Intrinsically safe compact accelerometer from Wilcoxon Research expands line of hazardous area sensors

The 780A and 780A-IS are full performance, 100 mV/g general purpose vibration sensors with a tight +5% tolerance and a broad 3dB frequency response from 0.4 Hz to 14 kHz. The 780A-IS was designed with a standard 2-pin, MIL-C-5015 connector so that it is compatible with the existing cabling infrastructure and fits the same connector used on the majority of industrial accelerometers.

Characteristic of Wilcoxon vibration sensors, the 780A-IS is suited to even the harshest industrial environments. This accelerometer is rugged, hermetically sealed, ESD protected, and EMI / RFI shielded. The 780A-IS operates normally at temperatures as low as -50º C and as high as 120º C.

Class I Division 1 certification has been awarded in the U.S. and Canada by CSA International. In Europe, the 780A-IS was certified by KEMA to meet the Class 1 Zone 0 requirements of the ATEX directive. A Class I Division 2 (ATEX Class I Zone 2) hazardous area certified version of the 780A vibration sensor will be available this fall.

Obtaining the Intrinsic Safety (IS) Class I Division 1 certification means that the 780A-IS can be used where flammable or explosive materials are present without causing electrical sparks or “hot spots” strong enough to cause ignition of gases or dusts in the air. Hazardous area uses include oil and gas applications; chemical, paint, and plastic plants; pharmaceutical manufacturing; steel processing; mining; food and beverage processing; tire and rubber plants; and aircraft and ship board monitoring.

To cover the multitude of applications, Wilcoxon has developed an extensive line of hazardous area sensors. IS vibration sensors measure acceleration or velocity at ranges that monitor low frequency and general purpose uses. Wilcoxon’s popular line of 4-20 mA loop powered vibration sensors are also available with IS ratings. Dynamic and 4-20 mA output sensors can be ordered with a side connector for measurements in locations with a low profile. Top-exit and side-connector sensors with an integral cable can also be ordered.