ATEX-IECEx Approved Terminal Blocks for Explosive Environments

Environments with dangerous gases, vapors, or even dust that mix with the air in the atmosphere are likely to ignite if a spark is present. While these environments are dangerous, electrical devices still need to be used in these conditions. Enter Atmosphères Explosibles (ATEX) and International Electrotechnical Commission for Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx) standards, which ensure equipment doesn’t release sparks while being used.

Recently, Altech Corporation has added a line of terminal blocks that are ATEX-IECEx approved, making the blocks safe for use in explosive environments.

Altech Corporation has released ATEX-IECEx approved terminal blocks for use in explosive environments. Image used courtesy of Altech Corporation

ATEX-IECEx Approved Terminal Blocks

In virtually any control panel, you will find terminal blocks. They are a safe and convenient way of building connections within an enclosed area. There are a few different styles, but the most common styles are spring loaded push-in and screw clamp. The push-in offers a quick and solid connection that won’t loosen over time, while the screw clamp offers a tighter connection that must be manually actuated.

The new line of Altech Corporation’s ATEX-IECEx-approved terminal blocks looks fairly similar to other standard terminal blocks, but their specifications are different. The nominal ambient temperature at the mounting position is -60 °C to 66 °C, while the maximum service temperature is 110 °C. This wider temperature range allows for installation in areas that use high-temperature processes, such as curing ovens or factories that do not have temperature-controlled facilities.

In addition to its new line of terminal blocks, Altech Corporation offers different sizes and densities of terminal blocks to meet a variety of application needs. Image used courtesy of Altech Corporation

Electrical Devices In Explosive Environments

The explosion-proof terminal blocks use Polyamide 66 for an insulation material and accept wire gauges from 24 AWG up to 250 kcmil. For quick visual inspection, the terminals are marked either with an “e” for increased safety or an “i” for intrinsic safety. These features might seem small, but they are important when designing a control cabinet that is used in an explosive environment.

Since Altech Corporation has over 40 years of experience with electrical components, they have designed their new terminal blocks with all the same features that electricians and designers are familiar with. The new ATEX-IECEx approved blocks support push-in, spring/cage clamp, and screw clamp terminals. For creating jumpered connections, Altech Corporation offers a universal push-in jumper system. Alternatively, for users who prefer the traditional screw jumper, the screw clamp terminal block model can be ordered with a screw jumper system.

A basic terminal block used to connect two wires. Image used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Designing Electrical Systems

When designing an electrical control system, it is important to review the environment where the system will be installed. Electrical devices can be installed in dangerous areas, but the components need to be certified to be used in those types of areas. The new ATEX-certified terminal blocks from Altech Corporation offer designers a variety of connection styles in an environment that doesn’t offer much choice.