Solingen/Munich, March 2018: Gases and vapours in tanks and dust particles in silos and workshops can quickly give rise to a dangerously explosive atmosphere. In this situation, your equipment has to be safe and reliable. Exclusive features make Ledlenser’s new ATEX torches and headlamps – ten different products in two series – dependable companions for everyone who works in explosive conditions, such as oil and gas workers, rescue teams, painters, and even bakers.
For more than two decades, the Solingen-‐based company Ledlenser has enjoyed a reputation as a lighting expert that produces high-‐quality products noted for their exceptional lighting quality. These products have long been used in trade and industry, and in recent years also in outdoor sports. The company also strengthens its position by offering product guarantees of up to seven years. Ledlenser has now launched two new ATEX product lines (‘EX’ and ‘iL’), thus adding lights for explosive zones to its product portfolio. These products meet all the requirements and have all the certifications required for use in Atmosphères Explosibles – ‘ATEX’ for short. Ledlenser’s new products will from now on be standard equipment for professions that require their members to work in explosive atmospheres.
The right torch or headlamp for every explosive job
Ledlenser’s new EX and iL lights – each series consisting of three torches and three headlamps – can be used in situations as varied as the jobs that require special protective equipment: oil and gas platforms, oil and gas storage facilities, power stations, chemical complexes and filling stations, sewage treatment plants and sewer systems, paint shops, distilleries, sawmills and many other explosive environments in which electrical devices are potential hazards and therefore have to meet certain structural and technical safety requirements. Ledlenser’s new ATEX torches and headlamps are also ideal for rescue teams who have to secure hazardous cargo after transport accidents and bakers who need to prevent flour dust explosions.
The European Union’s ATEX guidelines specify the safety standards that electrical equipment has to meet if it is to be used in explosive atmospheres. In a nutshell: no sparks must be allowed to fly. Ledlenser’s ATEX products were specially developed for contact with explosive gases, vapours, and dust in atmosphere groups IIC and IIIC; they are absolutely dustproof and waterproof – and of course CE-‐certified in accordance with ATEX guidelines.
ATEX environments are divided into zones, allowing distinctions to be made between the hazard potential in individual areas. Maximum safety is required for zone 0/20, as these atmospheres usually contain highly explosive flammable gases, vapours, or dust clouds. Ledlenser developed the torches and headlamps in the EX series for extreme use in this zone. They are designed for use in the highest gas (IIA, IIB, IIC) and dust groups (IIIA, IIIB, IIIC). These can be conductive, such as metal dust, or non-‐conductive, such as dust from grains.
The products in Ledlenser’s iL series are suitable for use in zone 2/22, in which the atmospheres are usually non-‐explosive or only explosive for short periods. All iL products are approved for use in the highest gas groups (IIA, IIB, IIC) and dust groups (IIIA, IIIB, IIIC), and are also certified for use in temperature categories gas T4 and dust T135°C. Ledlenser’s ATEX products all meet the requirements for IP rating 66. This means they remain waterproof even when subjected to powerful jets of water. Both EX and iL products can be used in working temperatures ranging from -‐20°C to +40°C.
The first ATEX torches and headlamps with the Advanced Focus System
For maximum safety, Ledlenser products have unique features that make working in potentially dangerous environments much easier. Ledlenser has now integrated its patented Advanced Focus System into its ATEX products to allow continuous focusing of the light beam. No other ATEX lighting system has this feature, which is absolutely invaluable in places with little or no light such as tanks, silos, and pipelines.
People working in hazardous atmospheres should not have to break their concentration by operating lights, which is why both torches and headlamps are fitted with a magnetic switch. Thanks to this large switch, these lights can be operated easily and intuitively even when wearing heavy protective gloves. Except for the EX4 and iL4, all Ledlenser’s ATEX products have two light functions – Power and Low Power – so that the user always has the right amount of light. Most EX and iL products are also available in versions with Li-‐ion batteries.
With a length of just 14 centimetres and a weight of 65 grams, Ledlenser EX4 and iL4 torches can easily be stowed away in any bag. Despite their small size, they have all the Ledlenser power. The EX4 lights up the dark with no less than 50 lumens. With 80 lumens, the iL4 lights up a distance of up to 50 metres for four hours – making it ideal for flexible use in explosive environments.
The EX7 and iL7 torches are the perfect choice when restricted by protective equipment. The magnetic switch and Advanced Focus System make them easy to use while the light beam is focused and precise. At 16.1 centimetres in length, these torches are very handy.
With a weight of 232 grams, the EX7 has a light intensity of 200 lumens and works for up to 45 hours. Its counterpart in the iL series has a luminous flux of 340 lumens, can light up a distance of up to 165 metres, and will keep on doing so for up to 37 hours.
Rechargeable battery-‐operated versions of both these torches are available: the EX7R and iL7R are supplied with a practical charging cradle.
When working in a volatile environment, you often need to have both hands free. This is easily achieved with the EXH8 and iLH8 headlamps. A red rear light guarantees extra safety and visibility. Both headlamps feature magnetic switches and the Advanced Focus System as standard. With a light intensity of 180 lumens, the EXH8 lights up a distance of 120 metres. When in Low Power mode, the headlamp can be used for up to 40 hours. With 280 lumens, a luminous range of 160 metres, and a service life of up to 38 hours, the iLH8 headlamp is ideal for use in EX zone 2/22. Rechargeable versions of these lamps (EXH8R and iLH8R) are also available and come with charging cradles.