Bill Greer, senior product specialist, Contemporary Controls
Installing industrial Ethernet entails conformance to agency regulations not required for commercial Ethernet. Industrial equipment is designed and tested to higher standards. UL 1604 covers electrical equipment to control various apparatus tested for life and property risks according to standards for these situations:
Classes: Class I areas pertain to flammable gases, vapours or liquids; Class II for dangerous concentrations of dust and Class III for atmospheres containing fibres or flyings.
Divisions: Division 1 areas are usually risky; Division 2 areas are not.
Zones: How prevalent is the risky substance? In Zone 0 it is present and long-term, in Zone 1 it is likely but intermittent and Zone 2 risk is unlikely.
Groups: Classes I and II specify the risky materials. Class I gas groups are A (acetylenes), B (hydrogens), C (ethylenes) and D (propanes). Class II has three dust groups: E (metals), F (coal) and G (grains).
Temperature: Classes I and II specify the maximum ambient temperature for rated equipment with T-Code values corresponding to temperatures.
Markings: Finally, UL 1604 rated industrial Ethernet products must have markings which commonly include:
* Listee name.
* Model number.
* Electrical input ratings.
* Terminal identification.
* Hazardous location rating.
* Operating temperature T-Code.
* Date of manufacture.
* 'Supplied from Class 2 Source'.
For example, a Class I, Div. 2 switch is suited for an area where dangerous gases, vapours or liquids are possible, but not usually present. Often such gear is qualified for all four groups (A,B,C,D) and rated T4A (120°C).
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