Fluke Australia has brought back one of its essential tools for miners.
Mining environments present some of the most hazardous conditions, requiring equipment that’s not only robust but also fundamentally safe.
The Fluke 28 II Ex has become an important tool for mining personnel due to its advanced safety features, durability and precision.
Designed specifically for use in explosive environments, the multimeter addresses the unique challenges faced by the mining industry, offering reliability in underground and surface operations.
Fluke Australia product manager Allen Xie said the Fluke 28 II Ex is specifically tailored to withstand the often-harsh conditions of the Australian resources sector.
“While previous versions may have been durable, the Fluke 28 II Ex has an IP67 rating, offering complete protection against dust and the ability to withstand submersion in water up to one metre for 30 minutes,” he told Australian Mining.
“This rugged build is crucial for mining environments, where the risk of drops and exposure to dust and moisture is high.”
The multimeter operates effectively in a wide range of temperatures, from -15°C to more than 55°C.
“This is crucial in mining environments, where temperature fluctuations can be extreme,” Allen said.
“Additionally, the ATEX and ANZEX certifications provide a higher level of safety assurance, making the Fluke 28 II Ex suitable for hazardous mining environments.
“In underground mining, where the presence of explosive gases, vapours, and dust is a constant risk, these certifications ensure the device can be used without the threat of ignition.
“This directly enhances the safety of workers by preventing accidents related to sparks or electrical discharges.”
Image: Fluke
The battery life has also been extended, with one charge supporting 400 hours of life, allowing longer operation in remote areas where replacements are challenging.
On the 28 II Ex, Fluke has improved the multimeter’s user interface with a larger backlit display for better visibility in low-light conditions, while the controls are designed to be more intuitive, even when using gloves.
“Safety is a priority in mining operations, and the Fluke 28 II Ex meets these demands through its intrinsic safety design,” Allen said.
“It includes energy-limiting circuits that prevent excessive electrical or thermal energy from causing ignition in explosive atmospheres.
“The device is also engineered to maintain controlled temperatures, avoiding any risk of overheating.”
The device is built to handle environmental hazards commonly found in mining, like dust, moisture and physical impacts.
The multimeter has received multiple safety approvals, including compliance with CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V overvoltage protection, adding to its reliability in industrial settings.
Allen said feedback from the mining industry has been instrumental in shaping the Fluke 28 II Ex’s design and ensuring it meets the specific needs and challenges faced by professionals in the sector.
“The need for enhanced shock resistance and IP67 protection was directly addressed, ensuring the device could handle the rugged conditions miners face daily,” he said.
“Safety concerns, especially in explosive atmospheres, drove the emphasis on intrinsic safety and certification.
“Feedback also influenced the device’s user-centric features, such as the large backlit display for low-light environments and glove-friendly controls.”
The Fluke 28 II Ex is designed to be particularly effective in several mining applications. It excels in maintaining and troubleshooting underground electrical systems, where dust and moisture are prevalent.
“In hazardous areas where fuel or battery charging stations are located, the intrinsic safety of the multimeter ensures safe operation,” Allen said.
Fluke Australia has added overvoltage protection and the ability to detect faults early further support preventive maintenance, helping to avert issues that could compromise safety.
The multimeter’s compliance with global safety standards also aids in meeting regulatory requirements, making it an essential tool for safety audits and overall risk management.
In hazardous mining areas, where equipment maintenance and troubleshooting are often a challenge, the Fluke 28 II Ex addresses these issues with its intrinsic safety features and rugged design.
Its ability to perform in extreme conditions while ensuring accurate diagnostics enables mining professionals to maintain critical systems safely and efficiently.
This feature appeared in the October 2024 issue of Australian Mining.
