LED Lenser ATEX Torches

LED Lenser ATEX torches

New LED Lenser ATEX Range

This year has seen the arrival of a brand new range of LED Lenser ATEX torches which are available in a variety of form factors and can be identified by a black & yellow finish that matches the ATEX signage which is used to denote potentially explosive atmospheres in working environments throughout Europe. LED Lenser have been manufacturing professional grade torches since 1993 but this is the first time their catalogue has included ATEX certified models. In this post we’ll take a look at these new models and some of the advantages the range offers.

ATEX in the Workplace

The ATEX regulations were established to help minimize risk in workplaces where substances like flammable gases, liquids, dusts and vapours can constitute a serious hazard. If an explosive atmosphere builds up inside a confined space, it can take something as minor as an electrostatic discharge from clothing to ignite it. Therefore, under EU regulations, workplaces that handle enough of these dangerous materials to pose a risk are classified as ATEX Zones and each zone is graded 0-2 and 20-22 according to the nature of the hazard.

ATEX Zones

  • Zone 0 (Gases / Vapours): an area in which an explosive mixture is continuously present or present for long periods.
  • Zone 1 (Gases / Vapours): an area in which an explosive mixture is likely to occur in normal operation.
  • Zone 2 (Gases / Vapours): an area in which an explosive mixture is not likely to occur in normal operation and if it occurs it will exist only for a short time.
  • Zone 20 (Dusts): an area in which an explosive mixture is continuously present or present for long periods.
  • Zone 21 (Dusts): an area in which an explosive mixture is likely to occur in normal operation.
  • Zone 22 (Dusts): an area in which an explosive mixture is not likely to occur in normal operation and if it occurs it will exist only for a short time.

ATEX Equipment

To attain ATEX certification, a piece of equipment must adhere to strict guidelines. With torches and portable lighting, the main ignition risks come from static charges building up in the housing, heat from the bulb, and sparks from short circuits (especially from batteries or in the event of damage to the equipment). Thus an ATEX torch must be designed with all these factors in mind.

LED Lenser ATEX models

LED Lenser ATEX IECEX
LED Lenser’s new range is compliant with ATEX & IECEX specifications

When LED Lenser reviewed the ATEX torches currently on the market, they found that most have a fairly limited feature set, often limited to a choice between “on” or “off”. So they set out to develop an ATEX range which could offer users a bit more functionality while remaining safe to use in hazardous environments, and many of these torches feature focusing systems which enable the beam to be narrowed or widened for spot or flood light applications.

As well as complying with ATEX specifications, which are a legal requirement within the EU zone, these torches also meet specifications for IECEx certification (IECEx being the International Electrotechnical Commission Scheme for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres). This means they are certified to use in hazardous environments the world over. Let’s take a look at these new models now, starting with the iL4.

LED Lenser iL4 ATEX and IECEx LED Pen Torch

Led Lenser ATEX iL4
Led Lenser ATEX iL4

The iL4 Pen Torch is suitable for use in ATEX Zone 2/22 applications. A compact, lightweight and basic model, it can be carried unobtrusively and is fitted with a pocket clip for attachment to workwear or equipment.

LED Lenser iL7 ATEX and IECEx LED Torch

LED Lenser ATEX iL7
LED Lenser ATEX iL7

The iL7 is suitable for ATEX zone 2/22 applications. It is a compact and lightweight model with a magnetic switch which is designed to be easy to use with gloved hands. Two light settings are available, which enable the user to prioritize brightness or battery life. At maximum power, the iL7 will deliver a 340 lumen beam at a range of up to 195 metres, while switching to low power mode provides a 70 lumen beam which can be used continuously for up to 37 hours. The iL7 is also available as a rechargeable model: the iL7R.

LED Lenser EX4 ATEX and IECEx Torch

LED Lenser ATEX EX4
LED Lenser ATEX EX4

The EX4 is a hand torch which is suitable for use in EX zones 0/20.

The EX4 is compact and unobtrusive to carry, being fitted with a pocket clip for attachment to workwear and small enough to fit into a pocket. Lightweight at just 65g including batteries, it has an IPX66 rated housing, meaning it is dust tight and protected against powerful jets of water.

It can deliver a beam of up to 50 lumens at a range of up to 35 metres. LED Lenser manufacture a range of accessories for the EX4 which enable it to be mounted to a helmet or workbelt for hands free use.

LED Lenser EX7 ATEX and IECEx LED Torch

LED Lenser ATEX EX7 Torch
LED Lenser ATEX EX7 Torch

Suitable for use in ATEX zones 0/20, the EX7 is designed to be easy to use even when wearing protective gloves and laden down with equipment – the magnetic switch can be operated easily and an included clip enables the torch to be attached to workwear for easy access at all times. Lightweight at 232g including batteries, it has an IPX66 rated housing, meaning it is dust tight and protected against powerful jets of water.

It can deliver a beam of up to 200 lumens at up to 120 metres; alternatively it can be switched to low power mode to conserve battery for up to 45 hours of continuous runtime. The EX7 is also available as a rechargeable model (the EX7R)

LED Lenser iLH8 ATEX and IECEx LED Head Torch

LED Lenser ATEX iLH8 Head Torch
LED Lenser ATEX iLH8 Head Torch

The iLH8 head torch is suitable for ATEX Zone 2/22 applications. It has an AFS Advanced Focus System and two brightness modes which enable the torch to deliver maximum brightness or conserve battery power – up to 280 lumens or 38 hours of continuous runtime respectively.

The iLH8 is powered by three AA batteries, or alternatively the iLH8R is the rechargeable model.

LED Lenser EXH8 ATEX and IECEx LED Head Torch

LED Lenser ATEX EXH8 Head Torch
LED Lenser ATEX EXH8 Head Torch

Suitable for ATEX zones 0/20, the EXH8 can be worn over a helmet and has a magnetic switch at the front which is easy to find and activate with gloved hands. A red LED at the rear of the head torch signals the wearer’s position to others in the vicinity.

A rechargeable model (EXH8R) is also available.

All of these new torches are available now from Tooled Up and can be viewed here.


Categories mentioned in this article:

Torches

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