Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I actually use my phone touchscreen through the case without taking it out?
A: Yes. The front panel uses a soft-touch clear material specifically selected to retain full touchscreen functionality. Calls, apps, digital plans, and camera functions all operate normally without opening the case. If touch sensitivity reduces over time, clean the panel surface with a damp cloth and check for contamination from site dust or cement residue.
Q: What safety standards does this case meet?
A: The case is certified to ANSI/ISEA 121-2023, the primary international standard for dropped object prevention tethering equipment, and also meets NS 9611:2022+AC, the Norwegian standard for tool lanyards and tethering systems. It carries CE and UKCA markings. Load testing is dynamic at a 2:1 safety factor, independently verified by a third-party laboratory.
Q: What is this case NOT suitable for?
A: The case is not suitable for tablets or any device exceeding the case dimensions of 18cm (H) x 10cm (W), or for devices exceeding 1kg. It is not rated for water immersion and is not an explicitly waterproof enclosure. It must not be used without a separately rated lanyard connected to the D-ring. It provides no personal fall arrest function. Operatives in live high-voltage electrical environments must assess the complete tethering system, not only the D-ring, before use.
Q: Why does the non-conductive D-ring matter for telecoms and electrical work?
A: Metal grommets and steel D-rings are conductive. In telecoms, electrical installation, and utilities environments, a metal attachment point near live cabling or equipment can complete a circuit if contact is made, posing a risk to the operative. A non-conductive plastic D-ring breaks that path at the holder. This is the primary reason the NLG Phone Case is specified in telecoms and electrical environments rather than the NLG Phone Harness, which carries a metal D-ring.
Q: Can I charge my phone without removing it from the case?
A: Yes. A dedicated charging slot allows a standard cable to be connected directly to the phone through the case without opening the velcro closure or removing the phone. This is particularly useful on long shifts where the phone is in continuous use and needs to remain tethered and operational while charging.
Q: What is the BiLock Velcro Anchor and do I need one to use this case?
A: The BiLock Velcro Anchor (sold separately) attaches to a belt, harness, or tool vest. Its docking pad allows the back of the Phone Case to clip on and off using a velcro interface, so the operative can pull the phone out for use and return it to a docked position without disconnecting the lanyard. It is not required for basic tethering: a lanyard connected to the D-ring and a rated anchor point is sufficient. The BiLock adds convenience for operatives who access their phone very frequently.
Q: How does this differ from the NLG Phone Harness?
A: The NLG Phone Harness wraps a silicone cradle directly around the phone, leaving the device exposed. It is rated to 0.5kg and uses a metal central D-ring. The NLG Phone Case fully encloses the phone, rated to 1kg, with a touch sensitive front panel, a charging slot, and a non-conductive plastic D-ring. Choose the harness where minimal bulk and immediate phone access are priorities. Choose the case where physical protection of the device, a higher load rating, or a non-conductive attachment point is required.
Q: What should I do if the case has been dropped?
A: Quarantine the case immediately and remove it from service. Inspect the front panel for cracking, the velcro closure for tearing or failure, and the D-ring for deformation or damage. Scan the NLG ID tag to log the drop event and access the inspection checklist. If any part shows degradation, retire the case from service before returning it to use.
