The development of superior work lights
08 August 2019
When Necplus, a manufacturer of explosion proof safety lighting based in the Netherlands, began development of the new Ultra2 and Ultra3, a couple of choices had to be made. The first choice was whether to continue the classic way with commonly used tubular lights. Today several manufacturers produce tubular work lights, but they have the disadvantage of ineffective lighting and difficulties with fastening.
For these reasons, Necplus opted to make its floodlights: superior in terms of light emission, easy to use and easy to mount on a tripod if needed.
The second choice was the housing material. Metal casing was out of question as it requires a bonding or earthing wire. A better choice is anti-static polypropylene. For the diffuser polycarbonate with its questionable antistatic properties was avoided: we chose hardened glass. The design needed to be have rounded edges. Together with a lightweight construction, falling and bumping would so have much smaller impact than with a conventional housing.
Next came the voltages. 230V was out of the question as ATEX equipment is often used in confined spaces where the use of 230V can be either prohibited or questionable. The best solution for daily work is rechargeable: eight hours of operating time should cover most jobs.
Rechargeable means that there is no hassle with cables and plugs, no need for power-supply or transformers. It also means the lights are easy to use, even in hard-to-reach places. Designed to be easily used during cleaning, installation, maintenance or inspection and also ready to use in cases of emergency.
To complete the range, beside the 8 hour rechargeable model is also a four hour and a two hour model which were introduced for shorter jobs but with the same flood of light.
A 24VAC/DC powered model (up to 48VAC/DC) completes the range for those lengthy two or three shift jobs where continuous light is necessary.
The next decision was how much light is needed. As Necplus did not design an inspection light, but a superior work light, it needed something like 3000 lumen white light, 5000K. And of course the light emission should be non blinding: the combination of many small power LEDs, an opaque filter ensures that the light is safe and amply falls within the IEC 62471 requirements.
The ATEX certification should be for Zone 1 and 2, as Zone 0 is mainly for inspection work. The highest possible gasgroup, IIC, and temperature T4 makes it a safe product also in a higher than standard ambient temperature. The Ultra2 and Ultra3 will also float in water.
After these decisions were made, the new products were born: the Ultra2 rechargeable light and the Ultra3 powered light.
Necplus' last choice was to appoint Atexindustries, with its many years of experience in industrial ATEX lights, as its sales channel. Sales have started well in several countries and the dealer network is expanding.
For more information, click here to watch a video or visit https://atexindustries.com/en/homepage
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