What this enclosure is for
The SimtoLink cast-aluminum explosion-proof enclosure houses electrical equipment in oil and gas, chemical, and dust hazardous areas. Flameproof or increased-safety construction is matched to the cable entries, so the box can protect a PLC interface, associated apparatus on an intrinsically safe loop, or a communications terminal.
The Ex marking, temperature class, and cable glands have to agree with the area classification and the equipment protection level. The table on this page is a typical outline and ingress description. What you order is governed by the nameplate, the explosion-proof certificate, and the Hardware Specification.
Keeping the joint sound
Open the cover only after power is removed and the site procedure allows it. The sealing face and the bolt torque decide whether the flameproof joint still does its job.
Internal temperature rise is solar load plus heat from the devices inside. SimtoLink recommends a thermal check at the worst ambient, with margin left for maintenance.
Key hardware parameters
These figures are the typical build, for selection and for bid clauses. A wider range, redundant power, or an intrinsically safe variant is quoted by SimtoLink with the Hardware Specification and the Installation and Commissioning Guide. Order codes in the family can differ; the nameplate and the documents in the crate take precedence.
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cast aluminum alloy (die-cast) | Paint or anodizing optional |
| Enclosure rating | IP66 (typical) | Order and nameplate govern |
| Explosion protection | Ex marking, temperature class, protection type | Certificate and nameplate govern; must match the hazardous-area classification |
| Size | 19-inch 2U | Cutouts can be specified |
| Door | Metal door | EMI shielding mesh optional |
| Heat | Conduction through the metal shell | Layout and temperature rise checked for the duty |
| EMC | Conductive gasket | Class A |
| Load | 50 kg | Seismic |
| Qualification | Salt spray 96h | Coastal version |
| Color | RAL7035 | Painted |
| Earth | M6 copper bar | Equipotential bonding |
Where it is installed
Four layouts that show up often enough to use in a scheme review and a payback check:
Oil and gas stations and valve rooms
A flameproof box holds the communications RTU and the surge protection, in line with the zone classification.
Chemical plants
Interface gear for intrinsically safe instruments and safety barriers is gathered into one enclosure.
Dusty process areas
In grain and woodworking dust zones, the enclosure isolates the electrics and leaves room for housekeeping.
Overhaul and retrofit
Old explosion-proof boxes are swapped out, and glands and earth labels are made consistent so an audit can read them.
Installation, earth, and upkeep
- Use only certified cable entries and stopping plugs. Do not cut the flameproof joint on site.
- Bond the earth and the equipotential network to the electrical code for explosive atmospheres.
- After service, cross-tighten the cover bolts to the stated torque and confirm the O-ring is intact.
- Power and surface temperature of non-explosion-protected parts inside must stay under the temperature class.
- Log every cover opening and spare-part change, and keep those records for the safety authority and the annual Ex inspection.
Ordering, documents, and support
SimtoLink supplies an outline drawing, a wiring table, a sample project, and the hardware specification for this enclosure. Volume orders can include a sample review and a resident inspection at the factory. Warranty and calibration follow the contract and the papers packed with the box.