【Help】Installation of flameproof sensors in Zone 1?
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Hello everyone, in the past I used intrinsically safe sensors and intrinsically safe systems. Recently, a client wanted to use an explosion-proof sensor, and its wiring method is different from that of intrinsically safe sensors. The sensor is used in Zone 1, about 100 meters away from the data collection room. Currently, there are the following issues: 1. For the communication of flameproof sensors, is it sufficient to use ordinary shielded RS485 cables? 2. The flameproof sensor is powered by 24V with a power consumption of 11W; a regular 3-core 16AWG power cable can be used, and are there any requirements regarding the cable’s insulation? 3. Is there a cable that provides both power and 485 signals, so as to avoid the need to run cables separately? 4. I’ve seen that many explosion-proof devices have their cables protected by explosion-proof conduits; is this necessary? 5. Since the equipment is used mobilely and needs to be disassembled and assembled frequently, are there any quick-connect connectors available in Zone 1 for the communication and power cables? We have to open the covers every time to connect the wires. . . It’s too troublesome. . . Is there any solution? Thank you all. This is my first time using explosion-proof equipment, and I hope some experts can help answer my questions. Thank you so much!
1. For explosion-proof sensor communication, can ordinary shielded RS485 cables be used? The signal using twisted pair wire becomes distorted at a transmission distance of around 100 meters. 2. The explosion-proof sensor is powered by 24V with a power consumption of 11W; a regular 3-core 16AWG power cable can be used for this purpose. Are there any requirements regarding the cable’s insulation? A regular power cable is fine; it just needs to be run through conduit and into the tray 3. Is there any cable that provides both power and a 485 signal, so as to avoid having to run cables separately? For this, you can use a cable with shielding that has 6 cores or more. 4. I’ve seen that many explosion-proof devices have their cables protected by explosion-proof conduits; is this necessary? It’s not mandatory; instead of using explosion-proof flexible tubes, gland connectors can be used. 5. Since the equipment is meant for mobile use and needs to be disassembled and assembled frequently, are there any quick-connect fittings available for the communication and power cables in Zone 1? Every time, it’s necessary to open the cover in order to connect the wires. . . It’s too troublesome. . . Is there any solution? The use of quick connectors is not recommended in explosion-proof areas; even if products that meet safety requirements are available, they should be plugged in and pulled out after the power is turned off.