Intrinsically Safe Scales in Aircraft Hangars
Areas immediately around aircraft have the potential of fuel or fumes to be present, and this needs to be accounted for when servicing aircraft. Operating electrical equipment in aircraft hangars requires meeting stringent safety standards to protect the aircraft, equipment and personnel. Featuring industry-leading fully electronic wireless scale systems, Intercomp provides weighing equipment certified for Intrinsically Safe operation in these environments.
“Many airmen have heard of the ‘18-inch rule’ in aircraft hangars, but may not know the reasoning - flammable fumes can pool along the floor. Aircraft platform scales, by definition, operate in this area.”– Jon Arnold, Aviation Market Specialist
Though care is taken to de-fuel aircraft prior to weighing, there are examples when it is difficult to completely de-fuel the aircraft outside the hangar. Further, specific weight and balance testing requiring fuel to be present clearly rely on electrical equipment meeting the safety standards safety standards to prevent fires or explosions.
The NEC (National Electrical Code) Article 513 and IEC 60079-10 define the installation and use of electrical equipment in aircraft hangars, with the area around aircraft and along the floor where fuel and fumes are potentially present. Fuel and fumes, which are heavier than air, can pool in these areas and create a fire or explosion hazard if ignition sources are present.
With Intrinsically Safe Certified aircraft platform scales, the potential for igniting these fumes is removed.
Widely recognized at the global leader in fully-electronic wireless aircraft platform scales, Intercomp has received ATEX EX certification for the range of wireless platform scales. With platform sizes ranging from 15x15 inches (38x38cm) to 24x30 inches (61x76cm), and capacities up to 80,000lbs (40,000kgs), Intrinsically Safe scales can be provided for most any weighing application.
