Knowing how to address some of the physical challenges of these devices makes sense, both for sales and support. This is another issue to consider when purchasing or presenting mobile computer-scanner options to specific market segments.
Selecting Appropriate Devices
Computers designed for spaces where invisible gases or extremely explosive “incindive” conditions exist require devices specially designed and sealed to prevent sparks from igniting such fuel sources. Oil refineries or grain elevator sites are areas where such devices might be used.
On “Incindive” Compliance for Class 1, Division 2 Devices:
Class 1 is part of the National Electric Code definitions of hazardous location classifications and protection techniques for operating devices within areas where flammable gases or other “incindives” may be present in sufficient quantities to produce explosive or flammable mixtures.
Division 2 is an environment where flammable gases, vapors, liquids, combustible dusts or ignitable fibers and airborne particulates are not likely to exist under normal operating conditions. Hazardous atmospheres are further defined by ”groups.” These include:
- Group A: Atmospheres containing acetylene.
- Group B: Atmospheres containing hydrogen, gases or vapors of equivalent hazard such as manufactured gas.
- Group C: Atmospheres containing ethyl-ether vapors, ethylene, or cyclo-propane.
- Group D: Atmospheres containing gasoline, hexane, naptha, benzene, butane, propane, alcohol, acetone, benzol, lacquer solvent vapors, or natural gas.
- Group E: Atmospheres containing metal dust – including aluminum, magnesium, and their commercial alloys, and other metals of similarly hazardous characteristics.
- Group F: Atmospheres containing carbon black, coal or coke dust.
- Group G: Atmospheres containing flour, starch, or grain dusts
The bottom line to all of this is that without the specialized components within these hardened devices a mobile computing/scanning solution has the potential to be downright deadly. Therefore, it would be prudent for the buyer and the sales professional to make certain that all devices considered for these areas be certified as Class 1, Division 2 compliant.
The experts at www.POSGuys.com can assist in providing safe, appropriate mobile computer-scanner options for retail and warehouse environments in addition to industrial class 1 division 2 areas and cold storage facilities.
Tags: Class 1 Division 2 compliant, combustable, flammable gases, grain elevators, hazardous, Incindive, mobile computer, oil refineries, scanner
