Dependable electronics are an absolute necessity in hazardous environments. However, the combination of combustible gases or dust with an arc or a spark from these products can potentially cause devastating fires or explosions. Whether you are at the chemical plant, on your oil platform or offshore drilling rig, in your mill, or somewhere equally as dangerous, all of your equipment is likely carrying a hazardous rating like Class I Div 2, Class I Div 1, IECEx/ATEX Zone 1 or Zone 2. But what does that mean exactly and how does this affect what lighting you should buy? Read on for more clarity on hazardous environments and ratings.

What is a hazardous location?

Hazardous locations are in more places than you think and it’s important to be aware of them if you are purchasing electronic equipment including LED lighting. Even your local gas/petrol station is considered a hazardous location because of the potential for an explosion. If, for example, a spark or lit cigarette collides with a drop or puddle of gasoline – FIRE! Your gas station needs hazardous-rated lighting.

According to UL (a US-based global certification laboratory), a hazardous location is “where explosion or fire hazards exist due to the presence of flammable gases, flammable or combustible liquid-produced vapors, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flyings.”

This could mean anything from the obvious like a drilling rig or chemical plant where highly flammable substances are mined or processed. Or it could mean the less obvious like a mill or sugar processing facility where the minute particles in the air have the potential to create a spark in the right conditions. Each facility is rated differently, based on their potential for explosion, which we’ll dive deeper into below.

What are some of the hazardous UL Ratings?

UL ratings are seen and adhered to most often in North America but do apply to countries in South America, Asia, and the Middle East. When looking at a hazardous UL rating, you’ll find the Class first and then the Division.

Dialight most often sees and certifies Class I, II, and III. The main difference between the three is the presence of flammable gases/vapors; combustible or conductive dust; or fibers like wood chips and cotton (see the chart below). The lower the Class the higher the hazard.

The Division (1 or 2) is what defines the likelihood of there being hazardous substances in enough ignitable concentrations in the atmosphere (i.e. what is the likelihood that there is enough gas or dust in a given situation that it would ignite or explode and what is the circumstance for that). If your facility is Div 1, it means that the particles or gases/vapors created at your facility are always potentially going to ignite and severe caution is needed to prevent a spark (think chemical processing). Div 2 means that an explosion or fire could only happen in the event of some breakdown or system failure but that extreme caution should still be observed to prevent catastrophe (ex. A platform in an oil refinery may be a CI D2 environment as the decks tend to be outdoors and far enough away from the source of the flammable gas. It would only become hazardous if an abnormal condition occurred like a valve failure or similar accident.)

UL_Haz_Doc

What are some hazardous ATEX Ratings?

IECEx/ATEX ratings are seen most often in Europe, Australia, and parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. They are relatively similar to UL ratings in that the lower the Zone the higher the probability is for fire or explosion based on the materials present and their concentration in the atmosphere. Both UL and ATEX classify certain substances in groups. Check out our ATEX reference chart below.

Atex_Doc

SAFETINEX light curtains

To speed up delivery to our North American customers, Contrinex is now manufacturing our highly popular SAFETINEX line of light curtains in the USA! Each Safetinex product is hand-assembled, tested for quality and accuracy, pressurized and verified right in our newly expanded Texas location. Call (866) 289 2899 to order your kit today.

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The newly developed YBB Type 2 series comprises a complete range of 30 mm resolution hand protection devices for all your Type 2, PL c, SIL 1 applications.
The rugged aluminum housing and PMMA screen are suitable for applications in almost any kind of industrial environments. Quick and simple installation is achieved by 5-pin M12 connector, integrated alignment aids, and the mounting brackets also included.

