Electrical Power & Protection


Protecting transmitters and smart transmitters from induced surges

September 2003 Electrical Power & Protection

The TP32 surge protection device is specifically designed to protect process transmitters and devices on fieldbus systems. The TP32 builds on the high specification of the acclaimed TP48 range to provide a level of surge protection for fieldbus transmitters that is well in excess of the optional transient protection available from some transmitter manufacturers.

The all important earth connection is made via the casing of the transmitter negating the need for a separate earth connection or ground stake at the transmitter. In operation, the TP32 makes sure that the transmitter electronics are never exposed to damaging transients between the lines and earth. Any surge current appearing as a series-mode or common mode transient is converted into a common-mode voltage whereupon the transmitter electronics are temporarily raised to some higher voltage level before 'floating' down automatically (and without damage) to resume normal operation.

The TP32 protection network is a hybrid design consisting of high-power, solid-state electronics and a gas discharge tube, which are capable of diverting surges up to 10 kA. Encased in an ANSI 16 stainless steel enclosure, the TP32 exhibits significant mechanical durability, providing years of maintenance free operation in harsh environments. The enclosure is available threaded for all the common conduit entries. Versions are available for ½" NPT, 20 mm ISO and G ½" (BSP ½") threaded entries.

Installation is very simple and can easily be carried out retrospectively to existing installations. The TP32 is screwed into any unused conduit entry on the transmitter case allowing flying leads to connect the device to the terminal block (+ve, -ve) and the internal earth stud within the transmitter housing. By connecting in parallel to the transmitter circuit, the TP32 does not interfere with the normal operation of the bus - passing AC or DC signals without adding increased voltage drop across the segment while consistently diverting surge currents safely to earth and clamping output voltages to safe levels.

Approvals for intrinsically safe, flameproof/explosion proof and non-incendive operation are available, in all gas groups and apparatus temperature classification up to T6.CSA and FM approval is also available. The TP32 is designed to meet the requirements of IEC 61158-2:2000 and ANSI/ISA-50.02-2:1992 for 31.25 KB/s systems as used by Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus-PA and WorldFIP.

For more information contact Andy Brown, sales director, Temperature Controls, 011 791 6000, [email protected], www.tempcon.co.za



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