Most of the ThermoProbe thermometers we make are considered to be “intrinsically safe” as originally manufactured. In the event that any component associated with electrical or electronic portion of the device fails, there will not be sufficient energy to cause an ignition while in a flammable atmosphere. The materials that are used to construct the enclosure and probe assembly are unlikely to cause a spark if they were ever to contact any other materials. The materials used are specific stainless steel, aluminum alloys and plastics. In addition to the intrinsic safety of the circuit board and enclosure materials, low resistivity plastics are used so that static electricity does not accumulate on any surfaces. Even though all these precautions are taken and accounted for by the various testing entities, we also include a bonding (grounding) strap for all our gauging thermometers. Pumping action in a tank or sloshing in a marine vessel can cause a difference in electrical potential between the liquid product and external objects. For this reason, the bonding strap should always be used before any objects are inserted into a vessel containing flammable contents.
Depending on the particular model, ThermoProbe instruments have been tested and designated to be Intrinsically Safe by the standards of Europe, North America, Japan, and international organizations. Please review the product data sheet for the specific safety markings.
To ensure that ThermoProbe correctly makes intrinsically safe thermometers, we maintain a recognized quality plan that is periodically audited to oversee our manufacturing method.
Static Dissipation
ThermoProbe’s petroleum gauging thermometers use probe cable with a non-stick outer jacket that is extremely resistant to melting and chemical damage. Although the jacket material can accumulate static electricity like most plastics the certification agency determined that our cable exceeds the static disspative requirements.
The instrument enclosures, external hardware, and all surfaces meet or exceed the prescribed specifications of the standards to which the instruments are certified.
Our certification markings on the instruments designate the type of Hazardous Location according to ambient temperature, gas group, etc.
All models are equipped with a bonding (grounding) cord and clip to ensure that any electric potential is neutralized. The bonding clip should always be attached to a bare metal point (with continuity to the vessel) before using the instrument. This procedure should be followed before anything enters into a vessel of flammable material.