The recent removal of the ‘Ex nL’ (energy limited) Ex protection method from the IEC 60079-15 standard, and the introduction of intrinsic safety protection level Ex ic, will begin to drive operators of fieldbus networks to look for solutions that support Ex ic spurs.
Our new F30 Ex ic adaptor enables such networks to be assembled, when used in conjunction with 9180 Series 8-segment redundant power supplies and F300 Series Megablock device couplers.
Typically, one F30 adaptor is used with each fieldbus segment, and is installed with the Megablock in the field enclosure. Power to the Ex ic segments is provided by 9192-FP modules installed on the 9180 series power supply carriers. When connected to suitably certified fieldbus instruments in Zone 2 hazardous areas, the spurs may be live-worked in accordance with normal intrinsic safety procedures. This allows field devices to be connected to the network while it is energised in the hazardous area. Unlike competing products in which the trunk must be treated as a ‘partial’ intrinsic safety circuit, our solution provides clear separation between the non-arcing (Ex nA) trunk and the intrinsically safe (Ex ic) spurs, thereby avoiding complex rules for wiring in the marshalling cabinet. Further, it is compatible with all host H1 control systems that comply with basic electrical safety standards, avoiding ambiguous rules for host system approvals.
Key benefits of the our Ex ic solution are:
Refer also to F300 Series Megablock and 9180 Series fieldbus power supply documentation for further information on assembling networks with Ex ic spurs.
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