Cable gland solutions for hazardous gas and dust environments

When it comes to introducing cables into explosion-protected metal housings, electrical apparatus or enclosures, Ex cable glands are required. The cables themselves come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with new designs regularly being introduced to the market. It is therefore essential that these cables are sealed correctly as they enter electrical equipment located in hazardous gas or dust areas.

COOPER Crouse-Hinds offers one of the broadest ranges of metal cable glands and accessories for use in hazardous areas, Zones 1, 2, 21 and 22. From the deserts of South Africa to the icy waters of the North Sea, cable gland solutions from COOPER Crouse-Hinds are being used in industrial and hazardous environments throughout the world, enhancing productivity and safety in the most severe conditions.

Through its COOPER Capri division, COOPER Crouse-Hinds offers termination solutions for every cable used in hazardous areas. Depending on the application, these metal cable glands fulfill all the requirements of the European ATEX Directives and fully comply with the latest IEC and IECEx standards. Cable glands are certified as either EEx-d or EEx-e to comply with EN60079-1 or EN60079-7. For special applications, cable and line ducts can be supplied in high quality stainless steel 3162, natural brass, marine- bronze or anodised AV4PB.

In the case of electrical systems, housings or enclosures manufactured according to NEC (National Electrical Code) standards, the line or connecting cable must be introduced via conduits or mounted fittings by using NPT threads. Optional holes (or those that are not used) must be closed with a screw connection certified for this purpose.

Special cable glands are available for different applications. For explosion-proof enclosures up to 2,000cm³ ADE type screw connections are available. Cable entries for enclosures larger than this are available with PS/PA series.

COOPER Capri's metal cable gland range covers the whole spectrum of armoured and unarmoured cabling. For explosion-protected equipment, it is critical to maintain the integrity of the degree of ingress protection at which the equipment has been rated. The cable glands can therefore be used with many types of accessories, including sealing washers, serrated washers, gaskets, screw plugs, lock nuts, clamping modules and earthing tags. Thread conversion adapters and reducers are also available that convert the cable gland to a different thread type or enlarge or reduce the threaded connection between the equipment entry hole and the cable entry device.

All these accessories are available with ISO (from ISO 12 to ISO 110) and NPT (from NPT 0.25" to NPT 4") entry threads for dedicated armoured (and braided) cable and unarmoured (from 4mm up to 107mm diameter).

For hazardous locations (hazloc), the ADE series comprises ADE 1F, ADE 1F with clamping module, ADE 4F, and ADE 6F with sealing ring. These also exist in barrier gland, compound versions (6FC) and liquid compound version (6FCL) for easier, faster installation. Different types of sealing are available, including Neoprene or Silicone. All cable glands and accessories with Neoprene seals can operate in temperatures from -60 deg C up to 100 deg C. Silicone sealed units can withstand temperatures from -70 deg C up to 220 deg C.

The ADE series is EEx-certified for use in hazardous environments for international and country-specific specifications: ABS approbation, DNV (pending), NEMA, BKI (Hungary), CEPEL (Brazil), FTZU (Czech Republic), GOST (Russia and Kazakhstan), NEPSI (China), SKTC (Slovakia) and UL (USA).

For further information, view website: www.ceag.de or e-mail: Gordon.Low@CooperIndustries.com  Refer to page 303 

Meet the new EC Machine Directive:
The EMKA Agent-E radio controlled solution

The new EC Machine Directive relates to safety issues around items such as control cabinets and machine guards - issues close to the heart of market leaders EMKA who have an extensive range of both locks and hinges to deal with problems of unauthorised access.

Explains EMKA M.D. Andy Billingham: "Until now machinery cabinets have often been equipped only with simple mechanical locks, which while adequate when respected, are vulnerable to abuse by anyone with a standard key. We are now convinced of the need within the industrial arena for a combination of electro-mechanical access controls and we believe that the ubiquitous radio key we have all come to use on our cars now shows the way in the factory or computer network. Consequently we have developed a new program of long life battery based radio security swinghandles, designated Agent E, with the specific aim of meeting equipment requirements such as the new EC Machine Directive."

