Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/840553
Hearing protection solutions by Swedish 3M PELTOR have won themselves a strong position on the market. They are popular among the military, law enforcement, as well as sport shooters, hunters, and in the industry. The name "Peltors" has almost become a benchmark for communication headsets, at least here in Europe. The latest product in 3M hearing saferty portfolio is TEP-100 (as TEP-100 EU in Europe). It may not be as advanced as the ComTacs but it is most certainly a very interesting solution. 3M Peltor TEP-100 If we looked at them when they are inside user's ears, we would notice that, at first glance, 3M PELTOR TEP-100 look almost just like semi-active protective earplugs. But that is just a false impression since TEP-100 are advanced electronic hearing protectors with the function of active noise cancellation. This set has not been designed to work with any kind of comms – it will only increase the tactical awareness of the surroundings in which the user must operate: the user hears sounds better so he or she is more aware of the situation in their vicinity. TEP-100 consist of two basic parts – the ear tips and a docking station, which is used to charge the batteries that are inside the buds, and as a firm portable case. Depending on the configuration, the earplugs provide sound suppression at level from NRR 23 to NRR 30. The protectors are compliant with basic requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 89/686/EEC on personal protection measures, 2004/108/EC on electromagnetic compatibility, and 2011/65/EU on hazardous substances. They are also CE certified. The product has been tested and approved with the following standards: EN 352-2:2002, EN 352-7:2003, EN 55022:2010 +AC:2011 Class B, EN 55024:2010, EN 61000-6-2:2005 +AC:2005, EN 61000-6-3:2007 +A1:2011, and EN 50581:2012. Earplugs The earplugs consist of two parts. The first element, which might be referred to as the control unit, is a container made of black plastic that contains: · electronic cir uit that analyzes sound intensity, amplifies "safe" sounds, and reduces dangerously loud noise to increase environmental awareness of the surroundings and provide hearing protection. The system reacts to noise and switches automatically to the passive mode hearing protection once the intensity of noise exceeds the safe level; www.fragoutmag.com