  • Robust housing
  • Simple wiring and installation
  • Protective heights from 150 mm to 1827 mm
  • Operating distance up to 12 m

566x281px_safety_hand_protection_appTECHNICAL DATA

  • Supply voltage: 24 VDC +/-20%
  • Protection class: IP 65 + IP 67
  • Operating temperature: 0…50°C
  • Safety rating: Type 2, category 2, PL c, SIL 1
  • Resolution: 30 mm
  • Output: 2 x PNP
  • Certification: TÜV SÜD, CE

Labeling machines
For the operators of fully automated product labeling machines, the hazard involved is mostly slight.
If the result of the risk assessment allows the use of a Type 2 / PL c / SIL 1 safety light curtain, a protected machine opening can be used to interrupt the conveyor or material feeding as well as the labeling process itself as soon as an operator reaches into the protective field of the light curtain.
Furthermore, the same installation can be used to detect a material jam or products that have tipped over.

  • Simple wiring with standard M12 connectors
  • Ingress protection degree IP 65 + IP 67
  • Easy-to-use mounting brackets included

Pick-and-place robots
Many pick and place tasks are performed with the help of small robots, which represent a relatively modest hazard to staff. If the result of the risk assessment allows the use of a Type 2 / PL c / SIL 1 safety light curtain, the robot arm movements can simply be stopped if an operator reaches into the process during operation.
This then protects very effectively both the operator and the machinery.

  • Cost-effective and safe solution
  • Robust mechanical design
  • Operating distance up to 12 m

Laser cutting machines with moving tables
Laser cutters with fast-moving tables holding the working pieces represent a risk to machine operators. A safety light curtain can be considered to prevent people from reaching into or entering the ongoing process. In case of intrusion during a potentially dangerous phase, table movement can be stopped promptly.
If the result of the risk assessment allows the use of a Type 2 / PL c / SIL 1 safety light curtain, the protection is very effective. In addition, a direct view onto the working process is possible with no physical barriers that complicate access to the machine or finished parts.

  • Protective heights available from 150 mm to 1827 mm
  • Quick response time allows installation close to the working process
  • Mirror columns available for multi-side protection
Product name Product type + Safety level Datasheet
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-0150-G012

YBB-14K4-0150-G012

630-400-027

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-0250-G012

630-400-028

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-0400-G012

630-400-029

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-0500-G012

630-400-030

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-0700-G012

630-400-031

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-0800-G012

630-400-032

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-0900-G012

630-400-033

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-1000-G012

630-400-034

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-1200-G012

630-400-035

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-1300-G012

630-400-036

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-1400-G012

630-400-037

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-1600-G012

630-400-038

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14K4-1000-G012

YBB-14K4-1700-G012

630-400-039

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14R4-0150-G012

YBB-14R4-0150-G012

630-000-106

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14R4-0250-G012

YBB-14R4-0250-G012

630-000-107

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4
Contrinex product finder YBB-14R4-0250-G012

YBB-14R4-0400-G012

630-000-108

Light curtain, Cat. 4, PL e, Type 4

Angular measurement in harsh environments

The compact GIM500R inclination sensors in robust aluminum housing are ideal for use in harsh environments.
When it comes to tough outdoor use, many sensors reach their limits. Inclination sensors by sensor expert Baumer stand for maximum reliability and durability even in a harsh environment. Thanks to the extremely robust and resilient design, the new GIM500R sensors are ideal for outdoor applications in mobile automation and ensure maximum system uptime.

The GIM500R inclination sensors excel by ultra-high accuracy up to ±0.1˚ for absolute reliability and precise positioning. The E1-compliant and uncompromising design with optimal EMC properties, IP 69K protection and corrosion resistance up to C5-M is particularly addressing demanding outdoor applications. Their shock and vibration resistance up to 200 g respectively 20 g and the wide temperature range from +85 down to -40°C make the inclination sensors particularly durable in temperature fluctuations and any type of soiling. The integrated EN13849-compliant firmware meets the highest requirements on reliability which allows for standard components to be used in functional safety systems up to PLd level. Another hallmark of the new series is optional redundant system design where required.
Inclination sensors of the GIM500R series stand out by their compact aluminum housing, high cost-efficiency and maximum flexibility in system design. They fit in the confined installation space prevailing in mobile automation and heavy vehicles.
Press download

