HT900 ATEX vs Competition
Since the launch of the Entel HT900 Series late last year, this range has firmly established itself with sales that have gone from strength to strength worldwide. To date the HT900 Series has been used by major companies like Shell and Texaco, along with other high profile organisations.
Is the HT900 ATEX Series really submersible?
Yes. It meets European standard IP68, meaning it’s fully waterproof to a depth of 5 meters for 60 minutes. Take a bucket of water and try it! To the end user this means the annual budget for replacing corroded radios can be written off.
Can you explain a little more about the IIC classification?
If you refer to the table below you will see that the most potentially explosive gases, namely ACETYLENE, HYDROGEN, and all require radios approved to the IIC rating. The HT900 is ATEX approved to the highest IIC classification.
Can we have more than 1 watt RF power?
Yes. There are three variants of HT900 Series radio, each one having a pre-set power level corresponding to the following gas groups:
IIA 4 watts
IIB 3.5watts
IIC 1 watt
How should we advise the end user which gas group to opt for?
In almost all cases the end user will inform you which classification they need for their site. If they are not sure then they should refer this question to their underwriters.
How does the HT900 compare to the new Motorola?
To start with our IP68 fully submersible rating is a big plus, against Motorola’s splash proof construction. Not only is the Motorola radio itself more expensive but the accessories are upwards of three times the cost of Entel’s. Not to mention their expensive fixed rate repairs.
..and the new ATEX model from Icom?
The new Icom portable meets the ATEX Directive but only with the IIA gas group classification, which is the lowest of all the gas groups. IIA classification is not accepted by petrochemical and oil and gas companies.
Motorola’s new ATEX model is supplied with a leather carry pouch in order to meet approval, what about the HT900 Series?
Part of the ATEX IIC approval states that the radio must have a conductive external surface so that any static charge is dissipated naturally and does not build up.
Entel’s HT900 Series uses a special conductive polymer, so it meets ATEX IIC without the need for a leather case. Motorola decided not to go this route and instead package their radio with a low cost leather pouch, which itself is naturally conductive. The potential risk here is that end users could discard the cumbersome pouch due to its inconvenience, thus compromising its ATEX approval.
..what about the Icom?
As the Icom is only approved to the more relaxed IIA classification it does not need conductive external surfaces.
If you have any further questions on ATEX please do not hesitate to contact us.
