What Intrinsically Safe Scales Mean for Your Company

What Intrinsically Safe Scales Mean for Your CompanyThere are a number of facilities throughout the world that work with hazardous materials every day. Such materials include substances that are considered to be flammable or explosive, and if compromised, they pose a threat to the lives and safety of the people that work with them or whoever is in close proximity to them. Because there is a potential for mishap, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration created the National Electric Code (NEC).

The NEC classifies different environments based on the type of materials they use or house. It set the standards for wiring in industrial facilities and created guidelines that must be followed when installing electrical equipment in such places as well. Any person that works with or near explosive or flammable materials must abide by the NEC.

What’s So Special About “Intrinsically Safe”?

Many industrial facilities use scales because they need to weigh materials and prepare items for shipping. Electronicscales are most commonly used because they can be read easier and are generally simple to function, compared to non-electrical scales; however, electricity in the presence of hazardous materials is extremely dangerous.

A typical electronicscale may need to be powered by up to 15 volts or more. And whenever there is electricity, there is a chance that a spark could be created—which in the vicinity of flammable or explosive substances could create a fatal eruption. So because there is a possibility for damage and danger, any facility that is considered a hazardous environment must stick to the NEC guidelines. But many of them still need to use scales. So what can they do?

Fortunately, Arlyn Scales has addressed the needs of customers that work in hazardous environments and need to use electrical scales. Arlyn Scales manufactures scales for every environment and purpose; however, we offer a number of scales that are termed “intrinsically safe,” which means they are approved to function specifically in hazardous environments.

Quality-Made Arlyn Scales Intrinsically Safe Scales

The NEC is responsible for classifying every type of hazardous environment. Arlyn Scales supplies intrinsically safe scales approved for the following classifications:

  • Class I, Divisions I & II, Groups A-D
  • Class II, Divisions I & II, Groups E-G
  • Class III, Divisions I & II

We offer a number of intrinsically safe scales, including: Guard B Scales, Guard C Scales, Guard P Scales and Guard F Scales.

ArlynGuard B Scales

  • Class I, II, III, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F & G Class I, Zone 0
  • Capacity: Up to 150 pounds
  • Sensitivity is available as high as 0.001 pounds
  • Internal resolution is 1 part of 500,000
  • Large graphical LCD display provided with stainless steel swivel mount
  • Starting at $1,499—upgrades available

ArlynGuard C Scales

  • Class I, II, III, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F & G Class I, Zone 0
  • Capacity: Up to 400 pounds
  • Sensitivity is available as high as 0.02 pounds
  • Internal resolution is 1 part of 500,000
  • Large graphical LCD display provided with stainless steel swivel mount
  • Starting at $1,599—upgrades available

ArlynGuard P Scales

  • Class I, II, III, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F & G Class I, Zone 0
  • Capacity: Up to 1,000 pounds
  • Sensitivity is available as high as 0.1 pounds
  • Internal resolution is 1 part of 500,000
  • Large graphical LCD display provided with stainless steel swivel mount
  • Starting at $1,699—upgrades available

ArlynGuard F Scales

  • Class I, II, III, Division 1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F & G Class I, Zone 0
  • Capacity: Up to 20,000 pounds
  • Sensitivity is available as high as 0.5 pounds
  • Internal resolution is 1 part of 500,000
  • Large graphical LCD display provided with stainless steel swivel mount
  • Starting at $2,299—upgrades available

 

How Are Intrinsically Safe Scales Safer Than Typical Scales?

Arlyn Scales has mastered the safe design of intrinsically safe scales because we want our customers to have a high-quality and accurate scale that they feel safe using in risky locations. The outsides of our intrinsically safe scales look just like our other scales; however, the inside is what makes the difference.

Our intrinsically safe scales are designed to function on a low amount of electricity. All of the components and wiring on the inside are insulated to retain heat and manufactured to prevent shorting—because shorting can cause sparks. There are zero external electrical cables that need to be plugged in for the scale to work. Instead, a rechargeable battery, called a C Cell, powers each scale.

Arlyn Scales’ intrinsically safe scales eliminate any possibility of a spark being produced in the presence of harsh substances. When heavy objects are hoisted onto the scale again and again, over time damage can occur. However, we have taken precautions to avoid the battery holder being worn down. The battery is kept in a sturdy holder so that it doesn’t submit to wear and tear. The holder is made from machined aluminum and if there is any excess electric current detected, the holder prevents the battery from releasing any electricity. The scale will not function until it is repaired.

If They Don’t Use A Lot of Power, How Are They Accurate?

Perhaps you are thinking: “if this scale doesn’t use a lot of electricity, how can it produce accurate results?” All of Arlyn Scales’ scales yield extremely accurate results. How do we know?

The internal microcontroller components of our intrinsically safe scales are designed to work well with low voltages and high-quality load cells. The load cells in our intrinsically safe scales are made of stainless steel, which makes them durable and more compatible with low power.

Contact Arlyn Scales Today!

We take pride in our reliable and safe intrinsically safe scales. Our scales are the perfect tool for every industrial and laboratory setting. If you would like to look at all of the scales that Arlyn Scales supplies, then take a look at our website today. Have questions? Fill out our online contact form of call us at 800-645-4301. Our knowledgeable and professional staff looks forward to working with you.