Hazardous area sensors provide a layer of automation for lighting and other hazardous area equipment, helping devices that are often already very low-energy to use even less power.
According to a report from Transparency Market Research, stringent government regulations are driving demand for hazardous area sensors in many parts of the world, including the UK, as part of a global trend towards increased workplace safety.
From a global value of $4.5 billion in 2014, the market is predicted to reach $6.7 billion by 2023, growth of 4.6% per year, and over a fifth of this derives from the oil and gas sector.
“Fuelled by the growing application of these sensors in the exploration and extraction of shale gas, this segment is likely to retain its lead through 2023,” the report predicts.
Sensors are often installed alongside other new hazardous area equipment, rather than upgrading existing devices, and this helps to multiply the benefits from direct energy savings, to reduced carbon footprints.
Automated sensors can also be beneficial in places where hazardous area equipment cannot be manually switched, for example due to its remote location, or because individuals in the area must wear personal protective equipment.
