We’ve talked a lot about forklift batteries lately, but did you know that we are making it easier than ever before to source fully certified ATEX batteries with new ranges for Zone 2 operations?
Forklifts, VNA, pallet trucks, access platforms, scrubber driers, or tow tractors – it doesn’t matter. We can now offer fully certified ATEX batteries through our partners, no matter what size or shape, and all at great value.
The most important thing about these new batteries is that they are fully certified according to the requirements of the ATEX Directive.
Certification involves the lead acid and gel range of batteries undergoing clause by clause assessment to each relevant standard and are fully tested against mechanical shock and vibration, thermal rise, and more. The batteries meet the equipment category of the truck with the tests performed in accordance with the relevant EN / IEC standards.
In every battery, the cell’s internal construction is all fully verified for use within potentially explosive atmospheres. These are not standard batteries that we certify as part of the overall forklift conversion, they are fully tested, high quality ATEX compliant industrial batteries in their own right, that we are proud to offer as part of our overall solution.
Why batteries in ATEX forklifts must comply as an individual component
According to the standards, batteries in ATEX trucks should be certified properly, which calls for testing for vibration and shock. Businesses should be cautious and aware that it is potentially hazardous for forklifts featuring “standard” industrial batteries to be used in Zone 2 hazardous areas, unless they have been rigorously tested and certified.
“Assessment and adaption” of standard batteries for use in ATEX Zones is simply not enough. The cell’s internal construction is fundamental to the explosion protection performance, and this cannot be verified without thorough analysis and rigorous testing. An external visual inspection is not sufficient.
To comply with ATEX 2014/34/EU, members of the EN1755 committee CEN/TC150/WG13 (of which the main Ex converters and OEMs are members) agreed more than four years ago that “assessing” a standard battery in a forklift is not aligned with the Ex-requirements.
Furthermore, the Ex Notified Body group also issued a formal statement which confirmed that the answer is a clear “NO” to using a standard industrial battery that has not been tested and certified correctly. The group states that batteries shall fulfil specific requirements to avoid the risk of ignition during normal operation (Category 3) and expected malfunctions (Category 2).
To extend the range of ATEX certified batteries available in the market, battery OEMs have used Pyroban’s consulting services to guide them through the ATEX certification process to launch their own ATEX battery range.
Note that “ATEX” trucks that have been quoted by other conversion companies featuring “assessed” or “adapted” batteries, may not comply with ATEX 2014/34/EU, which would negate the CE or UKCA marking. These quotes may appear cheaper than Pyroban, but this is a detail that should not be skimmed over in a quotation and needs to be questioned by forklift OEMs and dealers.
Suppliers that are placing these trucks on the market are exposing themselves, their customers, and the end user to potentially serious risk which is wholly avoidable.
Pyroban follows approved codes of practice, which is why we have remained the leading explosion protection company for forklifts in the world for more than 50 years.
The new range of batteries from Pyroban is yet another way that the company is making it easier than ever for businesses to offer and use explosion proof forklift trucks.
For more information contact our technical team on +44 (0) 1273 456800 or info@pyroban.com.
