Pictured Left to Right: Yves Degroote (Development Manager ATEX – Dynaco), Christian Webster-Reed (Sales Engineer – T&D), Terry McDonald (Business Development Manager – T&D), Morgan Gent (Sales Engineer – T&D) and Frank Matthys (Sales Director – Dynaco)
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager)
Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement with UK exclusivity for the Dynaco range of ATEX Doors suitable for hazardous areas.
Dynaco high speed roll-up doors provide significant energy efficiency and site safety improvements in the explosive atmosphere industries – this includes factories and logistics in the oil/gas, pharmaceutical, distillery, process and petrochemical sectors.
Reduced heat loss as a result of installing high speed doors can provide a ROI within 2 years.
Thorne & Derrick can provide energy saving calculations at point of enquiry.
💡 We can calculate your temperature losses and confirm the expected energy savings by installing high speed doors. Should you be interested to receive a FREE ROI REPORT to assess the energy efficiency impact Dynaco doors could have on your facility contact us.
The reduced heat loss also means fewer heaters or lower KW rated electric heaters in new builds. This reduces capital costs and reduces operating costs.
The Thorne & Derrick Sales Team have undergone extensive commercial and technical training at the Dynaco Academy in Belgium to support clients requirements.
“Thorne & Derrick International provide excellent coverage with the technical expertise to successfully spearhead our drive into the UK market – they are highly respected with blue-chip clients in our key sectors and we look forward to supporting them with the introduction of our ATEX certified doors to their customers,” comments Yves Degroote.
Thorne & Derrick were first introduced to Dynaco during 2018 Hazardex Exhibition and were impressed with the product.
Terry McDonald stated “The Dynaco high speed ATEX door is an innovative product which serves a niche application. Whilst there are many companies who specialise in high speed doors, none have any experience working in explosive atmospheres and such companies are unfamiliar with the strict regulations. The Dynaco ethos for safety, innovation and quality is perfectly aligned to T&Ds own strategy and I believe we can highlight a major safety issue to anyone already using such doors in an explosive atmosphere. Further, we can help end users become compliant by supplying a 3rd party certified product. For any clients wishing to install ATEX high speed doors, they can be safe in the knowledge that they will be using the safest door currently available on the market.”
Reducing Risk & Improving Safety | Energy Efficient With Provable Savings | Zones 1 (21) & 2 (22) with Flammable Gas or Dust Atmospheres
Explosive Atmospheres & Hazardous Area Locations & Workspaces
Tutorial | Specifying Compliant ATEX Doors for Hazardous Areas
Dynaco are part of the Entrematic Group who are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of entrance automation equipment.
Dynaco specialise in high performing industrial flexible doors. Since 1987, from their manufacturing facility in Belgium, Dynaco have supplied over 170,000 doors worldwide.
Their reputation for innovation, quality and reliability is second to none and today they produce over 15,000 doors per year.
As part of their drive for innovation, Dynaco have developed the worlds first ATEX certified high speed door. Like many other door manufacturers, Dynaco were asked for an ATEX solution for use in explosive atmospheres. Unlike their competitors who were happy to supply their normal door with an ATEX motor, Dynaco were not. They rightly decided this was non-compliant with ATEX regulations and a huge safety issue for end users.
Dynaco have developed a door which utilises an ATEX motor and electrical components.
The ATEX doors are also made from non-sparking materials and anti-static PVC.
They did not stop there.
The Dynaco door is product certified by a 3rd party notified body. Each and every door is inspected prior to it leaving the factory.
If you require a door for explosive atmospheres, there is not a safer high speed door available.
Dynaco was founded by Benoit Coenraets, the inventor of the flexible roll-up door. In 2015 Dynaco launched their S-5 Atex Door.
Thorne & Derrick are leaders in the development and distribution of Product Innovations that deliver significant improvements to clients plant, people and operational safety in the explosive atmosphere industries.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas.
Your first-choice provider of innovative and competitive solutions to ensure ATEX & IECEx Compliance for Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment to UK and international projects.
Control Panels | Plugs | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Lighting | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace | Gas Detection | Flame Detection | Process Instrumentation | Process Heating | Ventilation Fans | Security Access Control
Competitive Prices | Extensive Stocks | Technical Support | Express Delivery
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager)
Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement
Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED lighting products for hazardous areas and explosive atmosphere locations.
Thorne & Derrick’s Business Development Manager Terry McDonald comments, “our expertise and knowledge of 
the market will prove invaluable in developing sales of Raytec hazardous area LED lights. We are currently supporting several clients undergoing workplace lighting upgrades – we are specifying, designing and supplying their switch out of conventional fluorescent into modern technology LED.”
Why Raytec?
“Partnering with Raytec as our key supplier for hazardous area LED lighting was an easy decision to make. Their hazardous area lighting products offer a safe and reliable solution to lighting requirements in explosive atmospheres. In truth there are also many other brand options in the market place but what makes Raytec stand out from the crowd is their modular design concept which has been done with end user maintenance in mind.”
