SUCO introduces world’s most compact ATEX pressure switch

Explosion protection in hazardous areas

The new ATEX pressure switches are based on the well-proven product series 0340/0341, which have gained an excellent reputation in the fields of mechanical engineering, food industry as well as chemical and medical technology.

The series 0342/0343 is approved according to ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU and IECEx scheme for explosion protection zones 1+2 (gas), 21+22 (dust) and mining (methane and coal dust). The ATEX pressure switches with protection insulation of protection class II are suited for supply voltages up to 250 V. Like almost all SUCO pressure switches, the switching point can easily be adjusted during operation with an adjustment screw.

With a mounting size of only 52 mm at hex 27, the 0342/0343 series are currently the most compact ATEX pressure switches with broad approval for gas, dust and mining applications.

ATEX / IECEx Marking

Gases and vapours (zones 1+2) II 2G Ex db IIC T6/T5 Gb

Dusts (zones 21+22): II 2D Ex tb IIIC T80°C/ T100°C Db

Methane / coal dust: I M2 Ex db I Mb

As part of the technical design, the dimensions of the ignition gaps have been reduced to a minimum, resulting in the ignition protection type "Flameproof Enclosure (Ex d)" for gas protection zones 1+2 according DIN EN 60079-1:2014. The flameproof enclosure ensures that any ignition or explosion occurring inside the housing is enclosed within it and cannot have any effect on the environment. The constructive design ensures that the level of protection within a potentially explosive atmosphere is increased many times over.

The diaphragm pressure switch (Type 0342) is available in four variable pressure ranges (0.3 - 50 bar) with a 6-times overpressure safety up to 300 bar. In the pressure range 50 - 150 bar, the piston pressure switch (Type 0343) even withstands a static pressure up to 600 bar.

To eliminate possible user errors while connecting the contacts within the Ex-area, both ATEX pressure switches are offered ready-wired and encapsulated (IP65) in the standard cable lengths 2 or 5m.

Due to the successful approvals according to the ATEX directive and IECEx scheme for the equipment categories gas (II 2G), dust (II 2D) and mining (I M2), the 0342/0343 series can be used in almost any ATEX zone, where an explosive atmosphere may occur.

These are mainly process industries, such as chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, food, sugar, pulp, paper, wood and steel industries.

Further applications can be found in power generation, medical technology, paint and surface technology, waste disposal and recycling, bulk goods and conveyor technology as well as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technology.