What are Intrinsically Safe Radios?

[jb872033]

Hello all,

Just wondering what the difference between intrinsically and non intrinsically safe radios is. What makes them different? Why would one want an intrinsically safe radio versus one that isnt. searched the forums and couldnt really find anything on this. thanks for any input!

JB

 

[K2KOH]

IS radios are made to operate in volatile atmospheres, like mines. If you look at a label on an old Motorola IS radio, you'll see exactly what kind of places it can be used. We had IS radios years ago in the courts...they were made for use in mines.

 

[fineshot1]

Supposedly they are safer to use in explosive atmospheers as they have been sealed up tighter and are rated IS accordingly. The batteries used with these model radios should also have the same IS rating.

 

[mdulrich]

The batteries used with these model radios should also have the same IS rating.

The batteries MUST be IS.

Mike

 

[Grog]

The batteries MUST be IS.

Mike

To have a true IS radio "system", yes.

But you can use a non-IS battery with an IS radio if you're not really needing the IS rating. I could see that if say someone who needed IS radios upgrade and pass them off to other users who might not need true IS capabilities (like a fire department passing radios to the water department).

 

[Big_Ears]

"Intrinsically safe" means that all energy carrying circuits are designed to limit the "spark" energy to a safe level in the event that the energy carrying conductors are shorted together. This means that there will be no spark capable of igniting in an explosive atmosphere where flammable/expolsive gases are present. This usually occurs at oil/fuel refineries where all circuits are passed thru "intrinsic barriers" that are located in between the "hazardous" and "safe" area.

 

[jb872033]

ok, thanks thats what i figured from reading some of the descriptions if IS radios, i assume that they would be more expensive, having the special circutry in them and all...thanks for the input

JB