Analynk Wireless manufactures hazardous area wireless access point enclosures and hazardous area wireless antennas. Analynk is also a certified UL508A panel manufacturer providing high quality control panels to Ohio and surrounding areas. For more information, visit the Analynk website here or call 614-755-5091.
Showing posts with label hazardous area. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hazardous area. Show all posts
Hazardous Area Enclosures Facilitate Plant Standards for Wireless Access Points
![]() |
Hazardous area enclosures for wireless access point. (Analynk) |
For a number of reasons, compliance with certain norms set for the organization's wider scope and standards is advantageous for the wireless network equipment. Standardization on specific brands or hardware types can have true advantages. The tasks associated with network infrastructure back end management are less complicated when all equipment belongs to the same producer and family of products. Provisioning, which includes initial set-up, long-term management and management of unit losses, is simplified when all units are identical. The same objective is pursued by process technicians and operators in standardizing specific transmitters, valves or other parts that have various facilities throughout a plant.
![]() |
The Analynk AE902-1 is designed to house the Aruba AP-318. |
Analynk Wireless manufactures enclosures for industrial wireless access points installed in hazardous locations. Each access point enclosure is provided with agency approved enclosures, antennas, mounting, penetrations, cabling, and power supplies. Their current product offering accommodates a wide range of wireless access point manufacturers including Symbol, Cisco, Meru, Aruba, HP, and Motorola. Access point and Wi-Fi technology technologies change rapidly. Wireless component lifecycles are relatively short compared to other process equipment. The use of hazardous area access point enclosures provide flexibility and convenience in access point selection and upgrades.
For more information, contact Analynk Wireless by visiting https://analynk.com or by calling 614-755-5091.
Regulations and Standards for Equipment Operating in Explosive Atmospheres
Reprinted from "Built to Blast: Industrial Internet of Things Infrastructure for Hazardous Environments" by Aruba Networks. Full text white paper can be downloaded here.
A potentially explosive atmosphere exists when air gas, vapor, mist, or dust – alone or in combination – are present under circumstances in which it or they can ignite under specified operating conditions. Places with potentially explosive atmospheres are called “hazardous” or “classified” areas or locations.
Multiple local and international regulations are in place to mitigate the risk posted by operating networks and IoT devices in potentially explosive atmospheres. Increasingly these regulations are becoming harmonized under a framework developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and European and US standards.
ATEX Directives
ATEX, derived from the French phrase “Atmosphères Explosibles,” is a European regulatory framework for the manufacture, installation, and use of equipment in explosive atmospheres. It consists of two European Union (EU) directives:- 1999/92/EC which defines the minimum safety requirements for workers in hazardous areas; and
- 2014/34/EU which covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
These two directives define the essential health and safety requirements, as well as the conformity assessment procedures, that need to be applied before products can be used in the EU market.
IEC Ex System (IECEx)
IECEx is a voluntary certification program that validates compliance with IEC standards related to safety in explosive atmospheres. Details about IECEx, its coverage areas, and conformity mark system can be found at www.iecex.com.European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)
CENELEC was formed to facilitate a consensus-building process between European and international electrical standards activities. In 1996 CENELEC and the IEC formalized a framework of cooperation through an agreement on common standards planning and parallel voting that is known as the Dresden Agreement. As a result of this initiative both CENELEC and IEC have similar standards for explosive environments.National Electrical Code (NEC)
NEC defines the standards for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States, and its standards are coordinated with those of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA 70 Articles 500 thru 510 address safe practices for the location and operation of electrical equipment in hazardous locations installations.Additional national standards relating to hazardous environments may be in effect in different countries, however, there has been a concerted effort in recent years to harmonize local standards with the standards referenced above.
About Analynk
Analynk, LLC manufacturers hazardous area wireless access points. More information on their products can be found here.https://analynk.com
614-755-5091
IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) Wireless Networking Considerations in Hazardous Environments
![]() |
BUILT TO BLAST Industrial Internet of Things Infrastructure for Hazardous Environments |
This white paper examines the different categories of explosive risks, which standards to apply under different scenarios, how network infrastructure can be deployed in explosive environments, and how sensor systems can be integrated with this infrastructure. The goal is to enable end customers and resellers to select the network infrastructure, enclosures, and associated systems that are best suited to each scenario.
