FOR RELEASE: Immediately
CONTACT:
Michael Mummert
Vice President OEM Sales
+1.714.529.1223 Phone
mmummert@alexenergy.com Email
AGENCY CONTACT:
Kimberly Lee
Kreative Solution
Tel: +1.949.439.5351
Email: klee@kreativesolution.com
Alexander Technologies Develops First MSHA Approved Lithium-ion Battery for
Mining Applications
Peterlee, Durham, UK– August 28, 2012 – Alexander Technologies, a leading designer and
manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, chargers and battery maintenance equipment, today
announced the release of the first U.S. Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
approved lithium-ion battery for 2-way radio mining applications. The Alexander developed
Lithium-ion battery design meets critical MSHA standards, exceeds Intrinsic Safety (IS)
standards, received cell manufacturers’ specification approval and is also Factory Mutual (FM)
approved.
Alexander Technologies developed the MSHA approved Lithium-ion solution over an 18-month
period of extensive research, design and testing. Their innovative technology approach was a
key element to the development of this battery for this challenging application. Alexander
Technologies has been at the forefront developing IS battery solutions utilizing Lithium-ion
chemistries. When presented with the challenge to develop a 2-way radio Lithium-ion battery
solution for the mining industry, they utilized their 40 years of expertise and creative innovation.
“Mining applications present unique challenges,” said James Pflueger, Regulatory Manager at
Alexander Technologies. “While Lithium-ion offers many benefits, its’ chemistry is such that it
requires a unique solution to be utilized in potentially gaseous or high particulate environments,
such as mining. Our experienced team of engineers developed a proprietary method to meet
both MSHA and cell manufacturers’ safety requirements, maximizing the benefits of Lithium-ion
battery power. We are delighted to receive the first MSHA approval.”
Lithium-ion batteries are the ideal solution for rechargeable battery in portable electronics
because they are lightweight, have high energy density in a small footprint, with no memory
effect, and only a slow loss of charge when not in use. Lithium-ion batteries are also growing in
popularity for various military and aerospace applications, but present unique challenges for
down-hole mining and other applications where there are environmental factors such as gases,
airborne particulates and temperature fluctuations. The Alexander battery solution addresses
these safety issues, exceeding both MSHA and IS standards, with triple redundancies, in
addition to being Factory Mutual (FM) Approved.
Factory Mutual Approvals Division determines the safety and reliability of equipment, materials,
or services utilized in hazardous locations in the United States and elsewhere. FM certifies to
NEC (National Electrical Code) standards for hazardous locations, NEC Standard 500 (Division
classification) and also to the new NEC Standard 505 (Zone classification), which attempts to
harmonize American and European classifications. For a product to receive approval, it must
meet two criteria:
•
It must perform satisfactorily, reliably, and repeatedly as applicable for a reasonable life
expectancy.
•
It must be produced under high quality control conditions. FM also has inter-laboratory
agreements and can certify to Canadian and European standards.
“We are very pleased to have received MSHA approval on this exciting new solution,” said
Michael Mummert, Alexander Technologies’ Vice President of OEM Sales. “Over the 40 years
of our history, we have worked diligently to pioneer new and innovative solutions for portable
power. With the critical approval by MSHA, we will continue to develop new and groundbreaking solutions for even the most demanding applications.”
Editor's Note
High-resolution images of Alexander Technologies product line are available by calling (949)
439-5351. For more information, or to request at quote call Alexander Technologies USA HQ at:
714-529-1223 visit the Alexander Technologies website at www.alexandertechnologies.com
About Alexander Technologies
Alexander Technologies is a leading designer and manufacturer of rechargeable batteries,
chargers and battery maintenance equipment. Founded more than 40 years ago, Alexander
engineers partner with OEM’s at the early stages of design, meeting customer specifications
and providing a single source for power design needs. Utilizing their unique Systems Approach,
that includes battery pack and charger design, they deliver innovative solutions and complete
compatibility between the battery and charging systems. Alexander Technologies provides
integrated OEM power and charger solutions for Land Mobile Radios, Barcode/Portable
Scanners, Portable Printers, Medical Devices, Power Tools, Wireless Electronics and Battery
Charger/Conditioners manufactured and engineered to exceed industry standards in product
quality and reliability. ISO 9000 certified since 1994 and certified to the new ISO9001:2000
standard, Alexander produces products that meet MIL-spec standards for the government as
well as approvals from UL, CSA, CE, TUV, FCC, IATA, FM, & FDA. With advanced design and
assembly plants in the US, UK and Malaysia, Alexander is recognized as a design leader in
portable power. For more information on Alexander Technologies and its products, visit
www.alexandertechnologies.com
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