Compiled by

Elstan A Fernandez
for free distribution
 Objectives

At the end of this module you should be able to:

1) Identify “Hazardous Zones” on board a tanker or similar vessel.

2) Predict the possible “Electrical Sources of Ignition” considered to be
“Hazardous”.
3) Identify Explosion Protected Equipment
4) State the significance of equipment with various “Ex” markings
5) Describe essential items to be checked on “Ex-Protected” Equipment.
6) Demonstrate the precautionary measures in the maintenance of explosive
proof lights.
STATUTORY WARNING: SMOKING COULD TAKE YOUR LIFE …
… AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS

The most prominent sign in sight …

 The Fire Tetrahedron

Fuel
Gas,
vapours or
powder

Chain
Reaction
Ignition Oxidiser
Source Air or O2
Thermal or
Electric
The Dust Explosion Pentagon

el Ig
nit
Fu ion

ent
Dust
Disp

finem
Explosion
Pentagon
ersio

Con
n

Oxygen
Read
Details
 The Incipient Flame Sphere
The Incipient Flame Sphere must reach a critical diameter if
combustion is to become a self-propagating explosion.

the
 The Incipient Flame Sphere

If the initial spark is not large enough, (i.e. does not possess enough
energy), the combustion zone will not have enough energy to self
propagate. It will just collapse upon itself, and fizzle out.
This means a small spark can occur in a potentially explosive air/gas
mixture, with no danger of an explosion.
The maximum amount of energy of this “safe” spark varies with the
specific air/gas mixture present.
 Extract from ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels - 2005
Part 4 Vessel Systems and Machinery
Chapter 1 General
Section 1 Classification of Machinery
Quote
1.9.4 Hazardous Area 4-1-1/1.9.4
Areas where flammable or explosive gases, vapors, or dust are normally
present or likely to be present are known as hazardous areas. Hazardous areas
are however more specifically defined for certain machinery installations, storage
spaces and cargo spaces that present such hazard, e.g.:
helicopter refueling facilities, see 4-8-4/27.3.3;
paint stores, see 4-8-4/27.3.3;
cargo oil tanks and other spaces of oil carriers; see 5-1-7/31.5;
ro-ro cargo spaces; see 5-10-4/3.9.2.
Unquote
 Classification of Hazardous Materials
(The American System)
Class 1 : Flammable gases or vapours
Class 2 : Combustible dusts
Class 3 : Fibres or flyings (particles normally suspended in air)
Class 1: The following groups are listed in the most dangerous to
the least dangerous ones:
Group A : Acetylenes
Group B : Hydrogen, Hydrogen mixtures
Group C : Ethylene, Ethers, Some Aldehydes
Group D: Alkanes (Butane, Ethane, Methane, Octane, Propane),
Hydrocarbon mixtures (Diesel oil, Kerosene, Petroleum mixtures,
Gasoline), Alcohol, Ketones, Esters, Amines, Alkenes, Benzoids
Class 2 (Combustible Dusts):
Group E : Metallic Dusts (resistivity < 100 kΩ/cm)
Group F, Group G : Non-conductive dusts (agri, plastic, chemical
and textile dusts – resistivity > 100 kΩ/cm).
 Hazardous Areas Onboard Ships

When a ship is involved in its normal operational functions there will be some
areas and zones where flammable gases can accumulate in the atmosphere and
present a hazard to the ship, its crew and other personnel who may be onboard.
Such areas are defined as hazardous and classified in terms of the risks involved.
For example, IEC Publication 79-10 defines three such categories:
Zone 0: The flammable mixture is continuously present or present for long
periods.
Zone 1: The flammable mixture is not continuously present, but will be present
during normal operations.
Zone 2: The flammable mixture would not normally be present, but if it is, it would
be present for a short period only.
(Note: Zones 0 and 1 is also known as Division 1 while Zone 2 is known as
Division 2) Continued…
 Hazardous Areas Onboard Ships

The terms ‘gas-dangerous area’ or ‘gas-safe area’ may also be mentioned on

ships. The general ship’s operation manual, or other similar documents, must be
referred to in order to determine the number and extent of the hazardous areas for
any given ship.

