Under normal operating conditions, what does intrinsically safe equipment prevent?

Intrinsic safety is a protection technique used in hazardous locations where flammable gases, vapors, or dust may be present. The primary objective of intrinsically safe equipment is to ensure that any electrical or thermal energy produced under normal operating conditions is below the levels that could ignite these flammable substances. This is achieved by limiting the energy available to devices, thereby preventing sparks or high temperatures that could lead to ignition.

In environments where explosive atmospheres exist, such as oil refineries or chemical plants, implementing intrinsically safe equipment is a critical safety measure. By preventing the ignition of flammable gases, this type of equipment helps to maintain a safe working environment and protect both personnel and infrastructure from potential disasters associated with explosions or fires.