Comparison to Competitor Headtorch
1Applications
Competitor
Only head torch. You cannot use it in other ways.
Kinyun
Caplamp is just an easy name. All Kinyun caplamps can be easily worn on a cap, on head directly, or on a belt.
The caplamp is separate from the head strap. So you can leave the head strap and just hold the lamp in the hand as a real mini-torch.
You can clamp it to any object or magnetically attach it to a metal with our clamp. You also can mount it to a pole or bicycle with our bar holder.
Therefore, a Kinyun caplamp is also a headlight, mini-torch, portable lamp or fixed lamp – whatever you call.
2IS protection level
Competitor
Ex ia IIC T3/T4
Kinyun
All products will be certified as Ex ia I or Ex ia IIC T4. T3 is not an option.
3Standard
Competitor
Intrinsically safe standard only.
Kinyun
All Kinyun caplamps will be certified in both intrinsically safe standards and mining caplight standards - IEC60013:1. For IEC60013 certification, the apparatus will undergo various tests and inspections related to safety and strength to make sure it is suitable for underground mines, such as impact tests and drop tests in the worst conditions. I do not think any normal headlights can be verified to be compliant to this mining standard.
4IP enclosure protection
Competitor
IP54
Kinyun
All Kinyun products will be rated in IP67. IP6X is the highest dust protection and IPX7 tests the product under water. IP54 enclosure cannot be used in Qld mines because they need minimal IP55. Kinyun caplamp is the only one in the world with such a higher enclosure rating. This is because we are targeting the harshest mining environment. IP rating represents how rugged the structure of your apparatus is.
After you finish work, open the charging hole on the caplamp, switch on the light then put it in the water then check it next day.
5Peak luminous intensity at 1m
Competitor
114Lx
Kinyun
From 800Lx to 2000Lx depending on model. All Kinyun caplamps are in mining quality and performance even for the products for non-mining industries. So the luminous intensity cannot be beaten by normal headlights. They are not in the same level. In the mean while, every product has a second luminous level for lower requirement, power saving or emergency.
6Weight
Competitor
215 g
Kinyun
Certified current product: KL2.4LM(A) - 160 g.
Mining caplamps under certification: KL3LM(A) series - 130 g
Caplamps for other industry KL2LM series – 110 ~ 115 g
Weight is a very important feature for any lamp wearing on the head. It is not a loading issue, it is a balance issue. The lamp drags down the front of your helmet. So you have to be very careful to hold the balance of your helmet. Therefore, Kinyun has designed very compact caplamps to achieve the unbelievable light weight. Kinyun caplamps are worlds lightest mining caplamps and might be the worlds lightest IS headlight.
Moreover, weight plays a key role in how comfortable when wearing on head directly without any cap. 215g will be too heavy for a head wearing. You have to use a cap.
7Cost
Competitor
Pre-GST retail price about $295 for <50 units or $220 for >50 units.
Battery cost.
Kinyun
Pre-GST retail price $235 forGroup IIC KL2.4LM(A) and less than $200 for other Group II models.
No battery cost or any other cost.
We did not find any rechargeable IS head lamps cheaper than Kinyun caplamps in Australia. We would like to see if you know one.
8Maintenance
Competitor
Many maintenance issues: changing battery, checking, cleaning, storage, etc.
Kinyun
Place it on the charging bank or a charger then go away. Never worry about the charging or battery. Very easy to clean.No bulb and other parts to check or change.
9Light duration
Competitor
50 hours
Kinyun
12 hours for mining caplamps and 8~10 hours for other caplamps – one shift.
Because you never need to change the battery, duration time is basically not an issue any more. After work, you simply place it on charging bank or in a charger; then it will be fully recharged in the next shift. Therefore, all Kinyun caplamps are designed in one shift – 8 hours for general applications or 12 hours for mining applications. If you ask a miner, he will feel particulars to know a headlamp working more than 14 hours. You never need it. A traditional mining caplamp has a battery pack to carry and hence can store a lot of energy for much longer time. But no one makes it two shifts no matter how easy it is. It is simply unnecessary for any rechargeable caplamp to operate for more than one shift.