Hydrocarbon gases or vapours from crude oil form highly flammable mixtures
with air when they are present in the proportion between 1% and 10%
hydrocarbon with 99% down to 90% normal air.
Below the lower explosive limit (LEL) the mixture is too lean to burn rapidly,
although a lean mixture will burn slowly in the presence of a naked flame or a
spark, as is proved by the operation of explosimeters in this range.
Over-rich mixtures exist when the level of the hydrocarbon exceeds 10%.
Read
Details
 Class I Certified Equipment Comparison Chart

Zone System Division System

Intrinsically safe, Ex i, Ex ia Zone 0

All Equipment accepted in Zone 0

Division 1
Flameproof - Ex d (>10 hrs per
Class I Div. 1 Equipment
Pressurized - Ex p Zone 1 year or 1%
Intrinsically safe Ex i, Ex ia
Increased safety - Ex e probability)
Intrinsically safe - Ex ib
Encapsulation - Ex m

Equipment Acceptable for

Class I Div. 1 and Div. 2
+
Equipment accepted in Zone 0 Division 2 (10
Flameproof - Ex d
Equipment accepted in Zone 1 hrs per year
Zone 2 Pressurized - Ex p
and Class I Division 2 or 0.1%
Intrinsically safe - Ex ib
Non sparking - Ex n probability)
Increased safety - Ex e
Non-sparking - Ex n
Encapsulated - Ex m

Note: All Ex Equipment will be explained in subsequent slides

 Tanker Installations

Regulations and practices applied to the installation of electrical equipment in

tankers specify the types of safe equipment that can be fitted in the areas where
flammable gas and air mixtures may be present. The degree of risk is not the same
throughout the hazardous areas, which include cargo tanks and the spaces above
them, pump rooms, cofferdams and closed or semi-enclosed spaces with direct
access to a dangerous zone
Read
3 metres from openings
Hazardous Area Details
Normally Safe Areas
2 . 4 metres from openings
Pump Room
Engine Room

Cargo Tanks

General Tanker Arrangement showing Hazardous Areas and Normally Safe Areas
 Potential Sources of Ignition

Should there be a flammable gas, vapour or dust in the atmosphere,

the following are considered to be potential sources of ignition:
 Sockets And Plugs,
 Open Fuses,
 Light Switches,
 Relays,
 Push Button Contacts,
 Torches,
 Starters,
 Circuit Breakers,
 Electric Bells,
 Components like Capacitors, Inductors and Resistors
 Potential Sources of Ignition

When the switch is open the When the switch is closed

capacitor charges to ½CV2 energy is stored in the inductor
energy. = ½LI2.
On closing the switch, the energy When the switch is opened this
is released as a spark. energy is released as a spark.
R R

Switch C V Switch L V

Hazardous Hazardous
Safe Area Area Safe Area
Area

In resistive circuits when contacts are opened or closed, sparks

can be produced. Voc is the open circuit voltage.
The short circuit current Isc = Voc
R R

Switch V

Hazardous
Area Safe Area
 Potential Sources of Ignition

Non-Hazardous Side Hazardous Side

Explosion Possible!

Max 0.1 V produced by the TC

Fault Occurs
Ignition is possible from a fault occurring on the non-hazardous side
 Potential Sources of Ignition

There are no special measures taken in ordinary electrical equipment to

encapsulate contacts, which arc as they close or open. Thus the
following are more apparent as sources of ignition:

 The danger from arcing contacts in a starter box or switch is not

obvious because the arc is hidden.
 Sparks from an electric motor, particularly of the commutator-type,
 The momentary glow of a broken light bulb filament,
 Arcing from a broken or damaged power cable

Conventional equipment and cables are suitable for areas that are considered safe.

Continued…
 Potential Sources of Ignition

Static electricity is generated within tanks in several ways. Flammable gas

remains in a tank even after it is discharged. This presents a hazard –
particularly during washing – unless appropriate steps are taken. Here, the
product or water mist or steam becomes charged with electricity. This can
occur…
 When filling with clean oil products
 When washing with water jets
 When steaming a tank
 A static charge and spark may also be caused by carbon dioxide or steam
being discharged at a high rate from a nozzle.

