For installation in Zone 2 or in safe areas, the new 9410 Series of compact field-device couplers (FDCs) feature protection for the trunks against feedback through short circuits in the spurs. The cost-efficient FDCs connect up to 12 Foundation fieldbus H1 or Profibus PA devices via detachable screw terminals with locking screws to a non-intrinsically safe high-energy trunk. Users can connect fieldbus devices with Ex nA ignition protection and, with a voltage-limited power supply module, Ex ic or Ex nL devices, as well as Ex d and Ex n equipment from Zone 1. A power management system limits any short circuit currents to one device per coupler. In addition to the automatic shutdown, a red LED indicating a short circuit is activated for the affected spur. — R. Stahl, Waldenburg, Germany
Field-device couplers for spur protection
| By Chemical Engineering