Power management company Eaton today announced that its Crouse-Hinds division has extended its range of safety switchgear with a new series of robust safety switches that are suitable for Zone 22 hazardous dust environments and for high ambient temperature industrial applications.
The GHG 981 series of switches are protected by an IP66 enclosure and earth terminals. The enclosures are available in plastic, powder-coated sheet steel or electropolished stainless steel versions and can be fitted with flanges and cable glands. The robust, corrosion-resistant switches are suitable for harsh industrial environments with extreme ambient temperatures from -55°C to + 55°C.
For extra protection, the switches can be locked in the “OFF” position by using up to three safety padlocks. The GHG 981 series is approved for use in Zone 22 hazardous dust environments such as flour/grain mills, sugar processing, woodworking, food processing, metal processing and other production environments where potentially explosive dusts are present.
GHG 981 switches are available in 3-, 4- or 6-pole versions in sizes ranging from 25A to 800A. The switches provide full AC 23A motor switching capacity and isolating properties to EN 60947-3 with compulsory opening of the main current contacts. An optional ‘EMERGENCY-STOP’ version is available to EN 60204-1, which features a red handle with a yellow backplate. For extreme switching conditions, additional leading or lagging auxiliary contacts guarantee safety.
“Occupational safety is always a top priority for companies and so when maintenance, cleaning or repair work needs to be carried out, it must be possible to isolate electrical machines and installations from the power supply, in an absolutely safe, reliable manner,” said Franz Ruscher, Product Line Manager Switchgear, Crouse-Hinds division.
“If safety switches are used, previous time-consuming safety measures such as the disconnection of electric motors are no longer necessary. The GHG 981 safety switches are not only approved for use in Zone 22 explosive dust atmospheres, but also provide padlocking features that enables the switches to be used as load break switches to provide adequate safety protection levels. GHG 981 switches are also easy to install and provide easily-accessible connection terminals,” added Ruscher.