Methods of Isolating Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas

Combustion or fire is a chemical reaction in which a combustible material combines with an oxidant to release energy. Part of the energy release is used to sustain the explosion, by utilizing existing heat or creating a vacuum to consume more oxygen. Within a hazardous environment there are three elements necessary for a fire or explosion:
- A combustible material also known as a fuel
- Ignition source - electrical arcing or general heat
- An oxidizer also known as oxygen
Another key factor in a fire or explosion are the explosive limits. These are the maximum and minimum concentration needed of a given combustible material to support a fire or explosion. To form an explosive mixture, the hazardous gas must have sufficient concentration levels. The minimum concentration of oxygen to combustible material is known as the lower explosive limit or LEL. If the concentration is below the LEL, it will not be flammable or have enough flammable material present. The same condition would apply if gas concentration is too rich, meaning it will not ignite because it will not have sufficient oxygen to sustain the fire or explosion. This is known as the upper explosive limit, or UEL. It should be noted that different gases will have different threshold limits.
In addition to the explosive limits, each hazardous material will have an autoignition temperature and a flashpoint. The flashpoint is the temperature at which the material will generate sufficient quantity of vapor to form an ignitable mixture. As the liquid is heated and reaches the flashpoint, autoignition could occur. An autoignition is the lowest temperature at which a combustible material will spontaneously ignite in a normal atmosphere. For example, if we have the heating of a combustible liquid, explosive vapors are created. As the material reaches the explosive limits creating the flashpoint. If the general atmosphere is increased, the autoignition temperature, fire, or explosion will occur.
To simplify, the specification of electrical devices into hazardous environments, IEC classification methods utilize autoignition, flashpoint, and explosive limits to place hazardous materials within groups.
The two predominant methods used for classification of hazardous environments are the NEC and IEC standards. IEC and NEC standards both classify the level of risk into three main categories:
- Continuous
- Occasional
- Not normally present
Referring back to the necessary requirements for an explosive triangle, we know we need ignition source, oxygen, gas and or dust combustible material in the correct mixture within the atmosphere. In order to specify electrical devices and hazardous locations, we need to identify the general Zones within each area. When working with liquids or gas, we locate the most hazardous or flammable location directly above the material. Due to the possibility of the valve leaking, at the top of the containment structure we must classify the area as Zone 1. As we move further away from the possible explosive atmospheric condition the Zone classification would be reduced to Zone 2. By altering the combustible material properties to a solid form, the area classification above the material would be Zone 20. If the dust escapes the same failed valve, the external area around the same containment unit would be classified as Zone 21. As we continue to move away from the containment unit and with reduction of Category risk, the new classification for the general area would be Zone 22.
Now that we know combustible materials whether liquid, gas and or dust will have different upper and lower explosive limits, and we understand the general heat could be the ignition source, within the IEC standards the T rating specifies the maximum surface temperature an electrical device will create. As the temperature increases, the associate rating will decrease, meaningless heat will have a higher T rating, while an increase in surface temperature will reduce the T number.
As a recap the IEC standards classify hazardous areas as environments that could contain explosive vapors, gases, and/or dust within the atmosphere. The primary categories provide the risk levels as constant, occasional, and not likely. Since elements have a variety of flammability and the physical properties could be different, IEC standards segment the types of combustible materials into Zone classifications. The most hazardous is Zone 0 or Zone 20. By reducing the risk level to have occasional explosive atmospheres the Zone classification is Zone 1 or Zone 21 and further reduction of Category risks would change the hazards classification to Zone 2 or Zone 22
![]() |
Flameproof enclosure for wireless access point (Analynk) |
Methods of Isolation/Protection
Let's take a look at each method of protection and the general application. To ensure safety in a given situation, equipment is placed in protective level categories. As mentioned before Category 1 is the highest safety level, making Category 3 the lowest risk and safety level. The general 8 protective methods are:
- Flameproof enclosures
- Sand encapsulation
- Pressurization
- Oil encapsulation
- General encapsulation
- Increased safety
- Intrinsic safety
- Non-sparking
- Power operated equipment
- Switchgear
- Motors
- Any equipment that produces ignition source during normal operation.
Pressurization is a method of protection by which the entry of a surrounding combustible material is prevented by maintaining a protective gas within the enclosure. This is generally accomplished by creating a higher pressure within the enclosure than the surrounding atmosphere. This protective method would be used for any power operated equipment.
