New cap lamp designed specifically for SA underground conditions

ad acid battery manufacturer and distri- butor First National Battery earlier this year launched its TC1 and TC2 lithium-ion Miner’s Cap Lamps specifically designed for use in South Africa’s unique underground mining conditions.

The Miner’s Cap Lamp has been approved for undergrounduse by the Department of Mineral Resources’ mine safetydirector, First National Battery says.

“The Miner’s Cap Lamp is an ‘intelligent’ lamp, designed to meet demanding specifications. The total weight of the lamp is about 590 g, which is 60% lighter than the smallest lead acid battery lamps,” the company states.

The enhanced intelligence and light-emitting diode technology of the cap lamp set a new standard in underground lighting. It also features a patented optical-reflector design, which significantly improves peripheral lighting, compared with similar lamps.

The main light output is greater than 6 000 candela, which is more than three times that of a 0.75 amp incandescent bulb. The auxiliary bulb has a light intensity greater than 2 400 candela.

The lamp is also compatible with all existing charger installations, which amounts to major savings in capital investment, says First National Battery.

Meanwhile, the lamp is unique in that it has a fairly high level of built-in intelligence.

“The lamp warns the user when it has an hour of battery life left by switching on and off at defined intervals. When ten minutes of battery life remains, it automatically switches to a low or auxiliary beam. If the lamp is not used for more than seven days, it automatically goes into energy-saving sleep mode,” the company explains.

While charging, the lamp has a built-in microprocessor to regulate the input voltage and prevent the battery from overcharging. The cable connections in the battery have been configured to prevent incorrect wiring to ensure that mineworkers are not sent underground with faulty lightingequipment.

“A maximum 12-hour charge makes it possible for the main light to operate on high-beam for at least 24 hours,” explains First National Battery MD Dr Louis Denner, adding that if only the auxiliary light is used, it can last for more than 52 hours.

Further, the battery casing of the lamp allows for the incorporation of a radio frequency identi- fication device that can be used to locate workers in the event of an emergency shaft clearance.

“First National Battery believes that better lightingtechnology will create a safer and more efficient environment. This is especially pertinent in the context of the local mining industry, which is constantly under scrutiny for the standard of its safety measures,” Denner concludes.