! Keep tank openings closed as much as possible.

! Do not disconnect tank cleaning hoses from their hydrants until

they have been removed from the tank.

Continued…
 Potential Sources of Ignition

There are several ways in which this sufficient charge becomes a hot spark
– capable of igniting a flammable mixture. This might involve the
introduction of metal objects into a tank. Objects which may have caused a
spark include:
 Hand-held metal ullage tapes
 Metal sample cans
 Metal sounding rods
 Ungrounded portable washing machines

! Do not introduce metal objects into the tank, other than a grounded washing machine.
 Nameplate for Equipment used in Hazardous Areas
BS 5501 Pt 5 d IIB T4 Group I is gas encountered in coal mining where methane and
coal dust constitute the risks.
BASEEFA No. Ex 2833010 Group II comprises gases such as cellulose vapour, petrol,
benzene, amyl acetate. Group II may be further sub-divided
into:

IIA – propane, which requires higher ignition energy of 180

micro joules;
Read
Details IIB – ethylene, which requires ignition energy of 69 micro
joules; and

IIC – hydrogen, which requires ignition energy of 29 micro

joules.

Group III is coal and coke gas and ethylene oxide.

Group IV covers excluded gases, i.e., where there is no

flameproof general approval such as acetylene, carbon
disulphide, etc.
 Nameplate for Equipment used in Hazardous Areas
BS 5501 Pt 5 d IIB T4 Maximum Germany
North
Surface Europe
America
BASEEFA No. Ex 2833010 Temperature (CENELEC)
(CEC / NEC)
(OC)
G1: 360 - 400
T1 450 T1
G2: 240 - 270
Read T2 300
Details G3: 160 - 180
T2A 280
T2
T2B 260 G4: 110 - 125
T2C 230 G5: 80 - 90
T2D 215
T3 200
T3A 180
T3
T3B 165
T3C 160
T4 135
T4
T4A 120
T5 100 T5
T6 85 T6
 Flame-proof (Ex d) Equipment
Cover

Flame Path
Joint

Inside
Flame Path

Inside
Click on the image for animation Click on the image for animation

Label sometimes found…

Gap
Inside

Flame Path
Glass
 Flame-proof (Ex d) Equipment
Advantages
1. Explosion Containment
2. No Electronics
3. Low Maintenance
4. No Moving Parts
5. High-Powered Equipment
Disadvantages
1. No warning mechanism for containment failure
2. Danger to Equipment After Explosions
3. Possibility of Installation/Maintenance Errors
4. Cost of Protection per ft3 Increases with Enclosure Size
5. Windows are Limited
6. Condensation build-up is common
7. Few sizes to choose from
8. Cumbersome, Limited Access
9. Bulky Designs
10. Causes Harmful Heat Build up
11. Excessive Weight
 Pressurised (Ex p) Equipment
Zone 2 (Non Hazardous Area) Zone 1 (Hazardous area) Zone 2 (NHA)

1 2 3 2 4 2 5 6

Over Pressure

0
External Pressure

(1) Protective Gas Inlet (2) Ducting (3) Fan (4) Enclosure (5) Manometer (6) Solenoid Valve

Pressurised (Ex p) Equipment with Leakage Compensation

Enclosure without Rotating Parts
 Pressurised (Ex p) Equipment

Zone 2 (NHA) Zone 1(Hazardous area) Zone 2 (NHA)

1 2 3 2 4 2 5 6

Over Pressure

0
B
External Pressure

(1) Protective Gas Inlet (2) Ducting (3) Fan (4) Enclosure (5) Manometer (6) Solenoid Valve
Pressurised (Ex p) Equipment with Leakage Compensation
Rotating Electrical Machine with an Internal fan
 Pressurised (Ex p) Equipment

Zone 2 (NHA) Zone 1(Hazardous area) Zone 2 (NHA)