“Clients are always impressed with the concept and even more so by the cost savings achievable in operational expenditure. Taking innovative solutions to clients is a key part of our strategy and I am sure the partnership with Raytec will be a long and prosperous one.”
“Our Technical Sales Team are product trained, CompEx certificated and looking forward to introducing the complete Raytec lighting range to new and existing customers,” Terry adds.
Why Thorne & Derrick?
“We’re delighted to partner with Thorne & Derrick for the distribution of our hazardous area LED lighting products. They hold years of experience in the market and have developed a strong client base which will be important in helping to open up new opportunities for us,” comments Barry Director of Hazardous Area Division.
We’re looking forward to working closely with Thorne & Derrick and are confident this will be the start of a long and successful journey together,” Barry concludes.
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are Approved Vendors to most Oil & Gas exploration and production companies and international EPC contractors including Bechtel, Petrofac, Saipem and Lamprell – our key sectors are the process, pharmaceutical, chemical, utility, food/beverage, renewable and oil/gas industries.
We are the Explosive Atmosphere Experts to COMAH-site operators adding regional and national supply chain value: providing innovative and often customised Ex solutions engineered to improve site safety and reliability.
Lighting Hazardous Areas
💡 SPARTAN LED Lighting Is Highly Energy Efficient – Less Heat, More Light, Lower Cost
SPARTAN is the complete range of LED Lighting, designed and manufactured in the UK by Raytec, approved for all ATEX and IEC Ex Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous area locations.
SPARTAN Floodlight, Bulkhead, High Bay and Linear Light Fittings with emergency and industrial versions are available. To combine excellent customer service with the ability to deliver from stock overnight, T&D are stocking Raytec SPARTAN bulkhead, floodlight and both standard and emergency light fittings.
Innovation In Illumination
At the HazardEx 2019 awards Raytec were awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Technical Innovation category – their Intelligent Emergency Luminaire with automatic self-test function significantly improves the safety and reliability of emergency lighting installations in hazardous areas.
Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have established a solid reputation for the reliable supply of leading brands across our core product groups – we have a multi-million pound stock capacity and can supply many products next day.
Thorne & Derrick at Raytec HQ UK | The Home of Hazardous Area Lighting
Pictured Left to Right: Callum Ryder (Marketing Manager – Raytec), Natalie Lundie (Social Media & SEO Marketing – T&D), Chris Dodds (Sales & Marketing Manager – T&D), Richard Derrick (MD – T&D), Terry McDonald (Business Development Manager – T&D) and Barry Thompson (Raytec – Director of Hazardous Area Division).
Further Reading
LV HV Electrical & Process Instrumentation Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres
Specialist Distributors of Hazardous Area & Explosion Proof Equipment with IECEx & ATEX Certifications – we react with a rapid response to your enquiry to ensure downtime is minimised and reliable Power, Light & Heat is restored or provided.
Key Product Categories: Control Panels | Plugs & Sockets | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace Cables & Trace Heating Systems | Gas Detection & Detectors | Fire Detection & Detectors | Heat Detectors | Electrical Heating & Heaters | Process Instrumentation
Electrical Power LV HV | Heating | Lighting | Process Instrumentation | EX Specialists
Mineral-insulated heat trace cable is generally considered when the required temperature, power output, circuit length or operating environment exceeds the practical capability of polymeric self-regulating or constant wattage cables.
To understand where MI fits within the wider technology range, see the guide to electrical trace heating technologies. This article focuses specifically on the selection conditions that justify an MI system.
MI cable is commonly considered for:
A mineral-insulated heater uses a metallic resistance conductor electrically insulated from a metal sheath by compacted mineral insulation, commonly magnesium oxide. The metal sheath provides mechanical and environmental protection while the conductor generates heat when current flows.
MI trace heaters may be supplied in single- or twin-conductor configurations and normally include engineered cold leads, joints and end terminations. The heating section is designed for the required resistance, voltage, length and output rather than cut freely from a reel on site.
MI cable is frequently selected where the operating or exposure temperature is above the rating of suitable polymeric heating cables.
The required maintain temperature and the maximum exposure temperature are different design values. Cable, joints, cold leads and terminations must all remain suitable for the highest credible operating, cleaning, upset or shutdown condition.
A system that must raise the temperature of a cold pipe, vessel or process product within a defined period can require substantially more power than a steady-state maintenance duty.
The starting point is an accurate heat-loss and heat-up assessment. MI cable may then be selected where a high engineered output is required and the equipment can safely accept the resulting sheath temperature.
High-output design must consider:
MI heating cable is a series-resistance heater. Its resistance, length, conductor material and supply voltage are selected together to produce the required output.
This engineered approach can be useful for long pipe runs or duties where parallel-circuit cable limits would require multiple shorter circuits. However, a long MI circuit is not automatically the best solution; voltage, output distribution, cold leads, power supplies and control architecture must all be assessed.
