Operator control units target explosive environments

Utilising advanced dual processor electronics and safety critical software, the OCUs enable operators to safely position themselves to best advantage without being tied to a manual control station or wired pendant. The LRC-M1-IS and LRC-L1-IS are supplied in an ergonomic and robust housing and feature an external memory button, which allows users facilities to quickly deploy spare units simply by swapping the memory button between the operating unit and the replacement. This lowers costs and downtime by minimising design time and decreasing the number of spares required.

Being able to tolerate two concurrent faults without causing a condition that could create a hazardous situation, the OCUs are approved for Zone 0 use which allows continuous exposure to the explosive atmosphere. The battery lasts for 12 hours of continuous use and can be changed while in the hazardous environment, which further minimises downtime.

The LRC-L1-IS is a full sized OCU, while the LRC-M1-IS is mid-sized. Both are available as engineered units for specific customer application requirements. The North American UL913 / CSA22.2 #157 version will ship beginning in October and the ATEX version in November.

Rick Morse, Senior Vice President, Laird, commented: “Our customers safety and productivity were the top priorities in developing intrinsically safe remote controls for use in these hazardous environments. To meet the needs of a variety of customers, we were able to design multiple models for a range of applications that not only deliver safety, but increase efficiency and reduce costs for our customers as well.”