Chapter 2
INTRINSICALLY SAFE RADIO INFORMATION
1.0 FMRC Approved Equipment
Anyone intending to use a radio in a location where hazardous concentrations of flammable material 
exist (hazardous atmosphere) is advised to become familiar with the subject of intrinsic safety and 
with the National Electric Code NFPA 70 (National Fire Protection Association) Article 500 
(hazardous [classified] locations).
An Approval Guide, issued by Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC), lists manufacturers 
and the products approved by FMRC for use in such locations. FMRC has also issued a voluntary 
approval standard for repair service (“Class Number 3605”).
FMRC Approval labels are attached to the radio to identify the unit as being FM 
Approved for specified hazardous atmospheres. This label specifies the hazardous 
Class/Division/Group along with the part number of the battery that must be used. 
Depending on the design of the portable unit, this FM label can be found on the 
back of the radio housing or the bottom of the radio housing.Their Approval mark is shown above.
Radios must ship from the Motorola manufacturing facility with the hazardous atmosphere capability 
and FM Approval labeling. Radios will not be “upgraded” to this capability and labeled in the field.
A modification changes the unit’s hardware from its original design configuration. Modifications can 
only be done by the original product manufacturer at one of its FMRC audited manufacturing 
facilities.
Unauthorized or incorrect modification of an FMRC Approved Product unit will negate the Approval 
rating of the product.
WARNING: Do not operate radio communications equipment in a hazardous atmosphere 
unless it is a type especially qualified (e.g. FMRC Approved) for such use. An explosion or 
fire may result.
WARNING: Do not operate the FMRC Approved Product in a hazardous atmosphere if it has 
been physically damaged (e.g. cracked housing). An explosion or fire may result.
WARNING: Do not replace or charge batteries in a hazardous atmosphere. Contact sparking 
may occur while installing or removing batteries and cause an explosion or fire.
WARNING: Do not replace or change accessories in a hazardous atmosphere. Contact 
sparking may occur while installing or removing accessories and cause an explosion or fire.
WARNING: Do not operate the FMRC Approved Product unit in a hazardous location with the 
accessory contacts exposed. Keep the connector cover in place when accessories are not 
used.
WARNING: Turn radio off before removing or installing a battery or accessory.
WARNING: Do not disassemble the FMRC Approved Product unit in any way that exposes 
the internal electrical circuits of the unit.
WARNING: Failure to use an FMRC Approved Product unit with an FMRC Approved battery 
or FMRC Approved accessories specifically approved for that product may result in the 
dangerously unsafe condition of an unapproved radio combination being used in a 
hazardous location.
FM
APPROVED
!
!