The metal sheath and mineral insulation can provide strong resistance to heat, fire and mechanical damage. Different sheath alloys are available for different corrosive environments.
| Environmental Requirement | Why MI May Be Considered |
|---|---|
| High ambient or process heat | Metal and mineral construction can tolerate temperatures beyond many polymeric cables |
| Mechanical exposure | Metal sheath provides robust protection, subject to routing and bend-radius limits |
| Chemical or corrosive atmosphere | A suitable sheath alloy can be selected for the environment |
| Fire resistance | Inorganic insulation and metal construction offer strong high-temperature stability |
| Outdoor or offshore service | Engineered sheath, joints and terminations can suit severe environments |
| High-pressure or critical process plant | Factory-engineered assemblies provide controlled resistance and documented construction |
Sheath selection must be based on the actual chemical exposure. No single metal alloy is universally resistant to every acid, chloride, sulphur compound or process contaminant.
MI heaters are available as certified systems for explosive atmospheres, but the complete assembly must be selected and installed for the area classification.
View the ATEX trace heating range and obtain technical confirmation for the proposed MI assembly.
| Selection Factor | Mineral-Insulated | Self-Regulating | Constant Wattage / Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical reason for selection | High temperature, high output, long engineered circuit or severe environment | Variable-temperature response and convenient field installation | Defined output and controlled process heating |
| Construction | Metal conductor, mineral insulation and metal sheath | Parallel bus wires with conductive polymer core | Parallel heating zones or series resistance conductor |
| Field cutting | Normally supplied as an engineered heater unit | Usually cut to length within product limits | Depends on parallel-zone intervals or engineered series length |
| Local output response | No self-regulating response | Output changes locally with temperature | Defined output when energised |
| Temperature control | Engineered controller and often limiter required | May still require controller or limiter | Normally requires suitable control |
| Installation skill | Specialist handling, termination and testing | Commonly field terminated with approved kits | Depends on cable construction and system design |
For a detailed comparison of the two common polymeric cable types, see self-regulating vs constant wattage trace heating.
MI cable should not be specified simply because it is the most robust or highest-temperature technology available.
The preferred cable is the one that meets the thermal, electrical, environmental and certification requirements with appropriate control—not automatically the cable with the highest temperature or output rating.
Provide these details for design:
Explore the available mineral-insulated trace heating cables and engineered systems.
No. High temperature is a common reason for selecting MI, but high output, long engineered circuits, fire resistance, mechanical strength and chemical resistance can also influence the decision.
MI heaters are normally designed and manufactured to a specific resistance, length, voltage and output. They should not be treated as bulk cut-to-length parallel cable.
A suitable controller is normally required, and an independent temperature limiter may also be necessary where maximum sheath or surface temperature must be controlled. The exact arrangement comes from the system design.
Yes, certified MI heater systems are available. The complete assembly, controls, terminations and installation must match the area classification and certification conditions.
Its metal sheath and inorganic insulation can provide excellent heat, fire and mechanical resistance. Durability still depends on choosing the correct sheath alloy, installing it within bend limits and protecting joints and terminations.
Self-regulating cable may be more suitable for lower-temperature frost protection, irregular pipework, changing ambient conditions and projects requiring straightforward cut-to-length installation.
Thorne & Derrick supports mineral-insulated heating cable selection for high-temperature, high-output, long-line and hazardous-area applications.
Hazardous area beacon lens colours help personnel distinguish between alarms, warnings, equipment states and process conditions. Red, amber, green, blue and clear signals can each communicate a different message when used within a properly defined alarm philosophy.
However, a beacon colour does not have one fixed meaning in every industry or on every site. The intended response should be established through the project specification, operating procedures and site-specific visual signalling system.
Thorne & Derrick supplies hazardous area ATEX beacons in a range of lens and signal colours, with LED, xenon, steady, flashing, strobe and electronically rotating options.
For a general introduction to hazardous area visual signalling, read What Is an ATEX Beacon?
Key principle: select the beacon colour from the documented site alarm philosophy. Do not assume that a colour automatically represents the same condition across every plant, industry or country.
The table below summarises common industrial interpretations. These meanings are indicative only and must be checked against the site alarm philosophy.
| Beacon Colour | Common Interpretation | Example Applications | Required Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | Danger, emergency, serious alarm or stop condition | Fire alarm, gas alarm, emergency shutdown or hazardous machine state | Immediate attention or action may be required |
| Amber or Yellow | Warning, caution, abnormal condition or awareness | Equipment about to start, process deviation, restricted area or potential hazard | Check conditions and proceed with caution |
| Green | Normal, safe, available, ready or action completed | Equipment operating normally, safe access or alarm acknowledged | Normal operation or a safe condition may be indicated |
| Blue | Change, specific status, instruction or security-related condition | Equipment powering down, security alarm or site-specific process state | Follow the documented site instruction |
| Clear or White | General attention, location, visibility or project-specific indication | General notification, obstruction indication or equipment identification | Confirm the intended meaning from the site documentation |
Do not rely on this table alone: the signal meaning should be formally defined, documented and communicated to site personnel. A manufacturer’s available colour does not determine how it must be used.