1 2 3 2 4 2 5 6

Over Pressure

0
External Pressure

(1) Protective Gas Inlet (2) Ducting (3) Fan (4) Enclosure (5) Manometer (6) Solenoid Valve

Pressurised (Ex p) Equipment with Leakage Compensation

Rotating Electrical Machine with an External Fan
 Types of Purge
Type Z Purge Type Y Purge Type X Purge
Reduces enclosure from Reduces enclosure from Div Reduces enclosure from Div
Div 2 to Non-hazardous 1 to Div 2 1 to Non Hazardous
1. Label stating four 1. Label stating four 1. Timer to allow four
volumes of purge gas volumes of purge gas volumes of purge gas
needed before power needed before power 2. Pressure of 0.1 inch
2. Pressure of 0.1 inch 2. Pressure of 0.1 inch water
water water 3. Fused based on
3. Enclosure temperature 3. Fused based on enclosure thickness to
<80% of ignition enclosure thickness to ensure enclosure
temperature of gas ensure enclosure temperature <80% of
4. Purge failure alarm or temperature <80% of ignition temperature of
indicator (No auto power ignition temperature of gas
off necessary) gas 4. Purge disconnect on
5. Warning Nameplate 4. Purge failure alarm or purge loss (pressure or
6. 0.25 inch glass window indicator (No auto power flow activated).
off necessary) 5. Warning Nameplate
5. Warning Nameplate 6. 0.25 inch glass window
6. 0.25 inch glass window 7. Auto power disconnect
7. Equipment mounted switch on door.
within enclosure must
meet Div 2 (Hermetically
sealed switches, relays
contacts)
 Intrinsic Safety

• Intrinsic safety removes the ignition side from the fire triangle.

• Intrinsically safe wiring and equipment shall not be capable of

releasing sufficient electrical or thermal energy under normal or
abnormal conditions to cause ignition of a specific atmospheric
mixture in its most easily ignitable concentration.

• The Barrier is always located in the safe area.

 Requirements for Intrinsically Safe Systems

1. Ensure that there is positive separation between intrinsically and

non intrinsically safe circuits; this prevents the ignition energy from
entering the intrinsically safe circuit.
2. Separate trays, conduits be used for intrinsically safe wiring and be
properly tagged / identified.
3. IS wiring is not to be mixed with other wiring.
4. If conduit is used it must be effectively sealed to prevent gases fro
the hazardous area to reach safe area.
5. ensure that the entity parameters upon which the system is
designed match correctly.
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Circuit Components
 Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Circuit Components
What is a simple apparatus?
A simple apparatus does not generate or store more than the
following:
- 1.2 V
- 100 mA
- 20 micro J
- 25 mW
This type of device does not require certification from a third party but
still requires an intrinsically safe barrier.
Examples:
1. Switches – limit, pressure, temperature, float, flow.
2. Push buttons
3. Analogue sensors : Thermocouple, RTD
4. LEDs
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Circuit Components
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Circuit Components
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Circuit Components
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Circuit Components
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Circuit Components
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Circuit Components
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Circuit Components
 Intrinsic Safety (Ex i) Barriers

1. The intrinsic safety barrier is inserted in the safe area between

the field device and the safe area instrument.
2. The barrier blocks dangerous energy that can be released due
to a fault in the safe area from being transmitted to the
hazardous area. This energy may be from the power supply or
stored in a capacitor, inductor, etc.
3. The dangerous energy is diverted to the ground. Therefore it is
important to ensure a high quality of intrinsic safe ground. As
this grounding is so critical, two separate ground connections
from each barrier are recommended, each with a resistance <
1.0 ohm.
Intrinsic Safety (Ex i) Barriers
Intrinsic Safety (Ex i) Barriers
 Intrinsic Safety (Ex i) Barriers

There are two types of intrinsic safety barriers :

1) Zener barrier (2) Active barrier.

1) Zener barrier:
This works on the principle of diverting hazardous energy to the
ground safely before it can reach the hazardous area. Zener diodes
limit the fault voltage to the hazardous area. There are two such
diodes for redundancy. The series resistor limits the current to the
hazardous area.
The zener barrier is a loop which can restrict the current by the
resistor.
At the same time it must allow the loop to function normally by
allowing the required values of current to flow in normal operation to
enable the instrument in the safe area to operate to full range.
 Intrinsic Safety (Ex i) Barriers

There are two types of intrinsic safety barriers :

1) Zener barrier (2) Active barrier.

