Lewden Palazzoli, a leading manufacturer of electro mechanical products designed and produced for use in hazardous environments subject to European ATEX regulations for controlling explosive environments, has signified the strengthening and significance of recent international directives with an upgrade of its ATEX range of junction boxes, industrial plugs and interlocked socket outlets, connectors and switches.
The recertification of over 500 products, described in the company’s new brochure “ATEX, Solutions for explosive atmospheres”, coincides with the renewed importance of the international standard EN60079-0 within the framework of the duty of care imposed upon owners, occupants and management of organisations to protect their employees and the public against even the slightest risk of ignition.
The Lewden Palazzoli’s Tais (GRP thermosetting) & Alupres (aluminium) ATEX ranges, are now hallmarked by a black conductive anti-static paint finish, a necessary & desirable feature, according to the company, for applications in areas at risk of explosive atmospheres as defined in ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. Unlike many similar products on the market, the Lewden Palazzoli ATEX ranges are also fully certified by independent testing houses, as well as undergoing the most rigorous in-house temperature, endurance, impact and performance tests. Most of the products are designed and manufactured for use in Zone 1 dust, and many Zone 1 gas applications, Lewden Palazzoli’s ranges are claimed to cover some 98% of the market.
Lewden Palazzoli’s UK Marketing Manager, Guy Birchall, explains the rationale behind the launch:
“From the most serious industrial explosions in recent history to the many less newsworthy incidents, protection of personnel and property is a serious matter that requires serious consideration when specifying or installing the most suitable electrical systems.
“In making this new €300,000 investment in product development & recertification to latest global standards, we are communicating to our customers, that when they specify our products for critical environments such as fuel depots, chemical and petrochemical plants, power stations, industrial process industries, food processing, they are fully exercising their duty of care to their employees and the public, and receive total assurance of product compliance, suitability and integrity,” he adds.
The brochure ”Solutions for explosive atmospheres” that accompanies the launch contains a full product listing, and an extensive 60 page Guide to ATEX, compiled by industry experts with detailed descriptions and explanations of all key aspects of specification and application.
The publication is available on request.
