Cable Entry Systems For Potentially Explosive Atmospheres

The ATEX (Ex) directive applies to all explosive industrial atmospheres including mining, with the icotek range of cable entry systems being suitable for zones G (gas) and D (dust) in equipment group II, category 2, certified to the ATEX directive.

The specific icotek products now ATEX rated cover two sets of cable entry frames being the KEL ATEX and the KEL-ER ATEX. These are split frame systems which are utilised with varied split grommet inserts to accommodate both un-terminated and pre-terminated cabling in a wide range of cable diameter options. Reduced installation times can be achieved while retaining the pre-terminated cable warranties, and also ensuring that any retro-fitting of cabling or routine maintenance can be quickly and easily accommodated. With a range of frames and inserts being available, high packing densities can be achieved.

Installations are vibration proof with automatic cable strain relief provided to EN 50262. Four frame sizes are available in each range with the KEL ATEX system covering 24 single or mixed groupings and cable O/D sizes while maintaining an IP54 rating. The KEL-ER ATEX split frame system provides an IP65 rating with 20 options of cable groupings and sizes.

Cable entry plates include KEL-DPZ ATEX products in both rectangular and round options. The rectangular products cover cable diameters from 3.2 to 22mm and incorporate membrane sealing with IP65/IP66 rating as well as automatic strain relief. The round cable entry plates in the range cover the same standard cable sizes but with an immediate dual seal rating of IP68. They can be utilised for standard or metric cut-outs with polyamide locknuts also provided.

A split cable gland assembly KVT 80 ATEX is also available, particularly suited to routing and sealing pre-terminated cables with bulkhead thicknesses from 1.5 to 10mm. Where larger undetermined cable diameters need to be accommodated, then the KEL-DPF ATEX cable entry inserts can be utilised. These can also accept rigid pipework or cabling where angled entry needs to be accommodated.

ATEX stands for ‘Atmosphere Explosible’ and is the short name for the European Directive 94/9/EC, regulating the market launch of explosion protected electrical and non-electrical devices, components and protection systems. Since July 1, 2003 in effect, it applies to all new equipment and protective devices. The directive is aimed at manufacturers and importers in the 27 member states of the EU as well as the 4 EFTA member states and Turkey.

The ATEX directive applies to all electrical and non-electrical and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Moreover, the directive includes controlling, monitoring or regulating equipment which may be located outside of explosive atmospheres, but ensures the safe operation of devices and safety systems within.

The ATEX directive applies to all explosive industrial atmospheres, including mining. The directive describes basic safety and health requirements for equipment and components intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It describes procedures to demonstrate conformity with the directive. Depending on the risk area in which the product is used, (conformity assessment procedures) requirements and procedures for assessing fulfilment are different.

Since 2003, every new Ex device must be certified according to the EU Directive, labelled with the CE marking and the special marks for prevention of explosions. icotek has certified a wide variety of products.

All devices, components and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, have to comply with the European Directive 94/9/EC.