1) Zener barrier:
The series resistor limits the current to the hazardous area.
The zener barrier is a loop which can restrict the current by the
resistor.
At the same time it must allow the loop to function normally by
allowing the required values of current to flow in normal operation to
enable the instrument in the safe area to operate to full range.
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Barriers
Intrinsic Safety (Ex i) Barriers
 Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Barriers

Fuse Transformer Safety Barrier with up to 3 Zeners for triple redundancy

NON HAZARDOUS AREA

Field Device
HAZARDOUS AREA
 Intrinsic Safety (Ex i) Barriers

2) Active Barrier:
The active barrier uses transformers, opto isolators and relays to
provide the isolation between the safe and unsafe areas.
It does not require an intrinsically safe ground connection.
This is the safest barrier to use if a high quality intrinsically safe
ground connection is not available.
The active barrier can drive a higher power load as compared to a
zener barrier.
Intrinsic Safety (Ex i) Barriers
 Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Barriers

Advantages:

1. A Transformer Isolation Barrier (TIB) contains current limiting

circuitry that limits the short circuit current and the fuse does not
blow unlike the zener barrier.
2. TIBs can be connected in parallel so that one power supply can feed
multiple TIBs.
3. It is designed for specific applications (transmitters, solenoids,
switching inputs, thermocouples), allowing easy system design
4. It does not require an IS ground as the transformer isolates
hazardous area connection from non hazardous area; However for
enhanced safety reasons, grounding is done.
5. Regulated power supply is not required.
6. Any process control signal to remains floating unlike for a zener
barrier where one side is grounded.
7. It can be repaired.
 Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Barriers

TIBs are used when:

1. Installation of a high integrity IS grounding is not available.

2. Regulated power supply is available.

3. The potential of signal noise due to ground loop is un desirable.

4. The cost of replacing the Zener barrier exceeds the cost of TIB.

5. The total loop resistance exceeds the specification.

 Intrinsic Safety Barrier and Components’ Certification

1. Any device which does not fall into the category of a simple
apparatus must be certified. This includes transmitters, solenoids,
etc which store energy .
2. A barrier cannot be used to make an uncertified device in the
hazardous area safe. If the field device is uncertified it can have
energy storing components. In the event of a fault this energy can
be released to ignite the flammable gases.
3. The barrier only protects the hazardous area from the energy
released from the safe area’s uncertified devices.
4. An intrinsic safety barrier thus enables a non certified device in the
safe area to be connected to a simple device or a certified device in
the hazardous area and is an energy limiting device.
 Certification

1. Why doesn’t a customer just buy a safety product from a vendor,

connect them up and pronounce them as safe?
2. Why does he need an approval agency?
The approval agency does all the safety analysis for the end
user.
The user does not have the responsibility to decide whether the
products are safe or not.
The user does not have the extensive ignition testing facility
used by the certifying agency. The customer may have queries
wrt to the intrinsically safe devices, field devices or combined
devices and he can ask the vendor bout such information .
The vendor has to provide certification papers, drawings etc as
required by the customer.
The vendor has to answer the customers queries wrt use of his
equipment.
 Certifying Agencies

1. USA : NEC (National electric code), FMRC (Factory mutual

research corporation)
2. Canada : CSA (Canadian safety association)

3. UK : BASEEFA (British Approvals Service for Electrical Equipment

in Flammable Atmospheres)
4. Other countries have their own agencies as approved by their
government.
Zener Barrier Vs. Isolation Interface
Intrinsically Safe (Ex i) Barriers
 The Entity Concept for EXi Equipment

1. The Entity concept specifies the maximum amount of energy an

intrinsic barrier can ever deliver and also the maximum amount of
energy the field device can safely receive.
2. The Entity concept allows interconnection of IS barriers to IS field
devices not specifically tested for such combination.
3. It also allows mixing up of equipment from different
manufacturers without additional approvals.
 Entity Equations for Current and Voltage

