
ATEX radios at Wall to Wall Communications
At Wall to Wall we know that each business has individual needs. Whilst one of the main criteria of ATEX radios is an increased level of safety, they must also serve the normal functioning purposes of ordinary two way radios. Currently we stock a total of 6 ATEX radios so you can find the perfect one for you.
Complying with the world’s strictest safety standards, this Hytera ATEX radio offers key features such as built in man-down and lone-worker functions, GPS, dedicated emergency button, high audio quality, long battery life, large push to talk button and tuning knobs, highly reliable and software upgradable.
Also complying with the world’s strictest safety standards, this Hytera ATEX radio has the capability to withstand some of the toughest conditions. This radio comes with the added benefits of a 1.8 inch colour LCD display and qwerty keypad, which can also help during emergency situations and at night time. Other features include GPS, up to 1024 channels, upgradeable software, digital and analogue capabilities and strong vibrations for alerts which can be useful if you are working in a loud environment.
The Motorola ATEX radio is recommended for any industries that are working with explosive materials or gases, including mines, oil rigs and petrol stations. This is an easy to use radio with up to 32 channels available. Other key features include an emergency button, integrated GPS, multisite connectivity, durable design, automatically adjusting radio volume, man down and lone worker functions.
Kenwood’s ATEX radios have been subject to years of testing in demanding and harsh operating conditions. This Kenwood ATEX radio also has a wealth of features in addition to the expected ones. These include STAFF SAFE Functions, advanced motion detection, emergency key, 5-tone signalling, priority scan and voting, programmable function keys, key lock, VOX read and an adjustable microphone amongst others.
The ICOM ATEX radio is particularly recommended for companies working around water. This radio is a waterproof transceiver that is equivalent to the marine handheld models. In addition, this model is tough, reliable and small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. The Lithium-Ion battery pack also offers a 13 hour working battery life that provides stable output power. A key feature of this radio is the keypad is lit with LED’s, making it suitable for night time work or in dark conditions such as mines.
This Motorola ATEX radio comes with a wealth of features to ensure communication is swift, easy and efficient. This radio comes fully equipped with text messaging feature, GPS, day/night mod, full colour display, Intelligent Audio Feature, built-in scrambling, waterproof and IP Site Connect. This radio is particularly recommended for use around explosive gases with its low powered battery.
At Wall to Wall Communications we know that the safety of your staff and visitors is of the utmost importance to you and your business. The technology you use on site must therefore maintain and enhance these high levels of safety, particularly if you are working in a hazardous environment. Two way radios enhance communication, efficiency and therefore safety. However, if the environment is particularly hazardous and potentially explosive such as an oil rig or petrol tanker, your two way radio must meet increased safety standards. This is where ATEX radios come in…
What is an ATEX radio?
ATEX stands for Atmosphere Explosibles which were first introduced in 2003. An ATEX radio is a radio that is built to meet the world’s strictest safety standards. ATEX radios are made to withstand and keep working reliably in the toughest environments where explosives are involved, whilst still maintaining the highest level of safety.
What features make ATEX radios so safe?
ATEX radios are classed as ‘intrinsically safe’. This means that this technology is safe to use around explosive material as there is a reduced risk of the radio generating a flame or even the tiniest spark that could trigger an explosion. ATEX radios also ensure that minimal heat is produced when the device is in use for the same reason.
Waterproof– These radios can withstand submersion into water and still function after a period of time
Shockproof– These radios are encased in a tough shell with a compact body designed to last and withstand explosions
Dustproof– The shell of these radios are sealed to ensure no material can penetrate the body
Lithium-ion battery pack– This battery produces stable output power without overheating to minimise the risk of a flame or a spark being produced.
In addition to all of the safety features, these radios also come equipped with all of the functions you would expect from a regular digital radio such as man-down function, lone worker, text messaging, GPS, emergency button, built in scrambling and site connect.
What businesses are ATEX radios designed for?
Many businesses can benefit from the use of ATEX radios including chemical plants, airports, timber sawmills, oil rigs, oil refineries, emergency scenes attended by police, fire and ambulance services, engine rooms, coal mines, gas mines, factories, and engine mines.
