Abtech have launched the Nimbus LED panel for use in Zone 1 hazardous areas. This low-profile luminaire provides significant weight savings over traditional T8 recessed fluorescents that have for many years been the standard for internal illumination on offshore platforms and FPSO’s. With its launch, the benefits of long life and minimum maintenance associated with LED technology can become a reality for control rooms, living quarters and corridors that require the use of Ex-rated luminaries.
The intrinsically safe (Ex ib) Nimbus comes in a range of sizes from the 13W, 150x150mm to a 20W, 300x600mm panel. Light output and distribution for the Nimbus compares to that of a recessed fluorescent. Users can also choose from pure white (5700K) or warm white (3000K) LEDs to provide a colour temperature suited to their application. The Nimbus panel is both ATEX and IECEx certified for mains and battery backup options.
The LED panel is designed to be flush mounted below ceiling tile and is compatible with the multiple variants available on the market. The Nimbus driver unit is housed in a separate IP rated enclosure that can be mounted up to four metres away allowing potential space saving in the ceiling void. As mounting is achieved with minimal (M4 sized) penetration through the tiles, the integrity of fire rated ceilings is maintained. The Nimbus is also supplied with a low smoke, Zero halogen cable between the LED panel and driver unit.
“We have seen significant interest in this LED product from modular accommodation providers who are looking to take advantage of the benefits that solid-state lighting can offer. The barrier has always been the availability of an Ex-certified emergency luminaire.” comments Gareth Bruce, Marketing Manager at Abtech.
“Unlike fluorescents, LED technology is digitally controlled. Thus, desirable features for living and working areas such a dimming can be much more easily achieved. The Nimbus has been designed with a push-to-dim functionality as standard”.
The emergency version has a 6V 4.5Ah, Ni-Cd power pack that provides 120-minute emergency duration with 50% of the mains mode light output. There is also a 90 minute, 100% output version. To ensure the highest levels of safety the emergency Nimbus also features battery and driver status monitoring with a bi-coloured LED to indicate healthy operation of highlight fault conditions.
Further details and a full specification can be found on the Abtech website: http://www.abtech.eu/latest/nimbus/
