When safety is a concern and data logging and downloading are required, the nonincendive Raytek Raynger MX4+NI infrared thermometer is the product to choose. This Raytek infrared thermometer has the approval needed for use in hazardous environments. The Raytek Raynger MX4+NI infrared thermometer is Factory Mutual-approved as a Class 1, Division 2 nonincendive device because it doesn't release enough electrical or thermal energy to ignite flammable gases or vapors under normal operational and environmental conditions.
The handheld Raytek Raynger MX4+NI infrared thermometer has a wide temperature range (up to 1600°F/900°C), 60:1 optical performance, coaxial laser sighting, 100 location data logging for downloading to a PC, emissivity table, and a Factory Mutual-approved external contact probe.
Factory Mutual Research is an approving organization in the United States and, while businesses in many countries accept its approvals, FM approval may not be sufficient in some locales. Acceptance of FM approval will be dependent on the particular company, its location, and local regulation. The close focus (CF) and subzero (SZ) versions are not included in this approval.
A Nonincendive rating (NI) indicates that an electronic device has been tested to standards for preventing explosions in hazardous areas by limiting the ability of equipment to ignite a specified flammable gas or vapor-in-air mixture. Nonincendive equipment is incapable of releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy to ignite flammable gases or vapors under NORMAL operation and environmental conditions. Nonincendive devices are approved for use in Class I, Division 2 locations.
Intrinsically Safe vs. Nonincendive
Intrinsically Safe Approved units are approved for use where flammable gases or vapors do exist or may exist. Nonincendive approved units are approved for use where flammable gases or vapors may exist.
Definitions of Hazardous Location Terms
- Class I - Flammable Gases or Vapors
- Class I locations are those in which flammable gases or vapors are or may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
- Class I, Division 1 - Only Intrinsically Safe Units Used Here
- A Class I, Division 1 location is one in which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors may be present because:
- They exist under normal operating conditions
- They exist frequently because of repair, maintenance operations, or leakage
- Breakdown or faulty operation of equipment or process which causes simultaneous electrical equipment failure
- Class I, Division 2 - Either Intrinsically Safe or Nonincendive Units Used Here
- A Class I, Division 2 location is one in which ignitable concentrations of flammable liquids or gases may be present as a result of:
- Accidental rupture or breakdown of the normally closed containers, systems, or equipment
- A failure or abnormal operation of the venting equipment
- Being located adjacent to a Class I Division 1 location from which ignitible concentrations of gases or vapors might occasionally be communicated
- Group Locations
- Group A - Atmospheres containing acetylene
- Group B - Atmospheres containing hydrogen, fuel and combustible process gases containing more than 30 percent hydrogen by volume, or gases or vapors of equivalent hazard such as butadiene, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and acrolein
- Group C - Atmospheres such as cyclopropane, ethyl ether, ethylene, or gases or vapors of equivalent hazard
- Group D - Atmosphere such as acetone, ammonia, benzene, butane, ethanol, gasoline, hexane, methanol, methane, natural gas, naphtha, propane or gases or vapors of equivalent hazard
Infrared Temperature Measurement - Technology Explained:
Infrared thermometers measure temperature from a distance by detecting the amount of thermal electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object being measured. This allows users to accurately measure surface temperatures in hazardous or hard-to-reach places, or other situations in which non-contact temperature measurement is desirable. Infrared thermometer technology is useful in a wide range of applications – including industrial, laboratory, food service, fire fighting, hobby, and home use.
While the technology is relatively simple, the myriad of names given to these devices can be confusing. "Laser Thermometers" makes reference to the laser that helps aim the thermometer. "IR Sensors" and "IR Thermometers" make use of a common abbreviation for "infrared". "Non-Contact Thermometers" is descriptive of the device's ability to measure temperature from a distance. "Radiation Pyrometers" is a scientific/technical term for these devices.