Red is commonly associated with danger, emergency, fire, a serious process alarm or a condition requiring immediate attention.
A flashing red beacon generally creates a stronger warning message than a steady red signal. However, the response must be determined by the documented alarm system rather than the colour and signal mode alone.
Avoid conflicting meanings: if red is reserved for fire or evacuation alarms, it should not also be used for routine equipment status without a clear and documented distinction.
Amber and yellow are commonly used for warnings, caution, abnormal conditions or situations requiring increased awareness.
The signal may indicate that equipment is about to start, a process is outside its normal range or a potential hazard is developing but has not reached an emergency condition.
Manufacturers do not always use amber and yellow terminology in exactly the same way. One datasheet may describe the lens as amber while another refers to the corresponding emitted LED colour as yellow.
Always use the exact manufacturer colour description and ordering code when requesting a quotation.
Green is commonly used to indicate a normal, safe, available or correctly operating condition.
It can also show that an alarm has been acknowledged, corrective action is under way or equipment is ready for operation.
Green should not be used where personnel could mistake it for an unrestricted safe condition when a residual hazard remains.
Blue is often used for a specific instruction, change in condition, security-related alarm or site-defined process state.
Its meaning can be particularly site-specific. Personnel should therefore be trained to understand the response required when a blue signal is activated.
External restrictions may apply: blue warning lights can have regulated meanings in transport and emergency-service environments. Check the installation location and applicable rules before selection.
“Clear” and “white” do not always describe the same component.
A clear or transparent lens describes the colour of the dome or cap. A white signal describes the light emitted by the LED, lamp or flash source.
A clear lens may therefore be used with a white LED, xenon flash tube or another internal light source, depending on the product.
Clear or white should not be treated as a neutral default without confirming what the signal is intended to communicate.
Personnel interpret the complete visual signal rather than the lens colour in isolation. A steady red light can communicate a different level of urgency from a rapidly flashing red strobe.
The meaning can be strengthened by combining colour with:
Colour should be supported by these supplementary methods where relying on colour alone could create ambiguity.
Read Steady vs Flashing vs Rotating ATEX Beacons for a comparison of the principal visual signalling modes.
Yes. The method used to create the coloured signal can differ between LED and xenon products.
An LED beacon can use coloured LEDs, a coloured cap or a combination of the two. The wavelength, brightness and current consumption can vary between colours.
A xenon flash tube produces a broad-spectrum pulse of light. A coloured dome or lens filters that light to create the required signal colour.
The filtering effect can reduce the measured optical intensity compared with a clear lens. The reduction is product- and colour-specific.
Read LED vs Xenon ATEX Beacons for a wider comparison of the two technologies.
Colour can affect the apparent brightness, contrast and recognition of a beacon signal.
Visibility is influenced by:
Product-specific performance: do not assume that one colour is always brighter than another. Current Eaton FHF dSLB20 LED data, for example, gives different approximate optical outputs for white, red, yellow, green and blue versions.
Where a warning is safety-critical, the meaning should not depend unnecessarily on colour alone.
Lighting conditions, smoke, dirt, distance and differences in colour perception can all affect how the signal is recognised.
Supplementary methods can include:
Explore the wider range of
hazardous area sounders, beacons and combination units
.
Available colours depend on the product technology and ordered configuration. The examples below illustrate three different signalling ranges.
Steady visual signalling options include clear, red, blue, green, yellow and amber lens configurations, depending on the selected model.
Available signal colours include white, red, yellow or amber, green and blue, with transparent or coloured cap options depending on the configuration.
Xenon-strobe cap colours include transparent, red, amber, green and blue for the 5J and 15J product options.
Confirm colour availability against the current product datasheet and complete ordering code. Not every colour is available for every voltage, signal mode or approval.
Colour selection should take place after the hazardous area and technical requirements have been established.
For the complete product-selection process, read
How to Select an ATEX Beacon
.
Include the following information when requesting a quotation:
No. Red commonly indicates danger or emergency, but its exact meaning must be defined by the site alarm philosophy. Some sites reserve red specifically for fire or evacuation.
They are frequently grouped as caution or warning colours, but manufacturer terminology and exact optical characteristics can differ. Use the stated ordering colour and code.
It can, but not automatically. Clear describes the lens or cap, while white describes the emitted light. Check the light source and product configuration.
Yes. Lens filtering and LED wavelength can affect the measured and apparent output. Check the manufacturer’s data for the exact colour.
Yes, but personnel must still be able to distinguish the intended conditions. Similar patterns and poor colour contrast can create confusion.
No. Zone suitability is determined by the complete certification and equipment marking. Lens colour affects the visual signal but does not establish the hazardous area classification.
Send Thorne & Derrick the hazardous area classification, intended alarm meaning, signal mode, viewing conditions, voltage and required colour for product selection support.
