Entel ATEX PMR446 boosts energy giant's expansion in Romania
Romkatel, Entel's Constanta-based dealership in Romania, has once again fended off competition from other brands, this time by offering Entel's innovative PMR446 ATEX HT953 radios into the country's rapidly expanding energy sector. Hundreds of Entel hand portables are being supplied to guarantee worker safety below ground.
The Italian company, Enel - which has a presence in 40 countries worldwide and is now Europe's second largest utility company - specified that while safety, product reliability and build quality were paramount, they wanted to avoid the additional cost of Romanian type-approvals and licensing. Romkatel instantly recognised the opportunity to place Entel's HT953 PMR446 ATEX radio, which, whilst meeting and exceeding the highest Ex IIC criteria, needs no licensing and is certified for use in the most hazardous environments.
This was important, as the radios will be used deep underground in tunnels, where there is a potential build-up of explosive gases. Entels HT953 and screenless HT952 radios have proved remarkably successful in this kind of environment before, not only in the UK, but across Europe as a whole. The procurement team were especially impressed by its IP68 submersibility rating, strong MILSTD construction and the long duty cycles provided by the lightweight lithium-ion battery packs - essential in harsh, wet conditions.
Enel says that it is committed to a zero accidents policy and sees its investment in Entel's licence-free ATEX portables as an important step in implementing its health and safety plans, as it modernises Romania's energy production and distribution network. The Romkatel dealership also stands to benefit from further and significant radio sales, now that their customer is the country's largest single investor in Romania's energy market.
