Eaton F30 Ex ic Adaptor F300 Fieldbus Device Couplers Accessory

OVERVIEW

This manual explains the installation and maintenance procedures for the F30 Ex ic

Adaptor and should be read in conjunction with the product datasheet that contains

the electrical data.

The F30 Ex ic Adaptor is an accessory that works with MTL F300 range of DIN-rail

mounted, passive device couplers and extends their usage by enabling them to

provide Ex ic spur connections in Zone 2 hazardous areas. The F300 device couplers

provide a simple means of connecting a group of local field devices to the network

trunk cable that carries the signal and provides the necessary power supply.

This manual also introduces the concept of the Ex ic intrinsic safety method of

protection and explains how it applies to the F300 device couplers and the F30 Ex ic

adaptor.  Other topics will include the trunk power supply and suggested enclosures

for housing the adaptor and hubs in the hazardous area.

NOTE

The user/installer should also refer to the following datasheets and installation manuals:

• F300 range of Megablocks data sheet, EPS F300

• F300 range of Megablocks installation manual, INM F300

• 918x  Redundant Power Supply data sheets, EPS 918x

• Redundant Power Supply installation manuals, INM 918x in order to obtain

details of their installation, operating parameters and usage.

DESCRIPTION

The Ex ic concept

In May 2013 the Ex nL certification method was removed from the IEC60079-15

standard, and replaced by intrinsic safety method Ex ic in IEC60079-11.  Although Ex

ic and Ex nL are broadly similar, Ex ic brings with it additional requirements that are

associated with the wider intrinsic safety approach.

Ex ic is a new level of protection under the intrinsic safety protection method,

suitable for use in Zone 2 only, where Ex ic circuits may be ‘live-worked’ in the

presence of a flammable atmosphere.  It follows the same energy-limitation principles

as all intrinsically safe circuits, but safety is maintained only in ‘normal operation’.

The F30 adaptor

The F30 adaptor is connected in series with the trunk wiring to the Megablock (see

Figure 2.1) and limits the voltage to ensure that the ‘Uo’ at the Megablock spurs is

less than the 17.5V value required for compatibility with FISCO-certified instruments.

Where the voltage arriving at the F30 is higher than this (for example, if the trunk

cable is only short in length resulting in only a small voltage drop in the cable), the

F30 regulates the voltage to less than 17.5V.  Final current limiting for each spur is

provided by the short-circuit limiting circuits built in to the F300 Megablock, for which

Ex ic approval already exists. As a result, the combination of F30 and F300 meets the

requirements for Ex ic voltage and current limitation.

The F30 is designed for use only with MTL F304. F308 and F312 Megablock types,

typically providing up to twelve Ex ic spurs per fieldbus segment.  These spurs

may be all from one F312 Megablock in one enclosure, or distributed between two

separate enclosures – see Section 4.7.

The spurs are compatible with FISCO and Entity certified fieldbus instruments, and

where FISCO instruments are selected, cable parameter calculations are not required.

Power supplies

For Ex ic spur applications, the F30 and associated Megablock must be supplied by

9192-FP power supply modules in simplex or redundant configuration. The 9192

FP module has the necessary voltage limiting and is designed to fit on one of the

backplanes from the 918x-x2 range of fieldbus power supply systems, all of which

are capable of providing n+1 redundancy for maximum availability.

The 918x family of redundant power supplies contains a range of solutions to suit

different host interfaces, consult Eaton for the model appropriate to the host and

install the chosen model in accordance with the instructions provided with it.

Host H1 control system

In a typical network installation using the F30 Ex ic Adaptor, F300 Megablock and

9192-FP power supply module, the H1 interface of the host control system is

electrically connected in parallel with the fieldbus trunk circuit. The H1 interface

and host control system are not required to carry hazardous area certification in

this application, but they must comply with electrical safety standards IEC61010 or

IEC60950.  Apparatus carrying a CE mark will comply with this requirement. This

requirement also applies to any other apparatus that is connected electrically in

parallel with the fieldbus trunk circuit.

MECHANICAL

Enclosures

An enclosure is required to house and protect the Megablock device coupler and the

F30 Ex ic adaptor for field operation. The type of enclosure must be chosen to suit

both the hazardous atmosphere likely to be encountered and the general conditions

appropriate to its environmental exposure. For installation in hazardous areas, the

enclosure must meet the requirements of a recognised method of protection

according to IEC 60079-0. clause 1.  In addition, the following conditions should

always be considered to ensure safe and reliable operation.

a) Prevent any form of pollution that could compromise the operation.

b) Provide an adequate level of mechanical protection. This can be achieved

by selecting a protected location, a suitable enclosure, or a combination of

both.

c) Ensure that all cable entries and connections are secure by making

provision for the careful routing and securing of all cables.

d)Provide adequate security against unauthorized interference.

e) Conform to the permitted ambient operating temperature range of  –40°C to +70°C.