Explore red, amber, green, blue and clear visual signalling options with LED, xenon, steady, flashing and rotating configurations.
Steady, flashing, strobe and rotating beacons communicate different types of warning and status information. Although each produces a visible signal, the way that signal attracts attention and conveys meaning can vary considerably.
A steady beacon provides continuous illumination. A flashing beacon switches between illuminated and non-illuminated states. A strobe beacon produces brief, high-intensity pulses, while a rotating beacon creates the appearance of a moving light.
Thorne & Derrick supplies a comprehensive range of hazardous area ATEX beacons with steady, blinking, strobe, xenon-flash and electronically rotating visual signals.
For an introduction to hazardous area visual signalling, read What Is an ATEX Beacon?
Quick answer: use steady illumination for persistent status indication, flashing or strobe signals where increased attention is required, and rotating signals where a distinctive moving visual warning supports the site alarm philosophy.
| Signal Mode | Visual Behaviour | Typical Purpose | Important Selection Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steady | Continuous illumination | Persistent equipment, plant or process status | Optical output, colour, viewing distance and continuous-duty rating |
| Flashing or Blinking | Repeating on-and-off pattern | Warning, changing condition or attention signal | Flash frequency, duty cycle, colour and control method |
| Strobe | Brief, rapid or high-intensity pulses | Prominent alarm or emergency warning | Flash energy or optical intensity, frequency and current consumption |
| Rotating | Moving beam or electronically sequenced segments | Distinctive warning or recognisable plant-status signal | Rotation rate, field of view, mechanism and maintenance requirements |
Important: the most attention-grabbing signal is not automatically the correct choice. The selected mode must agree with the site alarm philosophy and remain distinguishable from other alarms and equipment-status indicators.
A steady beacon remains illuminated while the electrical supply or control signal is present. It provides a continuous reference rather than repeatedly attracting attention through movement or flashing.
This makes steady signalling particularly useful for showing a persistent operating state or condition.
Continuous illumination may attract less immediate attention than a changing or moving signal. A steady beacon can also become part of the visual background where several continuously illuminated indicators are present.
Viewing distance, mounting position, lens colour and contrast against the surrounding environment should therefore be assessed.
A flashing or blinking beacon changes between illuminated and non-illuminated states at a defined frequency. The changing light level can attract more attention than a steady signal.
In many LED products, the pattern is produced electronically. The flash rate may be fixed or selected from the modes available within the product.
Flash frequency describes how often the signal repeats. The correct frequency should be determined by the product capability and site alarm philosophy.
Two alarms with similar colours and flash frequencies may be difficult to distinguish. Signal patterns should therefore be coordinated across the installation.
“Flashing” is a broad description for a light that repeatedly switches on and off. A strobe is a more specific type of flashing signal that produces brief and often high-intensity pulses.
A xenon strobe discharges stored electrical energy through a xenon flash tube. Its output is commonly specified using flash energy in joules and flash frequency.
An LED strobe creates its pulse electronically. Its optical performance is not automatically equivalent to a xenon flash with a stated joule rating.
| Comparison | LED Strobe | Xenon Strobe |
|---|---|---|
| Light source | Light-emitting diodes | Xenon flash tube |
| Signal generation | Electronically controlled LED pulses | Discharge of stored electrical energy |
| Common performance data | Optical intensity, pattern and pulse frequency | Flash energy in joules and flash frequency |
For a fuller technology comparison, read LED vs Xenon ATEX Beacons.
A rotating beacon creates a moving visual signal that appears to sweep around the installation. This movement can make the signal recognisable even where several fixed lights are present.
Rotating signals can be produced mechanically or electronically.
A mechanically rotating design uses a motor and rotating reflector or light assembly to direct the beam around the beacon.
Rotation speed, motor life and moving-part maintenance should be considered when specifying this type of product.
An electronically rotating beacon illuminates LED segments in sequence. This creates the appearance of movement without a motor-driven reflector.
Different electronic rotation patterns or speeds may be available, depending on the model.
No single signal mode is the most visible under every condition. Visibility depends on the product output, signal pattern and installation environment.
Consider:
The product should be positioned so that the intended audience can see and interpret the signal from the required working locations.
A signal mode does not automatically carry one universal meaning across every site. Its purpose should be defined within the alarm philosophy, operating procedure or project specification.
For example, one installation may use steady illumination for normal equipment status and flashing red for an alarm. Another site may reserve flashing signals for evacuation and use rotating amber for machinery movement.
The meaning must therefore be documented, communicated to personnel and applied consistently.
Lens or LED colour helps distinguish between alarm and status conditions, but it can also affect the apparent optical output.
The visibility of red, amber, green, blue, yellow or clear signals can differ according to the light source, lens construction and surrounding lighting.
Manufacturer performance data should be checked for the exact ordered colour.
Signal mode can affect the beacon’s current consumption and control requirements. The exact electrical data should be checked for the selected voltage, colour and operating pattern.
