Intrinsically Safe two-way radios (walkie-talkies) approved to the FM3610_88 standard may only be manufactured through the end of December 2015. The FM3610_88 expired in 2012 and affects products from all Land Mobile Radio manufacturers, that are certified to this standard. There are no known safety issues with two-way radios certified under the FM3610_88 standard. FM approved radios that are deployed in the field will maintain their FM Intrinsically Safe approval status. Motorola is adapting to a new TIA-4950 standard for Hazardous Location certification of two-way radios, which is similar to the FM3610_88 standard. Compliance testing will be done by UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Radios will be approved to TIA-4950 standard for use in Division 1, Class I, Groups C, D, Class II, Group E, F, G and Class III hazardous locations. This is the same classification rating as FM3610_88.

Transition Summary: At-A-Glance

IS Transition to UL_Summary Chart          

Where Are Intrinsically Safe (IS) Radios Typically Used?

According to the National Electric Code (NEC) NFPA 70, hazardous locations are: “Areas where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust or ignitable fibers or flyings.” These locations include refineries, fuel storage facilities, chemical plants, grain elevators and plastic processing plants.                      
 

What Does This All Mean to IS Radio Users?

While there are no significant changes in form factor or performance, the new UL-approved Motorola Solutions radios will have a new UL label. You can use both FM-approved and UL-approved radios in the same fleet, however to keep either FM or UL certification valid, you cannot mix FM or UL certified radios and batteries since both certification companies approve the radio and battery together.   While operations and environments differ, there are basic fleet management and preparedness strategies for Intrinsically Safe radio users to consider.

Fleet Management Options

  1. Determine how or if you want to manage the logistics and risk of using a mixed fleet containing both FM and UL certified radios. (Remember: To keep FM or UL certification valid, you cannot mix FM and UL certified radios and batteries.)
  2. Decide if it’s a good strategy to add FM radios before the end of 2015 while stock is still available.
  3. Decide if you would rather accelerate migration to UL radios taking advantage of current Motorola promotions to save money. If you currently use analog radios, a transition to digital technologies provides even more benefits.

Additional Information about Motorola Solutions Radios

Safety: There are no known hazards or safety issues related to the FM3610_88 standard. Repairs: Current FM approved radios in the field will maintain their FM status as long as repairs are done at an FM-audited site. (BearCom has and will continue to maintain full FM repair certifications.) Batteries: FM-approved batteries will still be sold. Accessories: Most aftermarket FM-approved accessories are compatible with UL-approved Motorola radios, so using them will not affect UL certification and they will continue to be sold. For clarification on specific accessories, contact your BearCom representative. Documentation: Ensure that your safety and certification documentation defines “Hazardous Location” requirements as Division, Class and Group; not simply “FM-approved” or “Intrinsically Safe.” XPR7550 and Battery               New UL Radios: Intrinsically Safe MOTOTRBO XPR7000 Series two-way radios and batteries from Motorola are now available that meet the new UL TIA-4950 certification standards. BearCom Can Help! Whatever strategy you choose, BearCom is ready to assist with your Intrinsically Safe radio needs. Contact your local BearCom representative or contact our corporate office at: 1.800.527.1670. Or, email us to get more information.

About BearCom

BearCom provides a broad line of high-performance wireless communications products, services, and complete mobility solutions. Founded in 1981, BearCom is America’s only nationwide dealer and integrator of wireless communications equipment, serves customers from 29 branch offices located throughout the U.S., and employs approximately 360 people. BearCom is headquartered in the Dallas, Texas area. MS_RSCP_K   MOTOROLA, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2015 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.