Non–Sparking Tools
Thomas Warburton now stock EGA Master Non-Sparking Tools which are the best alternative for non-sparking application purposes in potentially explosive environments. All tools are forged after casting to achieve the best quality in the market, both in mechanical properties and attractive finishing. We incorporate in our non-sparking tools all our knowledge gained over decades, designing and manufacturing hand tools, making the most ergonomic and nicest design for them.
Ega Master – Available at all
Thomas Warburton Branches
Thomas Warburton is a proud distributor of the Ega Master range of tools, including the non-sparking range.
Download a pdf of the Ega Master Non-Sparking product range.
The Ega Master Non-Sparking range consists of the following product groups.
- Pliers
- Pinchers
- Wrenches
- Socket Wrenches
- Special Wrenches
- Extractors
- Pipe Tools
- Tweezers
- Ratchet Spanners
- Torque Wrenches
- Hexagon Keys
- Ratchets & Sockets
- Pipe Wrenches
- Strap Wrench
- Pipe Cutters
- Parallel Bench Vise
- Screwdrivers
- Files
- Shovels & Rakes
- Bolt Cutters
- Scissors
- Hack Saws
- Knifes
- Twist Drills
- Hand Files
- Chisels
- Gear Pullers
- Hammers, Picks & Axes
For the complete specifications or any enquiries please contact our non-sparking specialist Matthew Adlington at Thomas Warburton on Ph: (03) 9574 3400 or send him an email .
View the complete Ega Master range at www.egamaster.com
Materials
Copper-Berylium Alloy |
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Composition |
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Hardness |
283-365 Brinell |
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Tensile Strength |
1250 N/mm2 |
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Aluminium-Bronze Alloy |
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Composition |
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Hardness |
229-291 Brinell |
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Tensile Strength |
800 N/mm2 |
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Important Note
The hardness and resistance that can be achieved with the materials used to manufacture non-sparking tools is significantly lower than that which can be obtained in tools made of steel. Due to these special characteristics of the material employed, non-sparking tools can not be guaranteed against any deformation or breakage. Non-sparking tools will be replaced under guarantee only when the hardness of the damaged tool does not reach (or exceeds) the one indicated in our catalogue: 35-40 HrC for those made in Copper-Beryllium and 25-30 HrC for those made in Aluminium Bronze.
Properties And Features
Property |
Application or Benefits |
Non-sparking |
Appropriate for explosive potential environments |
Non-magnetic safety |
Essential for equipment that requires complete non-magnetic safety |
Corrosion Resistant |
Specially well suited for applications which encounter corrosive environments including marine works or fire-fighting applications |
Forged after casting |
Provides higher mechanical properties and better finishing |
Ergonomic designs |
The use of bi-material anti-slip handles, dipped anti-slip handles and ergonomic design makes mastering operating much easier and more comfortable |
Differences and How to Make the Correct Choice
Concept |
Cu-Be |
Al-Bron |
Hardness |
283-365 Brinell |
229-291 Brinell |
Magnetism |
Non ferrous substance in the composition makes it safer when non-magnetic applications are required |
Minimum ferrous component makes them not 100% non-magnetic, although its low magnetism makes it appropriate for non-critical non-magnetic applications |
Durability |
Much higher due to the higher hardness and tensile strength. Higher efforts can be made. |
Not as much as Cu-Be. |
Price |
Higher price due to the special |
Around 30% lower in price |
Caution
These tools are not classified as anti-static because they do conduct electricity. Do not use high copper content tools (>65%) in direct contact with acetylene due to the possible formation of explosive acetylide, especially in the presence of moisture.
Table of Risks of Explosion and Maximum Temperature
Explosive Group |
Class of Temperature (Maximum Surface Temp. Allowed) |
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Temperature
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T1 |
T2 |
T3 |
T4 |
T5 |
T6 |
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450°C |
300- |
200- |
135- |
100- |
85- |
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I |
Methane |
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IIA (Energy of ignition higher than 0,18mJ) |
Acetone |
i-amyl acetate |
Amyl alcohol |
Acetald- |
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Ammonia |
n-butane |
Gasolines |
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Benzene |
n-butane |
Gas-oil |
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Etilacetate |
1-butene |
Heating-oil |
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Ethyl acetate |
n-hexane |
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Methanol |
i-propanol |
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Propane |
Vinyl chloride |
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Toluene |
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IIB (Energy of ignition between 0.06 & 0.18 mJ) |
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Coal gas (lighting gas) |
Etylene |
Hydrogen sulphide |
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Ethylene |
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IIC (Energy of ignition less than 0,06 mJ) |
Hydrogen |
Acetylene |
Bisulphide of carbon |
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Gas of water |
Ethyl |
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Tools made of Cu-Be alloy can be used in all groups (I, IIA, IIB, IIC) in a safe way, always respecting the maximum surface temperature allowed, with the only exception of acetylene, with which copper might react and create highly explosive acetylite gases.
Tools made of Al-Bronze alloy can be used in a safe way, always respecting the maximum surface temperature allowed, except for the IIC group (Hydrogen, gas of water, acetylene, bisulphide of carbon, Ethyl nitrate).
Copper or Brass Tools
Copper or brass tools are safe in explosive environments of risk groups I and IIA. It is safe to work with them in these environments. EGA Master has available a complete range of copper and brass hammers and mallets made in both materials. It is convenient to know that copper or brass tools can never be considered as alternatives to aluminum-bronze or copper-beryllium alloy tools, because their hardness is too low for most applications. There is the temptation to choose copper or brass tools due to their lower cost compared to aluminum-bronze or copper-beryllium ones. This choice is not only risky in itself, but in the short/mid term it will be necessary to replace them for new ones for the wearing out suffered due to their low hardness.
For this reason, copper or brass tools should only be used in those jobs that have to be made in risky environments (I and IIA), if the same job would be made with copper or brass tools in a non-risky environment. In case you would use a steel tool in a non-risky environment, than you should choose for your safety and profitability tools made in aluminum-bronze or copper-beryllium alloys to make the same job in a risky environment, never a copper or brass tool.
Acetilex Alloy, Safe Work Even in Acethylene Environments
Items with copper compositions higher than 65% should not be used in acetylene environments. Both aluminium bronze and copper-beryllium alloys do have higher copper compositions than 65%. The reason is not that copper beryllium can create a spark with enough energy to create the ignition of acetylene, but that copper can react with acetylene creating highly explosive acetylates.
For this reason, copper-beryllium or aluminium-bronze alloys should not be used in acetylene environments. Ega Master S.A., is always committed to finding new innovative solutions that will increase safety, we have developed the ACETILEX alloy, 100% safe to be used in acethylene environments. Once again, pioneers in safety.
Main Application Fields
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Petrochemicals |
Fireworks Industry |
Mines |
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Refineries |
Chemical Industry |
Defence |
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Oil Companies |
Paper Making Industries |
Air Forces |
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Gas & Oil Pipe Lines |
Flour Silos and Mills |
Navy |
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Power Stations |
Breweries |
Weapon & Ammunition Fabrication |
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Paint Manufacturing |
Alcohol Processing Industries |
Aerospace Industry |
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Plastic Manufacturing |
Distilleries |
Automotive Industry |
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Pharmaceutical Industry |
Fire-Fighters |
Etc. |
Instructions For Use & Warranty
- Non-Sparking Tools cannot reach the hardness of conventional tools. For this reason the use of Non-Sparking Tools has to be carried out with special care, avoiding overstraining, heating, etc.
- The use of Non-Sparking Tools must not be the only preventive measure in areas which the items are designed for. Other items, clothes or present material must also be adequate for non-sparking purposes.