Grants Pass, OR – March 19, 2009 – AE LIGHT announces its Xenide® model AEX20-EP™ & AEX25-EP™ HID Personal Searchlight, have passed additional explosion proof testing and are now rated for safe operation in Class 1, Division 1 & 2, Groups, A, B, C, D, E, & F environments (all gases & dusts except grain) with T4A temperature rating.  Xenides are the only HID handheld Searchlights in this category to achieve this rating. This substantiates the level of quality and performance the Xenides have achieved.

Class I locations are areas where flammable gases may be present in sufficient quantities to produce explosive or flammable mixtures, such as engine compartments, sewer pipes, accident scenes, broken gas lines & cargo holds. Division 1 designates an environment where flammable gases, vapors, liquids, combustible dusts or ignitable fibers and flyings are likely to exist under normal operating conditions, such as oil refineries, gas companies, chemical plants, pipe lines, & gas transfer stations. Additionally, the IP rating for all Xenides® has been upgraded to IP68 (with waterproof battery). IP68 is totally protected against dust and long periods of immersion under pressure.

Testing is on going at Immana Labs for Group G (atmospheres containing flour, starch, or grain dusts).

Rohs compliant and ecologically safe, the Xenides utilize rechargeable batteries good for thousands of hours of use. Originally designed for law enforcement, fire fighters, border patrol, search & rescue, maritime interdiction, and long-range target identification, AE Xenide® HID Personal Searchlights are also ideal for recreational activities including camping, hunting, hiking, aviation, boating or as an emergency light. AE Xenides® give the public the opportunity to own the most powerful HID searchlight in its class that is small, portable, light weight, and safe.