Safety Under Pressure: New ATEX-Approved Terminal Blocks for Hazardous Environments

In industrial settings, safety is paramount. This is especially true in environments where the risk of explosion exists due to flammable gases, vapors, mists or combustible dust. For electrical installations in these potentially hazardous locations, standard components often are not enough. You need equipment specifically designed and certified to prevent ignition.

This is where ATEX and IECEx-approved terminal blocks come in. These connection technologies — which include our new line of ATEX-IECEx approved DIN RAIL terminal blocks — provide enhanced safety and reliability in these critical installations. Here's an overview of these products.

Terminal Block Technical Features

The ATEX and IECEx directives are international standards for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. They consider both electrical sources of explosion and potentially explosive concentrations of gas, vapor, mist and dust in the air.

Our new ATEX-IECEx approved terminal blocks are designed for use in ATEX/IECEx certified enclosures with a minimum IP54 rating. Key features and safety requirements include:

• Temperature ranges: Terminal blocks feature a maximum service temperature of 110°C, with an ambient temperature range of -60° to +66°C at mounting position. For some models, the ambient temperature range is -40° to +40°C, with a service temperature range of -40° to +85°C.
• Insulation material: Polyamide 66, CTI 600 / Material Group 1.
• Wire sizes: Wire sizes range from 24AWG up to 250kcmil, depending on the model.
• Marking: Altech Terminal Blocks with ATEX-IECEx approval are marked accordingly.
  • For increased safety ("e"): Ex eb IIC Gb. Some are marked Ex ec IIC Gc, signifying robust construction to prevent ignition sources for hazardous gas environments.
  • For intrinsic safety ("i"): Ex ib IIC Gb. Some are also marked Ex ic IIC Gc, indicating the circuit's electrical and thermal energy is restricted to levels insufficient to cause ignition in an explosive atmosphere.

A Versatile Product Line for Every Need

Our new ATEX-IECEx approved line includes a variety of terminal block technologies to meet diverse application requirements. Choose from the following product lines:

• CP Series Push-In Terminal Blocks: These feature tool-less connection, a stainless steel push-in spring and a universal push-in jumper system for fast and reliable wiring.
• CX Series Spring/Cage Clamp Terminal Blocks: Known for their compact design and stainless steel spring, these blocks also utilize the universal push-in jumper system.
• CY Series Screw Clamp Terminal Blocks: Combining a strong screw clamping system with the modern universal push-in jumper system, this series includes snap-on ground blocks.
• CT Series Screw Clamp Terminal Blocks: This series offers a large range of block types for various applications and uses a traditional screw-type jumper system.

In addition to these, we offer Ring Lug and Stud Terminals for severe vibration and large wire sizes, as well as Panel Mount and Mini Rail Terminal Blocks, which provide compact wiring solutions with both screw and spring/cage clamp technologies.

Learn More

Using components that are certified to meet the stringent requirements of ATEX and IECEx is a critical step in ensuring operational safety and reliability in potentially explosive atmospheres.

With a comprehensive range of connection technologies and specialized designs, our new line of terminal blocks provides the certified, high-quality solutions needed to power your operations safely.

To learn more about these products, please visit our website.