BEKA BA201 Communications Isolator Instruction Manual
- June 12, 2024
- BEKA
Table of Contents
BEKA BA201 Communications Isolator
Product Information
The BA201 Communications Isolator is a device that is compliant with the European Explosive Atmospheres Directive 2014/34/EU and the European EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. It is also compliant with UK statutory requirements Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations UKSI 2016:1107 (as amended) and with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations UKSI 2016:1091 (as amended).
This isolator is primarily designed for communicating with and powering BEKA intrinsically safe Serial Text Displays, but it can also be used with other intrinsically safe hazardous area equipment that has compatible intrinsic safety parameters.
The BA201 Communications Isolator can power the Serial Text
Display, and depending on the wiring configuration, up to four displays can be
connected to each isolator. To prevent earth loops,both communications ports
are functionally isolated from the BA201 power supply, allowing an earthed or
floating supply to be used.
The isolator has been certified by IECEx, ATEX, UKCA, FM Entity,and Nonincendive, allowing for installation worldwide.
Product Usage Instructions
Installation
- The BA201 Communications Isolator should only be installed by trained competent personnel.
- Mount the isolator on a DIN rail complying with DIN46277,EN50022, or BS5584. It can be clipped to any low or high profile 35mm wide ‘top hat’ rail. Horizontal or vertical rail can be used, but if the ambient temperature is likely to exceed 30°C, a horizontal rail is recommended.
- Ensure that there is a gap of at least 2mm between adjacent BA201 isolators. Increase the gap to 5mm if the ambient temperature is likely to exceed 50°C.
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The BA201 Communications Isolator is CE marked to show compliance with the
European Explosive Atmospheres Directive 2014/34/EU and the European EMC
Directive 2014/30/EU.
The BA201 Communications Isolator is UKCA marked to show compliance with UK
statutory requirements Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations UKSI 2016:1107 (as amended) and
with the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations UKSI 2016:1091 (as
amended).
These instructions describe the function, certification, installation, safe
use and maintenance of the BEKA BA201 Communications Isolator. This isolator
is primarily intended for communicating with and powering BEKA intrinsically
safe Serial Text Displays, but may be used with other intrinsically safe
hazardous area equipment having compatible intrinsic safety parameters.
DESCRIPTION
The BA201 Communications Isolator is a dedicated interface for connecting intrinsically safe BEKA Serial Text Displays, such as the BA484D and the BA488C, to a safe area computer system. It is certified as intrinsically safe associated apparatus and must be installed in a non-hazardous safe area. The BA201 provides intrinsically safe galvanic isolation between the safe and hazardous areas, plus conversion of RS232 or RS485 serial data to the dedicated 2 or 3-wire communications signalling required by BEKA Serial Text Displays.
The BA201 Communications Isolator also powers the Serial Text Display and, depending upon the wiring configuration, up to four displays may be connected to each BA201 Isolator. To prevent earth loops, both communications ports are functionally isolated from the BA201 power supply allowing an earthed or floating supply to be used.
CERTIFICATION
The BA201 Communications Isolator has the following intrinsic safety associated apparatus certifications that permit installation throughout the world:
-
IECEx IECEx ITS 07.0014
-
ATEX ITS07ATEX25602
-
UKCA ITS21UKEX0086
-
FM Entity & Nonincendive
File number 3029711 -
cFM Entity & Nonincendive
File number 3029711C
The IECEx, ATEX and UKCA certifications and installations, which comply with similar standards, are described in the main section of this instruction sheet.
IECEx, ATEX and UKCA certification
UK Approved Body Intertek Testing & Certification Ltd have issued the BA201 Communication Isolator with an IECEx Certificate of Conformity IECEx ITS 07.0014. They have also issued a UK-Type Examination Certificate ITS21UKEX0086 which has been used to claim compliance with UK statutory requirements for II (1) G [Ex ia Ga] IIC associated apparatus.
Notified Body Intertek Italia S.p.A. have issued the BA201 Communication
Isolator with EU-Type Examination Certificate ITS07ATEX25602. which has been
used to claim compliance with the European ATEX Directive 2014/30/EU for II
(1) G [Ex ia Ga] IIC associated apparatus.
The Communications Isolator carries the Community and UKCA Marks,subject to
local codes of practice, it may be installed in any of the EEA member
countries and in the UK. The IECEx certificate allows worldwide installation,
either directly or as a means to obtain local approval. This instruction sheet
describes installations which conform to EN 60079:14 Electrical installations
design, selection and erection.
