Standards & Regulations
ATEX certified linear position and pressure sensors meet hazardous environment requirements for the European market
Everything electrical needs to meet certain standards and regulations and highlight any potential hazards to make sure they are safe to use. However, this can become more challenging when trying to comply with different countries regulations and making sure it is safe to use everywhere. In this article, Karmjit Sidhu, director, sensor solutions, TE Connectivity, talks more about complying with different regulations
W
hen specifying linear position and pressure sensors, engineering contractors,
system manufacturers and even end- users must ensure sensor operating specifications meet application requirements and validate if components address regulatory and safety requirements for the country or geographic region specified for use. LVDT and pressure sensors certified domestically are not necessarily acceptable for use overseas, especially in hazardous areas such as those found in oil and gas applications, nuclear power plants, subsea environments as well as mining. In many countries, sensors must comply with specific national requirements to ensure safety and prevent accidents or disasters. For example, in the European market, sensors specified for use within potentially explosive atmospheres must be certified to ATEX standards. According to the health and safety executive, explosive atmospheres are defined as those that can be caused by flammable gases, mists or vapours or by combustible dusts. If there is enough of the substance, mixed with air, then all it needs is a source of ignition to cause an explosion.
Even sensors designed for operation under hazardous conditions must be tested and assessed to the latest ATEX standards. You can see additional information and links to guidance documents at the following link:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/me chanical/documents/guidance/atex/ The ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU)
28 June 2016
currently outlines the conditions to which products must adhere to be used in hazardous locations. It states that only applicably-approved or certified instruments can be used in hazardous areas within Europe. Certified products are required to show a marking containing necessary user information, which will identify that the correct products are used in the corresponding hazardous areas. In addition to an Ex marking, the sensor must contain an agency file number. Certification to the ATEX Directive is issued only after a sensor is tested and approved by a notified body to the relevant standards for each type of explosion protection method applicable to the equipment. These protection methods, such as flameproof, dust proof or intrinsically-safe devices, have specific construction requirements that must be met to obtain ATEX certification. Product certification is typically the responsibility of the sensor manufacturer. In addition to the ATEX ‘Product’
Directive, there is the ATEX ‘Workplace’ Directive (99/92/EC) that provides the guidance to ensure the workplace meets requirements for safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. As this directive covers the responsibilities of employers and not manufacturers, it does not pertain to sensor certification. Pressure and linear position sensors users must be fully aware of the specifications of the operating environment when selecting a specific sensor, especially in hazardous environments. Media compatibility, along
Components in Electronics
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with agency approvals, ensures reliable and trouble-free operation, as well as compliance, for many years. If in doubt, ask the sensor manufacturer - in writing - for clarification if the product data sheet is confusing.
These intrinsically safe pressure transducers are ATEX certified for use in oil and gas and alternative energy markets in Europe. In addition to ensuring ATEX certification, European
users should verify the terminology identifying a sensor. For example, the term flame proof in Europe may translate to explosion proof in the North America while explosion proof in Europe can translate to intrinsically safe in the US. Check requirements within the installation manual for caution and translations.
www.te.com
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