While connectors can be designed for harsh conditions, there is a separate requirement for components that can work in hazardous atmospheres. These are the conditions defined by the ATEX standard.
What is ATEX?
A hazardous atmosphere is distinct from a harsh environment. In a harsh environment, equipment must be designed to prevent damage caused by the exterior conditions.
This could be exposure to wind and weather, the high temperatures of an industrial application or the presence of aggressive chemicals such as those used for cleaning. A hazardous atmosphere is caused by the presence of a flammable substance. The mix of this substance with an oxygen atmosphere creates the potential for an explosion.
Equipment designed for use in hazardous atmospheres must prevent the possibility of a spark or high surface temperature that can cause ignition. Many different conditions can create a hazardous atmosphere. Some can be found in the oil and gas industry, where petroleum vapour or mist mixes with oxygen to create dangerous conditions, but hazardous atmospheres are not limited to these industries.
They can also be created by airborne dust, such as those found in the mining industry or even in food production – flour dust can cause potentially explosive conditions. The ATEX standard separates these hazards into zones, each with different conditions and potential for explosion.
Equipment designed for use in these zones must be intrinsically safe and approved to the ATEX standard. This ensures that the component cannot cause sparks or high temperatures that can create explosions. Only components bearing the Ex logo (fig. 1) should be used in these zones.
Figure 1. “Ex” logo signifies ATEX certified electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres
The EXPlora Series from Bulgin is based on the popular 900 Series of circular connectors and is certified for use in Zone 2 (Gas) and Zone 22(Dust) applications. Sealed to IP68, the EXPlora Range delivers the same robust performance as other Bulgin products, while protecting your installation from explosion.