Problems with intrinsically safe instruments
Thread Content
Can intrinsically safe instruments be repaired while still energized on site? Last edited by naska on 2008-5-16 17:03]
It’s possible, but a safety barrier must be present in the circuit, as the circuit needs to be intrinsically safe
It is recommended not to perform repairs while the device is powered on; safety comes first. Although turning off the power is troublesome, it ensures safety
Strictly speaking, any maintenance of instruments on site must not be carried out while the equipment is powered on, especially when it is powered by a ~220V supply. For instruments powered by a 24V supply, with the control room connected via a safety barrier and being intrinsically safe, it is also best not to perform operations on them while they are energized. But sometimes the site is too far away from the control room, and there are no walkie-talkies or the necessary power supply at the site, which makes maintenance inconvenient. For experienced maintenance personnel, as long as the safety at the site is ensured and short circuits are avoided during operations, working on live equipment is not a problem.
Sure, we’ve always done it this way
Whether an intrinsically safe instrument can be serviced while powered on depends on the circuit it is in. Field instruments in an intrinsically safe circuit can be serviced while powered on, as the energy in such circuits does not cause explosions. However, if an intrinsically safe instrument is used in a non-intrinsically safe circuit for some special reason, then maintenance cannot be carried out while the device is powered on.