This new development line by EMKA offers great benefits in terms of security, access recording, speed of installation and retro-fit. The new Agent E radio-controlled swinghandle program does not need hard wiring and may be installed on individual cabinets or large applications with many suites of cabinets. The EMKA Agent-E Manager remote software offers the possibility of wireless data transfer via an integral radio module whereby data can be transferred to a control station and/or master office. This enables the release of handles to be actioned remotely as well as control event logging. In a retro-fit application for example it is a simple matter to replace the existing mechanical lock with an electronic swinghandle with no wiring necessary. This is possible because of the low consumption technology which allows two AAA batteries to last approximately 3 to 4 years in normal use.

The EMKA Agent E wireless lock program may be initialised and updated via laptop or handheld PC whereby the associated software changes and protocol updates can be effected. Further information on EMKA products and services may be found at: www.emka.co.uk where it is also possible to download any part or the entire EMKA product catalogue.  Refer to page 386

Clip fit rod guides from FDB save panel assembly time

FDB Panel Fittings have introduced a new clip fit guide for round locking rod systems to complement the flat rod version recently introduced. This round-rod-guide will suit all those panel builders using the traditional and cheaper round rod systems, while speeding assembly. Such multi-point rod mechanisms are common in larger cabinets from 1200mm to over 2m in height where they optimise clamping of door gaskets. Consequently simplification of the door assembly is likely to be welcomed by specialist manufacturers of electrical control cabinets and industrial electronic racks where sealing in the region of IP54 is required.

These quick fit rod guides require no tools and offer zero-defect assembly with correct fitment being audibly confirmed. In addition, rattling of the rods (often a problem in older systems) is virtually eliminated by the internal spring elements of the guides.

For further information on FDB Panel Fittings products and services, view website: www.fdb.co.uk 

Low profile IP65 compression latch from FDB Panel Fittings

The new IP65 1071 compression latch from FDB Panel Fittings is especially compact - offering an unusually low profile of only 22mm in its open condition and yet providing 3mm of compression, thus enabling the benefits of compression lock technology to be achieved in situations where space is at a premium - such as vehicle applications or where an interior panel or other equipment requires clearance from the lock cam.

The 1071 provides IP65 sealing and vibration proof operation in LH or RH orientation with quiet and secure fastening. Operation is by a ¼ turn which will latch the cam in position, followed by a further ¼ turn which completes the 3mm compression cycle.

The pre-assembled 1071, together with rigid H section cam, may be quickly and toolessly installed in doors of up to 2mm thickness.

For further information on FDB Panel Fittings products and services, view website: www.fdb.co.uk or follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting

Belden now offers the Hirschmann™ CA connectors in additional colours

The renowned circular connectors from the Hirschmann^™ CA series that were previously only available in black can now be ordered from Belden in red, white and blue. This makes it possible to clearly label power supply, measurement and control interfaces, even when they all use the same basic connector. The CA circular connectors are all UL- and VDE-approved, and thanks to their compact construction they are currently the smallest connectors on the market. Other features include a temperature range from 40 to +90°C and - provided they are correctly mounted and screwed together - protection category IP67. Meaning that these connectors can be used wherever maximum reliability is critical, for instance in machine building, traffic engineering and renewable energy applications.

The CA series includes straight and angled chassis, cable connectors and the corresponding couplings. All components are offered with three or six poles plus PE. The three-pole versions (3+PE) have a rated voltage of 400V AC or 250V DC with rated currents of 16A and 10A respectively. For the six-pole versions (6+PE) the corresponding values are 250V AC/V DC and 10A.

The straight and angled cable plugs and couplings are all 61 mm long. The corresponding chassis connectors measure 32.3 mm. All housing elements are made of chemically resistant polyamide, and must be firmly screwed together to ensure correct assembly. Cables are made up either by soldering (6+PE) or with screws (3+PE).

By issuing these new colored versions, Belden has simplified the use of the Hirschmann^™ CA connectors even more. "These circular connectors are remarkable for their compact design, impermeability and high mechanical and electrical resilience," notes Product Manager Hartmut Unverricht, adding, "that's why the CA series has become a recognized industry standard."

For further information, view website: www.beldensolutions.com or e-mail: venlo.salesinfo@belden.com  Refer to page 307