Entity equations for current and voltage:

1. An IS barrier can safely be used with a field device if it has a
maximum current and voltage less than or equal to that which the
field can safely receive.
2. All these parameters are defined by the approval agency.
3. Entity equations for current and voltage :
I total (barrier) <= I max (field device)
V total (barrier) <= V max (field device)
 Entity Parameters

• In addition to voltage and current the entity parameters also

include two more terms to ensure that the energy storing
devices in the field do not store up dangerous amounts of
energy.
• These terms deal with the capacitance and inductance of the
system.
• A barrier has parameters which state the maximum capacitance
and inductance that can be safely be connected to it.
• The field device has parameters which state the equivalent
capacitance and inductance of the field device.
• Since the wiring has capacitance and inductance this also has
to be considered.
• The total capacitance and inductance must not exceed that
permitted by the barrier
 Entity Parameters

Entity equations for capacitance and inductance

Capacitance (field device) + Capacitance (field wiring) <= Capacitance
(I.S. Barrier Max)

Inductance (field device) + Inductance (field device) <= Inductance

(I.S. Barrier Max)
 Entity Parameters

1. The field device is approved for the hazardous area if it never

receives more than 35V. The barrier ensures this.
2. the barrier can never deliver more than 90mA to the hazardous
area under fault condition.
3. The field device is safe as long as it never receives more than
110mA. The barrier ensures this as well.
4. Therefore because the voltage and current entity parameters
match up correctly, this circuit is intrinsically safe.
 Entity Parameters

1. The next figure shows a barrier connected between a safe area

terminal and a hazardous area field device.
2. this barrier can be safely used and also has approval.
3. The instrument loop operates with normal 24 VDC .
4. The zener diodes do not conduct until their voltage reaches
25.5VDC.
5. During a fault the maximum voltage the barrier can deliver to the
hazardous area is 31.2 V.
Entity Parameters
 Entity Parameters
Capacitance and inductance as entity parameters

1. For this circuit which we considered we did not consider the

capacitance and inductance parameters.
2. All the parameters viz, voltage, current, capacitance, inductance
must match up correctly.
3. The entity parameters are given by the approval agency and
obtained through the manufacturer.
4. These are shown in the installation drawing.
 Entity Parameters

Cable capacitance and inductance

1. A cable is an energy storing device.

2. Cable can store capacitance and inductive energy.
3. From an intrinsic safety point of view, this cabling has
to be considered .
4. The attached diagrams show the capacitance and
inductance of cabling as function of length.
 Entity Parameters

Choice of cable length

1. Considering capacitance 5000ft is the largest possible length

allowed.
2. Considering inductance maximum cable length permitted is
2667 ft.
3. Thus having known the cable length, the designer can ascertain
other required parameters.
4. The values use viz 40 pf/ft and 0.3 micro H/ft are high values
chosen and are normally not exceeded.
Entity Parameters
Ignition Curves
Entity Parameters

Cable capacitance
and inductance
 Ignition Curves

1. The following graphs are actual ignition curves for

various gases.
2. They represent the minimum amount of ignition
energy required to ignite the gas in its most easily
ignitable concentration.
3. The area under the curve represents energy which is
too small to cause ignition.
Entity Parameters
Entity Parameters
Entity Parameters
 Ignition Curves

1. We have seen some of the many graphs which the

intrinsic safety approval agency uses prior to certifying
a field device for use in hazardous area.
2. These are the actual ignition graphs for the various
gases.
3. They represent the minimum amount of ignition
energy required to ignite the gas in its most easily
ignitable concentration.
4. The area under the curve represents energy which is
too small to cause ignition.
 Removal of Safety Barriers

1. Should a safety barrier require removal, from the intrinsically safe

circuit, please follow these guidelines:
2. Disconnect the wiring from the safety barrier’s non-hazardous
terminals prior to disconnecting wires from the intrinsically safe
terminals.
3. Cover bare wire ends with tape or other insulating material,
especially those conductors that are towards the hazardous area.
4. Disconnect the safety barrier from the ground. In most cases this will
also result in removing the barrier from the mounting hardware.
5. Reverse the process to mount a new barrier.
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