Further information

Pressure & Temperature – Rugged Pressure and Temperature Switches for Nuclear Power Stations

  • For pneumatic or hydraulic control, power generation safety equipment and pressurized chambers control
  • Resistant to short duration overpressure
  • and show a good vibration resistance
  • Very good repeatability (±1% F.S.)
  • Comply with ATEX 94/9/CE requirements

With the series ZPN, ZDPN and ZT, Baumer offers very robust pressure and temperature switches developed especially for the use in nuclear power stations. The pressure switches are suitable for pneumatic or hydraulic control, for power generation safety equipment and for pressurized chambers control. They are resistant to short duration overpressure and show a good vibration resistance. The ZPN can measure a gauge pressure from -1 bar up to 600 bar with a very small intermediate range from -2 mbar up to 10 mbar. TheZDPN measures a differential pressure from 2 mbar up to 120 bar.
The pressure switches maintain a constant pressure around a chosen set value. When the pressure reaches a critical pre-set value, they trigger an alarm or safety system. A flexible diaphragm actuates a micro-switch via a piston. The set point adjustment is realized via a compressible spring mounted on the opposite. Due to the force-balance principle, the dead band setting remains constant, even with different setpoint adjustments. With rapid pressure variations, an attenuator should be used to prevent a temporary on and off switching.
The ZT temperature switches are suitable for all fluids and measuring ranges between -45°C and 350°C. They maintain a constant temperature around a chosen set value and act as a regulator of an alarm or safety system when the temperature reaches a critical pre-set value.
The pressure and temperature switches ZPN, ZDPN and ZT offer a very good repeatability (±1% F.S.) making them suitable for all demanding applications. The devices comply with ATEX 94/9/CE requirements for the use in hazardous areas, they are available in an intrinsically safe and an explosion-proof version. Approved by the French electricity board EDF, they are used in nuclear power stations all over the world.

The robust cable transducers GCA5 are ideally suited for outdoor applications and cramped installation space.

The robust cable transducers GCA5 are ideally suited for outdoor applications and cramped installation space.

Sensor expert Baumer is further expanding their portfolio of cable transducers being the easiest, most reliable and cost-efficient way to measure linear motion within a path from 0.5 to 50 m. New series GCA5 is practice-proven when the going gets tough, for example at mobile machinery, and is ideally suited for use in cramped installation conditions.
The compact cable transducers of the GCA5 series do not compromise on maximum robustness in demanding applications. The housing of impact-resistant plastics, the corrosion-proof stainless steel cable with abrasion-resistant nylon sheath and the non-contact wear-free magnetic sensing make them the optimal choice for reliable and low-maintenance deployment in harsh environments. Thanks to the innovative design with three-chamber-principle, both electronics and stainless steel spring are hermetically encapsulated against the cable drum.  The integrated flexible dirt skimmer at the cable inlet is an additional protection against humidity and ingress of any other harmful environmental substance for maximum application reliability.
The cable transducers of the GCA5 series feature a maximum measuring range of 4700 mm and are available either with integrated CANopen interface or analog output 0.5…4.5 VDC. The CANopen variant provides additionally redundant position sensing and hence simplifies function monitoring at control level. Housing protection IP 67 (cable inlet IP 54), shock resistant up to 50 g, vibration proof up to 10 g and the extended temperature range from -40 to +85 °C make the cable transducers particularly robust and resistant against temperature fluctuations and all kinds of soiling.
The cable transducers of the GCA5 series excel by their narrow design and shallow installation depth of a mere 65 mm which allows easy installation even in cramped space – as prevailing in mobile machinery and utility or transport vehicles. Cable transducers series have been standing the test of time in outrigger positioning at mobile cranes and telehandlers as well as height positioning at floor conveyor trucks and stacker cranes. Whether as OEM equipment or for retrofit – the robust and compact cable transducers are ideal for precise measurement of linear motion in demanding applications.

View the entire line of Cable Transducers here:

https://andersoncontrol.com/shop/sensors/cable-transducer/