Confirm:
Check the ordered variant: a product family may offer several modes, but this does not necessarily mean that every configuration can change modes remotely while in service.
The visual signal alone does not determine whether a beacon is suitable for an explosive atmosphere. The complete certified construction and equipment marking must match the installation.
Check:
Read more about ATEX and IECEx certification of hazardous area equipment.
The installation zone should also be confirmed using the guide tohazardous area zones and explosive atmosphere classification.
These products illustrate different signal behaviours. The complete technical and certification requirements must still be checked for each application.
The MEDC FB11 filament and FL11 fluorescent units provide steady illumination for persistent warning or status indication.
The Eaton FHF dSLB20 LED provides steady, blinking, strobe and electronically rotating operating patterns.
The Eaton FHF dSLB20 xenon version provides 5J and 15J strobe options with an approximate frequency of 60 flashes per minute.
Selection should begin with the hazardous area and site alarm requirements rather than a preference for the most visually dramatic product.
| Requirement | Signal to Consider | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Persistent equipment or process state | Steady | Provides continuous status indication |
| Abnormal condition requiring attention | Flashing or Blinking | Changing signal can attract attention |
| Defined high-intensity pulsed warning | Strobe | Produces brief and distinctive visual pulses |
| Recognisable moving visual signal | Rotating | Creates an identifiable sweeping or sequenced effect |
For the complete selection process, including zone, certification, temperature, voltage and environmental conditions, read How to Select an ATEX Beacon.
A beacon may form only one part of the alarm arrangement. Audible and visual signals are often combined where personnel may not always be looking towards the beacon or where high noise, hearing protection or visibility restrictions affect alarm recognition.
The alarm design should establish whether a beacon, sounder or combined unit is required.
Explore the wider range of hazardous area sounders, beacons and combination units.
A changing signal can attract more attention, but actual visibility depends on optical output, viewing distance, colour, ambient lighting, mounting position and surrounding visual conditions.
A strobe is a type of flashing signal characterised by brief pulses. The term flashing can also describe slower or less intense on-and-off patterns.
Normally, no. Electronically rotating products create the effect by illuminating LED segments in sequence rather than using a motor-driven reflector.
Some LED products provide several internally selectable modes. Confirm whether the selected variant supports the required patterns and whether they are chosen during installation or controlled remotely.
Steady illumination is commonly suited to persistent status indication. Flashing or rotating modes may be more appropriate where the condition needs to attract immediate attention.
No. Zone suitability is determined by the complete equipment certification and marking, not by whether the visual signal is steady, flashing or rotating.
Send Thorne & Derrick the hazardous area classification, required alarm behaviour, viewing conditions, voltage, colour and installation environment for product selection support.
Explore steady, flashing, strobe and rotating signalling devices for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21 and Zone 22 installations.
Self-regulating vs constant wattage trace heating is a cable-technology comparison. Both can provide frost protection and process temperature maintenance, but they regulate output differently and have different installation, control and temperature capabilities.
For a broad introduction to the complete system, read how electrical trace heating works. This article concentrates only on the differences that affect cable selection.
The decision should consider:
| Cable Type | How Output Behaves |
|---|---|
| Self-regulating | Electrical resistance within the conductive core changes locally with temperature, so heat output increases as the cable cools and decreases as it warms. |
| Constant wattage | The heating circuit provides a defined output when energised. Temperature is managed through system design and suitable control equipment rather than local self-regulation. |
Self-regulating does not mean that every system can operate without a thermostat, controller or limiter. Control may still be required for process accuracy, energy management, alarms, equipment protection or hazardous-area temperature classification.
A self-regulating cable normally contains two parallel bus wires embedded in a conductive polymer heating core. As the local temperature changes, the resistance of the core changes and alters the heat generated at that point along the cable.
Explore the available self-regulating trace heating cables for safe-area and hazardous-area applications.
Constant wattage cables use a resistance heating element to deliver a defined power output while energised. Parallel-zone designs contain repeated heating zones, while series-resistance cables are engineered to a specific circuit resistance and length.
View the constant wattage trace heating cable range for process and industrial applications.
| Selection Factor | Self-Regulating Cable | Constant Wattage Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Output response | Varies locally with cable temperature | Defined output while energised |
| Cut-to-length | Usually cut to length within maximum circuit limits | Parallel-zone types cut at contact intervals; series types are engineered lengths |
| Overlap | Some products permit overlap subject to instructions | Normally must not touch, cross or overlap unless specifically approved |
| Temperature control | May still require control depending on duty | Normally requires suitable thermostatic or electronic control |
| Complex fittings | Often convenient around valves, flanges and irregular surfaces | Requires careful spacing and routing to prevent local overheating |
| Energy behaviour | Output reduces as the cable warms | Energy use is governed mainly by output, operating time and control strategy |
| Temperature capability | Available across low, medium and some high-temperature duties | Available for wider specialist or higher-temperature duties depending on construction |
| Circuit design | Maximum circuit length affected by cable, voltage, start-up temperature and protection | Affected by cable construction, zone spacing, resistance, voltage and control |
| Typical selection reason | Variable ambient conditions, simple field installation and frost protection | Stable output, specific process duty or temperature range |
Neither technology should be selected from its nominal watts-per-metre rating alone. The required output should first be established through a trace heating heat loss calculation.
