Are break glass call points normally intrinsically safe?

[nearlythere]

Are break glass call points and sounders, normally intrinsically safe and if so how can one tell from the unit?

[Mike Buckley]

The short answer is no. All electrical equipment for use in hazardous atmospheres should be marked with the group number for the range of gases it is dsigned for. There is a standard mark but I can't find it at the moment. If you have a look at the Dangerous Substances and Exposive Atmospheres regulations it should all be explained in there.

[Allen Higginson]

Nope - they will have an identification on them (Ex) and in the case of sounders operate at lower current than standard ones (this does limit the amount you can put on the circuit after the barrier and affects your dB output).
They are also more expensive!

[ps]

I've got a good guide to the regs I can send you if that's any help?

[ps]

Thinking about it you probably don't want all the gumph, just the following would be helpful

All equipment used in hazardous areas and which meet the requirements of the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996 should be marked with:
•   a CE mark
•   the explosion protection symbol (as shown)
•   the equipment group and category
•   a G for an explosive atmosphere caused by gases or vapours or a D for explosive atmospheres caused by dusts
•   the name and address of the manufacturer
•   the designation of series or type
•   the serial number, if any
•   the year of construction.

Equipment manufactured to the appropriate standard should still be tested following installation and should be inspected regularly and maintained by a competent person.

The symbol won't cut and paste for me, but its a hexagon with the letters E and X inside"

[AnthonyB]

[ps]

very pretty!

[Midland Retty]

Cheers Anthony - can you send a bigger one?

[David Rooney]

Cheers Anthony - can you send a bigger one?

Have you got one in Braille you could fax ??

[AnthonyB]

LOL! I was in a rush & it was the first link I found!