New generation of Earth-Rite® hazardous area safety systems employs “ground breaking” technology

The new generation of Earth-Rite hazardous area static grounding systems from Newson Gale incorporates many innovative and practical features which advance safety, reliability and ease of use in all hazardous areas. In the world-wide chemical and process industries, Earth-Rite static grounding systems are already well established as a key protocol for preventing fires and explosions occurring from electrostatic (spark) discharges during transfer, processing and handling of flammable or combustible liquids, gases and powders.

The recently upgraded and enhanced Earth-Rite RTR™ and Earth-Rite PLUS herald the first wave of a radical advancement in static grounding technology, designed to provide the user with an overwhelming range of operational, safety and maintenance related benefits.

The Earth-Rite PLUS is a very flexible system which may be used to prove good low-resistance static grounding and bonding connections for all conductive (metal) items, including drums, vessels, IBCs, mobile tanks and railcars, in line with Cenelec and NFPA guidelines (< 10 Ohms resistance to ground). For dedicated operations involving Road Tanker Trucks, the patented Earth-Rite RTR provides additional failsafe static ground verification and tanker truck recognition.

Both systems are certified to IECEx and ATEX standards for installation and use in all common hazardous areas, including the very highest gas group approvals (EEx d (ia) IIC T6). Power supply units may be selected from 220/240VAC or 110/120VAC and are suitable for operating temperatures from – 40 deg C to + 55 deg C. The Earth-Rite PLUS and Earth-Rite RTR have been assessed for functional safety and received a SIL 2 rating according to IEC 61508. 
 
Permissive condition (verified safe static grounding prior to product transfer) results in a hi-visibility local indication via pulsing green multi-cluster LEDs, as well as a pair of voltage-free contacts to enable control of pump and valves in addition to outputs to control systems or alarm devices.

All units are compact and easy to install and maintain, and are shipped complete with a detailed installation manual together with optional installer’s kit containing cable glands, wiring and other useful items, while on-board diagnostic “self-checking” electronics makes initial set-up and commission straightforward. The Intrinsically Safe Ground Connection Junction Box, together with “Quick Connect” feature on the cable and clamp enhances safety and simplifies on-going maintenance in hazardous areas.

Newson Gale manufactures an innovative and comprehensive range of static grounding equipment for hazardous areas, which is available worldwide via a network of specialist distributors and representatives. To learn more about the Earth-Rite PLUS and Earth-Rite RTR, visit the Newson Gale website www.newson-gale.com or contact your local office.

For further information or assistance, please contact:

Wendy Knapman    0115 940 7513 / E-mail: wendy.knapman@newson-gale.co.uk