For self-regulating cable, confirm the output available at the required maintain temperature using the manufacturer’s power-output curves or design software. The nominal output may be stated at a different reference temperature.
For constant wattage cable, confirm that the fixed output and control arrangement can maintain the required temperature without exceeding the pipe, product, cable or area-classification limits.
Installation convenience depends on the cable construction, pipework layout and approved accessory system.
| Design Point | Self-Regulating | Constant Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| Valves and flanges | Flexible routing and permitted overlap may simplify allowances | Spacing and contact must be carefully controlled |
| Branching | Approved splice and tee components are used where permitted | Must follow the cable’s zone or circuit design |
| Long circuits | Maximum length can be limited by start-up current | Parallel or series designs may suit different long-line duties |
| Termination | Field termination kits are commonly available | Termination depends on parallel-zone or engineered series construction |
| Protection | Circuit-breaker and earth-fault selection must consider start-up behaviour | Protection must match designed current, output and control method |
| Repair | Approved field repair systems may be available | Repairability depends strongly on the cable construction |
Installation should follow the cable-specific instructions and the existing trace heating installation guide.
These are general patterns rather than automatic choices. The correct technology depends on the calculated duty and the performance limits of the individual cable.
Self-regulating cable can reduce local output as temperatures rise, but total energy use still depends on cable output, circuit length, insulation, control strategy and operating time.
A constant wattage system can also operate efficiently when correctly sized and controlled. Oversizing either technology or operating it continuously when heat is not required can increase energy consumption.
Lifecycle considerations:
Both technologies may be available as certified systems for explosive atmospheres. Selection must address more than the cable certificate.
See the dedicated ATEX trace heating range for certified cables, controls and components.
| Application Characteristic | Technology Commonly Considered |
|---|---|
| Low-temperature frost protection with variable ambient conditions | Self-regulating |
| Complex pipe fittings and field cut-to-length installation | Self-regulating |
| Defined process output with active temperature control | Constant wattage |
| Higher temperature or specialist industrial duty | Constant wattage or mineral-insulated, subject to design |
| Very high temperature, high output or severe mechanical environment | Mineral-insulated may be required |
| Long pipeline | Cable technology should be selected from heat loss, voltage, circuit length and control requirements |
The table is a starting point only. Product data, design software and technical review are required before final specification.
Provide the following design data:
It can reduce its local output as temperature rises, but total system efficiency also depends on correct sizing, insulation, control, circuit length and operating time. A correctly designed constant wattage system can also be efficient.
No. A thermostat, controller or limiter may still be required for process accuracy, energy management, alarms, equipment protection or hazardous-area temperature control.
Not always. Parallel-zone cable is cut at defined contact intervals, while series-resistance cable is designed to a specific length and resistance. Follow the individual product instructions.
Some self-regulating products allow overlap within their stated limits. Constant wattage and series-resistance cables generally must not touch or overlap unless the manufacturer explicitly approves it.
Self-regulating cable is commonly selected because it responds to local temperature and can be convenient to install. The final choice still depends on heat loss, pipe material, circuit length, environment and approvals.
Constant wattage, series-resistance or mineral-insulated cable may offer suitable temperature capability, but the selection depends on maintain temperature, exposure temperature, output, circuit length and environment.
Thorne & Derrick provides heat-loss calculation, cable selection and complete electrical heat tracing system support for frost protection, process maintenance and hazardous areas.
LED and xenon are two of the principal light-source technologies used in hazardous area visual signalling. Both can provide an effective warning, but they produce different signal patterns and are selected using different performance criteria.
An LED ATEX beacon can provide continuous or electronically controlled signalling, depending on the model. A xenon ATEX beacon uses a flash tube to produce a brief, high-intensity pulse and is normally specified by its flash energy in joules.
Thorne & Derrick supplies a comprehensive range of ATEX beacons incorporating LED, xenon, steady, flashing, strobe and electronically rotating visual signals. For a wider introduction to hazardous area visual signalling, read What Is an ATEX Beacon?
Quick answer: select LED where configurable signal modes, continuous indication or long solid-state operating life are priorities. Consider xenon where the specification calls for a defined high-intensity flash measured in joules. Certification and application suitability must be confirmed separately.
| Selection Factor | LED Beacon | Xenon Beacon |
|---|---|---|
| Light source | Light-emitting diodes | Xenon flash tube |
| Typical signal | Steady, blinking, strobe or electronically rotating, depending on model | Brief, high-intensity flashing signal |
| Common performance data | Optical intensity, operating pattern, frequency and current consumption | Flash energy in joules, flash frequency and current consumption |
| Continuous indication | Available on suitable models | Not the normal function of a xenon strobe |
| Configurable modes | Multiple electronic modes may be available | Normally a defined flash pattern |
| Service consideration | Solid-state light source with no xenon flash tube | Flash-tube operating life should be considered |
| Typical reason for selection | Flexible signalling, steady status indication or electronic rotating effect | Defined high-intensity pulsed warning |
Important comparison point: an LED beacon’s optical output and a xenon beacon’s flash energy are not directly interchangeable measurements. A stated number of joules should not be compared directly with a candela or lumen figure.