Oil encapsulation is a type of protection in which the electrical apparatus or part of the electrical apparatus are immersed within an oil-based fluid. The general application for this type of protection would be used for:
- Switchgear units
- Circuit breakers
- Transformers
- Electrical circuit boards
- Miniature motors
- Valves
Connection and distribution boxes
Luminaires
Measuring instruments and devices that do not normally produce ignition within operation
Intrinsic safety is a protective method to ensure that the available electrical and thermal energy in the system is always low enough that the ignition of the hazardous atmosphere cannot occur. This is achieved by ensuring that only low voltages and currents enter the hazardous area as well as all electrical supply and signal wires are protected by safety barriers. The general application for intrinsic safety would be used for:
- Measuring and control engineering
- Data engineering
- Low electrical valves
- Motors
- Lighting
- Junction boxes
- Electrical equipment
In summary hazardous locations could exist in multiple industries. The geographical location will dictate the general method used for classification. The European Standard or IEC provides guidance of risk into three main categories. These risk levels are then divided into Zones and have numerical values that relate to the possibility of explosive gases or dusts present within the atmosphere. Because combustible material could have a variety of explosive limits, the method of protection will be important. Nevertheless all electrical devices placed within hazardous environments will follow the device markings to ensure fire or explosion does not occur.
Safely Locate Your Aruba AP 318 in Hazardous Areas with this New Enclosure
![]() |
Analynk AE902 Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosure |
On the other hand, creating a reliable wireless data transmission network in locations with dangerous concentrations of flammable gases or ignitable dust present unique network challenges. Industries such as off-shore drilling, petrochemical refining and mining require wireless networking components rated for use in hazardous areas.
Hardened access points, such as the Aruba Networks AP 318, are built for rugged environments. The AP 318 is capable of operating from -40 F. up to +140 F., and the unit's enclosure provides water and dust protection. However, if the access point is being located in a hazardous area (an area where flammable vapor, gas or dust exist) it will have to be mounted inside a hazardous area access point enclosure.
The Analynk AE902 Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosure provides the approvals and features required for hazardous area applications. Designed specifically to house the Aruba AP 318 access point, the AE902 enclosure allows facilitates the deployment of wireless networks in Class I, Division 2, groups A, B, C, & D areas, and combines protection for harsh, wet and corrosive environments. It includes a NEMA 4X rating to withstand driving rain, blowing sand, dust, splashing, and an occasional hose down. Finally, the AE902 comes complete with a PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector and AC to DC power supply for simplified wiring.
To learn more about the AE902 Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosure, visit this page on the Analynk website or call 614-755-5091.
New Product Alert: AE902-1 Hazardous Area Class I, Division 2, Access Point Enclosure for Aruba AP 318
![]() |
The Analynk AE902-1 |
Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, developed the Aruba 318 series access point as a hardened device for use in harsh, weather-protected environments. Aruba designs some of the most popular and highly rated access points in the industry.
![]() |
Aruba AP-318 |
Analynk developed the AE902-1 to house the Aruba AP-318 for use in hazardous areas. The enclosure, all hardware and antennas are rated for Class I, Division 2, groups A, B, C, & D.
A POE (Power over Ethernet) injector and AC to DC power supply, are included. The enclosure is made of 316 stainless steel and has a NEMA 4X rating for harsh conditions, such as offshore oil and gas platforms. Optional directional antennas are available, and antennas can be mounted up to 150’ away from the enclosure. The AE902-1 can be flat panel or pole mounted.
As mentioned above, the AE902-1 is currently rated Class I, Division 2 Groups, A, B, C, & D. ATEX Zone 2 approval is pending.
See the drawing below. For more detailed information, inquiries, or to download a Sales Specification Sheet, visit this page on the Analynk website.
Analynk, LLC
https://analynk.com
(614) 755-5091
As mentioned above, the AE902-1 is currently rated Class I, Division 2 Groups, A, B, C, & D. ATEX Zone 2 approval is pending.
See the drawing below. For more detailed information, inquiries, or to download a Sales Specification Sheet, visit this page on the Analynk website.
Analynk, LLC
https://analynk.com
(614) 755-5091
![]() |
Click for larger view. |
HazaLynk™ Wireless Products for Hazardous Areas
The HazaLynk™ Series incorporates a wide selection of wireless hazardous area devices to suit a variety of industrial applications. The product line includes wireless instruments for hazardous areas, hazardous area antennas, hazardous area access point enclosures, and hazardous area RF enclosures that simplify the process of installing field instrumentation, while meeting code requirements for hazardous classified and explosive environments.
https://analynk.com
(614) 755-5091
https://analynk.com
(614) 755-5091
Hazardous Area Classifications

Currently there are two systems used to classify these hazardous areas; the Class/Division system and the Zone system. The Class/Division system is used predominately in the United States, whereas the rest of the world generally uses the Zone system.
