The coupling and decoupling of live electrical equipment in potentially explosive environments is usually restricted to intrinsically safe installations, common in oil and gas exploration and production.

However, Hawke International is launching a ATEX and IEC Ex compliant connector, Instrumex, that is designed for live connection and disconnection of both intrinsically safe and non-intrinsically safe circuits in zones 1, 2, 21 and 22 applications.

Instrumex connectors offer a combination of both Exe increased safety and Exd flameproof concepts to provide live de-mate and engagement of circuits rated up to 10Amps at 250V ac. The connectors will primarily appeal to users in oil and gas exploration, production and processing, where they will provide a safe means of servicing, repairing and replacement of key equipment. In addition, they provide quick connect/disconnect features for temporary equipment and reduce hook-up time for permanent plant. 

For more information, visit www.ehawke.com