An LED beacon uses an array of light-emitting diodes to generate the required visual signal. The LEDs may remain continuously illuminated or be controlled electronically to create blinking, pulsed or rotating effects.
The exact capabilities depend on the product. Some models provide only a single steady or flashing output, while others offer several modes selected during installation.
These advantages should not be treated as universal. The actual power consumption, visibility, operating life and available modes depend on the selected model, voltage and colour.
A xenon beacon stores electrical energy and discharges it through a xenon-filled flash tube. This creates a brief, intense pulse of light.
Xenon strobe performance is commonly described using flash energy in joules and flash frequency. A higher joule figure indicates greater energy released during each flash, but it does not independently determine visibility in every installation.
The flash-tube operating life, current consumption and required energy level should be considered during selection. A higher-energy xenon strobe can require more electrical current than a lower-energy version.
The most important difference between LED and xenon is not simply which technology is brighter. The two technologies communicate visually in different ways.
An LED signal can remain visible continuously or create a repeating electronic pattern. This can make LED suitable for process-status indication, persistent warnings or applications where several different modes are needed.
A xenon strobe produces a short pulse followed by a period without illumination. This creates a visually distinctive alarm pattern, particularly where the project specifies a flash energy and frequency.
Visibility depends on more than the light source. Consider:
LED is often associated with lower energy consumption, but this should not be assumed for every hazardous area beacon. Current demand can vary significantly according to voltage, LED colour, signal mode and optical output.
A high-output LED strobe mode may draw more current than a lower-output LED rotating pattern. Likewise, a 15J xenon beacon will normally have different electrical requirements from a 5J version.
The control-panel output, power supply, relay capacity, cable size and voltage-drop calculation should use the data for the exact ordered configuration.
LEDs are solid-state components and are frequently selected for applications where long service life and reduced routine replacement are priorities.
Xenon flash tubes have a stated or expected operating life based on the number of flashes. The anticipated alarm duty and testing schedule should therefore be considered.
Neither technology removes the need for hazardous area inspection and maintenance. The enclosure, cable entries, seals, fasteners, lens, guard, earthing arrangements and equipment marking must remain in serviceable condition.
Yes. The signal colour can affect the apparent output and visibility of both technologies.
Some LED products use coloured LEDs with a matching or transparent lens. Xenon products normally use a broad-spectrum flash tube with a coloured lens or dome.
Manufacturer performance data should be checked for the exact colour. The intended meaning must also be established by the site alarm philosophy or project specification rather than assumed from the colour alone.
LED or xenon technology does not independently determine whether a beacon is suitable for a hazardous area. The complete certified product construction must be assessed.
Check:
Read the H&P guide to ATEX and IECEx certification of hazardous area equipment.
Neither technology is universally better. The correct choice is the one that satisfies the hazardous area specification, signal requirements, viewing conditions, electrical design and maintenance strategy.
For a complete step-by-step selection process, read How to Select an ATEX Beacon.
The Eaton FHF dSLB20 family provides a useful example of the practical differences between the two technologies.
Provides steady, blinking, strobe and two electronically rotating operating patterns. It is suitable where configurable visual signalling is required.
Provides a xenon strobe signal with 5J and 15J options and an approximate flash frequency of 60 flashes per minute.
These examples do not replace product selection. Confirm the complete certification, temperature range, voltage, current, colour and installation requirements for the ordered version.
Not necessarily. The two technologies produce different signal characteristics and are often specified using different measurements. Compare the manufacturer’s optical data, signal pattern and intended viewing conditions.
It can, but this is not universal. Current consumption depends on the product, voltage, LED colour, signal mode and required output. Use the exact electrical data for the selected configuration.
Some LED products provide a strobe-style electronic pattern. However, its optical characteristics are not automatically equivalent to a xenon flash with a specified energy in joules.
LED is frequently chosen for long solid-state light-source life. Both technologies still require routine hazardous area inspection, functional testing and enclosure maintenance.
Potentially, provided the control system supports their voltage, current, monitoring and switching requirements and each product is correctly certified for its installation location.
LED is normally more suited to continuous status indication because suitable products can remain steadily illuminated. A xenon beacon is primarily used for a flashing warning signal.
Send Thorne & Derrick the hazardous area classification, required signal pattern, voltage, colour, viewing conditions and installation environment for product selection support.
Explore LED, xenon, steady, flashing and rotating signalling devices for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 21 and Zone 22 installations.
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