Class/Division System
Hazardous locations per the Class/Division system are classified according to the Class, Division, and Group.- Class - The Class defines the general nature (or properties) of the hazardous material in the surrounding atmosphere which may or may not be in sufficient quantities.
- Class I - Locations in which flammable gases or vapors may or may not be in sufficient quantities to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
- Class II - Locations in which combustible dusts (either in suspension, intermittently, or periodically) may or may not be in sufficient quantities to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
- Class III - Locations in which ignitable fibers may or may not be in sufficient quantities to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
- Division - The Division defines the probability of the hazardous material being able to produce an explosive or ignitable mixture based upon its presence.
- Division 1 indicates that the hazardous material has a high probability of producing an explosive or ignitable mixture due to it being present continuously, intermittently, or periodically or from the equipment itself under normal operating conditions.
- Division 2 indicates that the hazardous material has a low probability of producing an explosive or ignitable mixture and is present only during abnormal conditions for a short period of time.
- Group - The Group defines the type of hazardous material in the surrounding atmosphere. Groups A, B, C, and Dare for gases (Class I only) while groups E, F, and G are for dusts and flyings (Class II or III).
- Group A - Atmospheres containing acetylene.
- Group B - Atmospheres containing a flammable gas, flammable liquid- produced vapor, or combustible liquid- produced vapor. Typical gases include hydrogen, butadiene, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and acrolein.
- Group C - Atmospheres containing a flammable gas, flammable liquid- produced vapor, or combustible liquid- produced vapor. Typical gases include hydrogen sulfide, ethyl either, ethylene, and acetaldehyde.
- Group D - Atmospheres containing a flammable gas, flammable liquid- produced vapor, or combustible liquid- produced vapor. Typical gases include acetone, ammonia, benzene, butane, ethanol, gasoline, methane, natural gas, naphtha, and propane.
Zone System
Hazardous locations per the Zone system are classified according to its Zone. For gas atmospheres electrical equipment is further divided into Groups and Subgroups.The Zone defines the probability of the hazardous material (gas), being present in sufficient quantities to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.
- Gas
- Zone 0 - Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors which are present continuously or for long periods of time.
- Zone 1 - Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors which are likely to occur under normal operating conditions.
- Zone 2 - Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors which are not likely to occur under normal operating conditions and do so only for a short period of time.
- Group - Electrical equipment used in gas atmospheres is divided into two groups.
- Group I - Equipment used in mines with atmospheres containing methane or gases and vapors of equivalent hazard. (Note: Group I does not apply to offshore and is shown for information purposes only).
- Group II - All other equipment; which is further subdivided into three subgroups.
- Group IIA - Atmospheres containing propane, or gases and vapors of equivalent hazard.
- Group IIB - Atmospheres containing ethylene, or gases and vapors of equivalent hazard.
- Group IIC - Atmospheres containing acetylene or hydrogen, or gases and vapors of equivalent hazard.
Reprinted from The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
https://www.bsee.gov
Hazardous Area Antennas Now Carry NEMA 4X Rating
![]() |
The CTX and CTM antennas for industrial wireless communications now carry a NEMA 4X rating |
Data sheets for both the CTM and CTX series antennas are provided below, but sharing your industrial wireless communications challenges with the experts at Analynk Wireless is always the best path to an effective solution.
New Wireless Access Point Enclosure For Hazardous Areas
![]() |
New Model AP622 Access Point Enclosure |
The newly added AP622 is designed for the Aruba AP-304 dual band access point. 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 an effective solution.
The datasheet for the new model is provided below. You can see all the models and their companion access points on the Analynk site.
Wireless Access Points Installed in Hazardous Locations
![]() |
Hazardous area wireless access point enclosure with explosion proof antennas. |
Analynk manufactures rated enclosures for industrial wireless access points, facilitating their installation in hazardous locations. Each access point enclosure is specifically targeted and designed to provide easy installation of specific wireless access points from a range of manufacturers. Every model 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.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.
The newly added AP620 is designed for the Motorola/Zebra AP-7532 Access PointAnalynk 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 an effective solution.
New Hazardous Area Wireless Access Point Enclosures
![]() |
Model AP 412 Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosure |
Analynk access point enclosures are preconfigured to house a specific manufacturer and model number access point. Review the product offering and see the long list of accommodated access points. If you want to use an access point not shown on the list, contact Analynk for a solution.
