Explosion-Protected Connectors Enable Continuous Communications via Ethernet and USB

Thursday, Aug 19, 2010

A range of connectors is now available that enables continuous, uninterrupted Ethernet and USB-based communications in hazardous environments.

The new eXLink Ethernet and eXLink USB connectors from Cooper Crouse-Hinds, combine the safety of an innovative, explosion-protected connector system with the advantages of having a continuous communications infrastructure between the main, control and process levels of production plants.

With the new connector system, powerful Ethernet-based communication systems can now be used in hazardous areas. This means that companies can install and use the latest IT and communications infrastructures whilst still fulfilling all the necessary explosion protection regulations and standards.

Conventional fieldbus systems are designed exclusively for data communication in process and manufacturing controls. The Ethernet communications protocol enables a continuous infrastructure between the main, control level and the process level. In hazardous industrial environments, eXLink connector systems can now replace conventional connectors found in the IT office environment. Therefore, in addition to high safety standards, this system also allows the real-time performance of Ethernet networks in hazardous areas. Controls can be adapted to suit changing production processes by allowing 'hot swapping'. Installing eXLink connectors is very straightforward, since Ethernet and explosion-protected components are both modular in their design.

This means that the plant's information architecture can be updated without having to change explosion-protected equipment, simply by replacing the components in the flameproof enclosures. Commercially available industrial components can be used here, as the explosion-protected connection to the network is undertaken by using the eXLink connector built into the enclosure, which also allows the hot swapping of devices without the user having to isolate them from the mains and without obtaining a hot work permit.

The safe transmission of data is guaranteed at all times using eXLink. Independent tests have shown that the eXLink 4-pole + PA is safe to use up to 100MHz and with transmission rates up to 100Mbaud in accordance with the requirements of TIA/EIA-568-B.2, Category 5e. In many cases, the values were significantly lower than those of the limiting curves. The eXLink 4-pole + PA system can therefore be used in Fast Ethernet® or Ethernet® networks and for explosion-protected USB interfaces.

Cooper Crouse-Hinds' eXLink range includes connectors, plugs, receptacles, inlets and elbows, which can be used for any instrumentation device or electrical apparatus.

eXLink plug connectors are used to connect and disconnect electrical equipment in hazardous environments - including actuators, motors, submerged pumps, liquid level sensors, floating switches - quickly, without compromising the safety or integrity of the electrical installation. The connectors allow users to maintain apparatus on a proactive or predictive basis, without using special tools and without having to isolate the apparatus from the mains or disconnect the terminals.

For more information on Cooper Crouse-Hinds' eXLink Ethernet and eXLink USB, please contact the UK sales office on 02476 308930 or email sales@ceag-crouse-hinds.co.uk or visit www.ceag.de

Cooper Crouse-Hinds (UK) Ltd

As part of the Cooper Industries Group, Cooper Crouse-Hinds (UK) Ltd is the number one company in the field of explosion protection. Committed to technological progress, the company develops and manufactures a range of products that cover all the requirements currently placed on modern, explosion-protected, electrical installation technology, including illumination, safeguarding, signalling, controlling, instrumentation and distribution of electrical energy in potentially explosive atmospheres. In the company's production plants in Germany, England and Spain, the company manufactures a wide range of products for explosion protection.

Cooper Crouse-Hinds supplies products that comply with all the latest directives and standards - worldwide. In addition to systems and components built to ATEX Directives and European Standards, the company also provides solutions that have been certified to both IEC and NEC standards. Moreover, the company also has a large number of other national approvals, e.g. for Eastern European countries, China and North America. With Cooper Crouse-Hinds you can get all you need from one source.

Source: ThomasNet