DA 149 Series Intrinsically Safe Relay

• Used for isolated signal transfer between safe
and hazardous area.
• Inputs / outputs are galvanically isolated; no
earth is required.
• Certified equivalent to ‘simple apparatus’ no
system certificate is required.
• Extremely low power, avoids affecting
operation of connected equipment.
• Relay coil; AC or DC energised over a wide
voltage range.
• Can be supplied in safe or hazardous
mounting versions.
• DIN rail mounting slim case.
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

DA 149 Series Intrinsically Safe Relay

• Used for isolated signal transfer between safe
and hazardous area.
• Inputs / outputs are galvanically isolated; no
earth is required.
• Certified equivalent to ‘simple apparatus’ no
system certificate is required.
• Extremely low power, avoids affecting
operation of connected equipment.
• Relay coil; AC or DC energised over a wide
voltage range.
• Can be supplied in safe or hazardous
mounting versions.
• DIN rail mounting slim case.
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

DA 149 Series Intrinsically Safe Relay

By using DA 149 intrinsically safe isolating relays, control signals and
other data can be exchanged between items of equipment in
hazardous area and between hazardous and safe area equipment.

Since the relays require very little power they do not affect the
operation of other equipment connected.
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

DA 149 Series Intrinsically Safe Relay

 Intrinsically Safe Relays

DA 149 Series Intrinsically Safe Relay

• Each relay is a solid state device consisting of an oscillator and an
intrinsically safe transformer to provide the necessary isolated
coupling to a MOSFET switch.

• For all practical purposes each can be regarded as a coil and a

normally open contact.

• Diodes are connected in series with the hazardous area input / and
or output terminals to make them electrically equivalent to ‘simple
apparatus’, ie, they can be included in any IS lop without any IS
certification.
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

DA 149 Series Intrinsically Safe Relay

Inputs and outputs are galvanically isolated so they do not require any IS
grounding. The only power required is less than 60 µA at 4.0V to
energize the coil by comparison with certified opto isolators or relays
which need at least 10 mA to function, so the relays can be used in
virtually in any loop powered system without affecting the operation.
These relays can be mounted either in the safe area OR in the
hazardous area as required for specific use..
DAA 149 IS relay, Zone 0 to Safe area.
DAB 149 IS relay, Zone 0 to Zone 0; 100 mA fuse.
DAD 149 IS relay, Zone 0 to Zone 0; 50 mA fuse.
DAE 149 IS relay, Safe area to Zone 0; 250 mA fuse.
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

DA 149 Series Intrinsically Safe Relay

 Intrinsically Safe Relays
Series RLSH Relays
Interface from a Safe Area to a Hazardous Area
 Intrinsically Safe Relays
Series RLSH Relays
Interface from a Safe Area to a Hazardous Area

• These relays present volt free contacts to the Safe area in response
to the Hazardous area coils.

• The certified parameters of the Hazardous area coil terminals are

such that they may be used in any IS field loop without further
certification.
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

Series ‘RLSH’ intrinsically safe barrier relays

• These are intrinsically safe interfaces which present volt free
contacts to the hazardous area in response to the safe area coils.
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

Series ‘RLSH’ intrinsically safe barrier relays

 Intrinsically Safe Relays

Series ‘RLSH’ intrinsically safe barrier relays

 Intrinsically Safe Relays

Programmable Relays
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

Programmable Relays
 Intrinsically Safe Relays

Programmable Relays
 Other Ex Equipment

Increased Safety (Ex e) Equipment Read

Non-incendive (Ex n or N) Equipment Details

Equipment can also be protected by:

- oil immersion (Ex o),
- using powder, sand or quartz filling (Ex q),
- being encapsulated (Ex m), or
- having a special method of protection (Ex s)

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The evolution of equipment for harsh and hazardous locations
Wiring Ex Equipment
Wiring Ex Equipment
Wiring Ex Equipment
May you have a safe voyage