The new models are designed to house the Cisco 2802E and 3802E Dual Band Access Points. Data sheets for both are included below.
Analynk manufactures a diverse array of equipment utilized in establishing wireless connections between industrial process control devices. Share your wireless connectivity challenges with the experts at Analynk and get effective solutions.
Analynk Extends Offering of Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosures
![]() |
AP411 for the Meraki MR72 Wireless Access Point is Analynk's latest addition to the product line |
The company currently has specific models designed for simple accommodation of wireless access points from Symbol, Cisco, Meru, Meraki, Aruba, HP, and Motorola. Each model is specifically configured to house a particular model wireless access point. Antenna openings, cables, and internal mounting bracket are all coordinated to provide easy installation of the wireless access point. Explosion proof antennas suitable for the access point are included with each enclosure.
The latest addition to the product line is intended for use with the Meraki MR72 Access Point. A data sheet for the unit is included below, or you can contact Analynk for more information about this or any of their other industrial wireless products.
Wireless Access Point Installation in Hazardous Area
![]() |
Wireless access point enclosure for hazardous area |
Analynk Wireless manufactures industrial wireless communications products suitable for use in hazardous areas. One product line, Hazalynk, includes rated enclosures for popular wireless access points to enable installation in hazardous locations. Preconfigured models accommodate units from Cisco, Symbol, Meru, Aruba, Hewlett Packard, Motorola, and other brands. If there is not a preconfigured model for your preferred access point, contact Analynk. Arrangements are possible to accommodate most brands and models.
The Hazardous Area Access Point Enclosures are designed specifically to house the customer's selected access point device. The matching enclosure for an access point will have:
- Custom mounting bracket mating to the customer's access point.
- UL listed enclosure for subject hazardous area, including antenna locations coordinated with access point device arrangement.
- UL listed explosion proof antenna, one or more as need for the subject access point.
- All hardware, mounting plate, and RF cables to simplify installation and startup
Hazardous Area RF Antenna Opens Up Installation Possibilities
![]() |
Analynk Hazardous Area Antenna |
Analynk Wireless provides patented hazardous area explosion proof antennas for industrial installations. Their CTX and CTM series antennas carry an array of third party approvals and are suitable for use in a broad range of hazardous environments. Models can accommodate WiFi and other RF communications across frequency bands commonly utilized in industrial settings, as well as cellular and satellite communications.
Data sheets for the CTX and CTM Series antennas are included below for more detail. Share your wireless communication challenges and application questions with the experts at Analynk and work together to produce the best solutions.
Hazardous Area Wireless Equipment Enclosures Ease the Path to Implementation
![]() |
Analynk hazardous area wireless equipment enclosures are preconfigured for antenna connection. |
Analynk Wireless, innovators in the industrial wireless arena, provide a series of enclosures suitable for Class 1 Division 1 Groups C&D locations, as well as Class 1 Zone 1 applications. The enclosures are preconfigured to accommodate Analynk's hazardous area antenna, which provides access to a range of frequencies that include radio, cellular, and satellite communications.
The company also provides hazardous area rated enclosures for many popular industrial WiFi access points, preconfigured with antennas, equipment mounting bracket, and connection cables.
Share your industrial wireless communications challenges with the experts at Analynk Wireless. Combining your process expertise with their knowledge of wireless communications will produce the best solution.
New Explosion Proof Antenna for Iridium Satellite Industrial Communications
![]() |
Analynk antennas expanded capability includes Iridium satellite based communications |
There are two basic models, differing only in manner in which a connection is made to a suitable enclosure. The CTM model is provided with the M20 connection. The CTX model has a 3/4" NPT connector. Both models carry the same array of approvals for use in hazardous locations. The same construction that enables installation in a hazardous area also makes these units a good choice for any location requiring rugged construction.
A data sheet is provided below with details on approvals and specifications. Contact Analynk directly for any assistance you may need in meeting your wireless communication challenges. The company's extensive product offering is directed at the needs of the process control field.
Product Update - RoHS Compliant Hazardous Area Antenna
![]() |
Model CTX Antenna All Analynk hazardous area antennas are now RoHS compliant |
More information is available by reaching out directly to the product specialists at Analynk. Share your industrial wireless challenges with them and work toward a good solution.
Installing Wireless Access Point in Hazardous Area
![]() |
Model AP320 Wireless Access Point Courtesy Aruba Networks |
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 |
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)