Date: 6/29/2021
Previous Blog: R&M Adds Class I, Div 1-Rated Hoist to Its Product Line
Industry Expert’s Thoughts on Class I, Div 2
Adding additional capacity for hoist safety and efficiency with Class I, Div 1 rated hoists
With our expanded ability to offer the Spacemaster® EX hoist with a Class I, Div 1 rating, we’ve begun talking to experts in the field for their thoughts on both this new offering and our Class I, Div 2 rated hoist and its corresponding crane package.
We interviewed the VP of Sales at one prominent crane manufacturer to hear his perspective on the benefits and features of the Spacemaster® EX and the potential that R&M’s Class I, Div 1 hoist can add to a facility.
When asked about the overall advantages that R&M hoists provide, he said, “The consistency of components for both standard and hazardous environments is a strong benefit both for the builder and for the end-users.”
How is Class I, Div 1 different from Class I, Div 2?
“The differences between these two divisions are determined by the ignitable concentration of gas groups that can or do exist in the atmosphere,” our interviewee says.
We shared a full chart of the hazardous conditions ratings in our other Class I, Div 1-related blog.
He explains that because the Class or Division is assigned following an intensive study of one’s worksite, having broad knowledge of the components and equipment options that are offered by R&M help crane builders and our clients select hoists and cranes that prioritize safety, ease of use for the operator and energy/money savings.
What features have stood out with the Class I, Div 2 hoist offering?
Modular crane packages like the one offered for the Spacemaster EX Class I, Div 2 hoist continue to help facility managers rise above the competition in industries where hazardous locations are common. Our interviewee noted that the integrated design and pre-engineered components configured exactly to his customers’ applications create an ease of installation. This saves both his time as a manufacturer, and also save his customers time and money in installation cost and downtime.
“I am pleased that the built-in features mean you can use some components for both standard and hazardous ratings. For example, when you combine the built-in barrier relays with a standard pendant, you can still use that standard pendant in a Div 2 scenario. That pendant is easier for operators to handle, more lightweight and ergonomic, than the heavily encased pendants you’d need in a Div 1 environment,” says our interviewee.
He also explains that R&M’s product offers a simpler troubleshooting process due to standard environment and hazardous environment rated components being essentially the same.
“With our technicians already being familiar with the standard environment components, it’s much easier for them to also work on the hazardous environment components. Operator and technician product familiarity keep downtime to a minimum,” he said.
How does the Class I Div 2 modular crane package provide a competitive edge?
“As a distributor and manufacturer, having everything you need to manufacture the cranes – coming from one single supplier – makes the entire crane design and manufacturing process much simpler and less time consuming. That translates to a more cost-effective solution for our clients,” says our interviewee.
Third-party CSA c/us certification adds to this benefit, ensuring the integrity, longevity and compliance of the crane.
Looking Forward
“We sold more than 6 R&M Class I, Div 2 crane packages over the past year, and we are excited to incorporate their latest Class I, Div 1 hoist into our offerings,” our interviewee tells us.
With R&M’s well-established Spacemaster EX Class I, Div 2 crane package and the Class I Div 1 hoist, your facility is equipped with everything you need to avoid downtime, reduce service hours and keep production running. The end result is the highest standard of product, cost savings and safety. Contact us today to talk with an expert in your area about our EX-proof rated hoists and crane package.