Installing Wireless Access Point in Hazardous Area

Model AP320 Wireless Access Point
Courtesy Aruba Networks

In many technical endeavors, industrial process control being one, there are often collisions between what is necessary and what is desired. The incursion of wireless communications into the process measurement and control field has created such a collision between process engineers and IT managers. Granted, it's a cooperative and amicable collision, but a situation that can require the resolution of some incompatible interests.

For a number of reasons, it may be advantageous for the wireless network gear in the process section of a facility to conform to certain standards established for the larger scope of the organization. There can be real benefits to standardizing on particular brands or types of hardware. The tasks involved with back end management of network infrastructure are less complex when all the equipment is of the same vendor and product family. Provisioning, which includes initial setup, long term management, and unit loss management, is simplified when all the units are the same. Process engineers and operators pursue the same goal in standardizing on particular transmitters, valves, or other components that have multiple installations throughout a facility.

Analynk Wireless Access Point Enclosure for
Hazardous Locations

The difficulty arises when the IT team's chosen wireless access point needs to be installed in an area classified as hazardous due to the potential for ignition of flammable or explosive gases and vapors. There is a solution, actually a fairly simple one.

Analynk manufactures enclosures for industrial wireless access points installed in hazardous locations. The current offering accommodates a range of units from Symbol, Cisco, Meru, Aruba, HP, and Motorola, with more models added regularly to accommodate additional wireless access points. Each access point enclosure is provided with UL listed explosion proof antennas, a mounting bracket designed for the target access point, and RF cables to make the antenna connections. Enclosures have penetrations specifically located to accommodate the target access point.

This arrangement allows for the deployment of the organization's preferred wireless access point in the hazardous process area.

Analynk Wireless specializes in industrial wireless communications. Your wireless communication challenges are welcome at Analynk, so make contact and share your application requirements. Combining your process expertise with Analynk's product specialization will produce a positive solution.