When designing systems for installation outside the UK, the local Code of
Practice should be consulted. Fig 2 shows the certification information label
that is on the side of the BA201 isolator.
Safety parameters
The IECEx, ATEX and UKCA certifications specify the following intrinsic safety parameters:
Um = 250V
Terminals 1 with respect to 3
- Uo = 21.2V
- Io = 96mA
- Po = 0.51W
- Co = 183nF
- Lo = 3.2mH
Terminals 2 with respect to 3
- Uo = 13.7V
- Io = 84mA
- Po = 0.45W
- Co = 0.78μF
- Lo = 4.1mH
Terminals 1, 2 & 3
- Uo = 21.2V
- Io = 159mA
- Po = 0.85W
- Ci = 11nF
- Li = 0
- Co = 0.172μF
- Lo = 1mH
INSTALLATION
The BA201 should only be installed by trained competent personnel.
Location
The BA201 Communications Isolator is certified as associated apparatus and may
only be installed in a safe area where it will not be exposed to flammable
gases or combustible dusts. Additional protection is required if the
installation is damp or susceptible to impact. If the
Communications Isolator is required in a hazardous area it must be protected
by a flameproof, pressurised or purged enclosure. Although certified for uses
between –40 and +70oC, the guaranteed operating temperature range is –20 to
+60 oC.
Mounting
The isolator is DIN rail mounting and may be clipped to any low or high
profile 35mm wide ‘top hat’ rail complying with DIN46277, EN50022 or BS5584.
Horizontal or vertical rail may be used, but if the ambient temperature is
likely to exceed 30oC a horizontal rail is recommended.
A gap of at least 2mm should be left between adjacent BA201 isolators
increasing to 5mm if the ambient temperature is likely to exceed 50oC.
Wiring to the hazardous area from the BA201 blue terminals should be
segregated from all safe area wiring as specified in EN 60079-14.
To remove a BA201 isolator from the DIN rail, use a screwdriver to gently
slide the red securing clip outwards as shown in Fig 3.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DESIGN
The BA201 is primarily designed for powering and communicating with BEKA
intrinsically safe Serial Text Displays such as the BA484D and BA488C, but it
may be used with other certified hazardous apparatus with compatible entity
parameters.
These instructions should be read in conjunction with those for the BEKA
Serial Text Display which define the connections between the isolator and the
Serial Text Display(s) for 2 and 3-wire systems.
Power supply
The BA201 Communications Isolator requires a 20 to 35V dc supply.
The isolator power supply terminals are electrically isolated from the serial
communications terminals allowing an earthed of floating supply to be used.
The current drawn depends upon the number of Serial Text Displays connected to
the isolator.
Serial communication
The BA201 Communications Isolator has an RS232 and an RS485 safe area port,
but only one of them may be used at a time. No configuration is required, it
is only necessary to connect to the required port, the isolator will
automatically function at any of the Serial Text
Display communication rates between 300 and 19.2k baud. The unused port should
be left unconnected.
Four green LEDs on the top of the BA201 indicate the isolator’s status as
shown in Fig 4.
Fig 4 LED status indicators
LED FUNCTION
- Pwr Power supply
- RS232 RS232 serial communication functioning
- Tx Serial communication being transmitted by isolator
- Rx Serial communication being received by the isolator
- (Does not imply that the message is valid)
ACCESSORIES
Tag number
BA201 isolators can be supplied identified by a tag number thermally printed
onto the label adjacent to the status LEDs protected by a hinged transparent
window. Alternatively a tag number may be added on-site using a self-adhesive
label.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
The mechanical condition of the isolator and terminations should be regularly checked. Inspection frequency should be adjusted to suit the environmental conditions.
SERVICING
No attempt should be made to repair a faulty BA201 Communications Isolator.
Suspect isolators should be returned to BEKA associates or our local agent for
repair.
GUARANTEE
Communication Isolators which fail within the guarantee period should be
returned to BEKA associates or our local agent. It is helpful if a brief
description of the fault symptoms is provided.
CUSTOMER COMMENTS
BEKA associates is always pleased to receive comments from customers about our
products and services. All communications are acknowledged and whenever
possible, suggestions are implemented.
INSTALLATION IN THE USA & CANADA
The BA201 has intrinsic safety and nonincendive FM & cFM Approval allowing
installation in the USA and Canada. Installations must comply with the BEKA
associates Control Drawing CI201-12 which may be downloaded from the BEKA
website, www.beka.co.uk.
BEKA associates Ltd, Old Charlton Rd., Hitchin, Herts. SG5 2DA UK Tel: +44(0)1462 438301 www.beka.co.uk