The EKX-4 2-pole grounding control device, manufactured by TIMM Elektronik GmbH, is designed to control the grounding of tanks and barrels. This is a new generation of devices designed for use in areas at risk of explosion due to gas or flammable dust, which replaced the previous devices of the EKS-3, EKN-3, EKK-3 types (in the 230 V version) from April 2013. The new EKX-4 device is designed to ensure controlled grounding during the loading of tanks and barrels. It ensures that filling is only carried out in the case of a proper, low impedance grounding connection. Only when proper grounding is confirmed, the signal lamps and the control output switch, enabling filling. If the ground connection is disrupted, the device immediately switches back to the safe mode.The EKX-4 2-pole ground monitoring device complies with the requirements of the European standards EN 600079 and EN 61241 and as an electrical device of category II 2 G and category II 2 D is suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres designated as zone Z1 or zone Z21.
Technical Approvals
Key Features and Improvements:
- It is permitted to open the housing when working in gas hazardous areas.
- The automatic diagnostic system itself continuously monitors all safety-related functions
- NAMUR compliant Ex i control output
- Safe loading and unloading of containers, barrels and similar containers
- For loading bulk materials and flammable liquids
- For use in areas with a risk of gas and dust explosions of zone 1 (device category II 2 G) and 21 (II 2 D)
- Controlled discharge of static electricity
- Immediate interruption of the filling operation in the event of a ground connection failure
- Compliant with all currently applicable EMC and ATEX directives
- After purchase, the device is ready to use and factory-configured
- Additionally, the impedance range can be easily adjusted to individual site requirements.
- Continuous self-check of excess output signal
- Additional control output
- Multi-color LED display for operating status and fault diagnosis
- Extremely stable housing, particularly resistant to chemicals and other environmental influences
- Spiral or straight grounding cable up to 50 meters long
- NAMUR compatible Exi signalling output which can be set to 'static' or 'dynamic' mode to provide a pulsating signal if required
- Self-diagnosis of all safety-relevant device functions
