What engineers need to consider when specifying temperature sensors for explosive environments
Temperature measurement is critical to the safe and efficient operation of countless industrial processes. But in hazardous locations where flammable gases, vapors, combustible dust, or fibers may be present, selecting the right temperature sensor involves much more than simply measuring temperature accurately.
Engineers must ensure that every component of the sensing system is designed to operate safely within the environment while meeting strict regulatory and performance requirements. Failure to do so can result in equipment damage, unplanned downtime, safety incidents, and compliance concerns.
What makes a location hazardous?
Hazardous locations are areas where potentially explosive atmospheres may exist due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers. These environments are common throughout industries such as power generation, oil and gas, chemical processing, refining, manufacturing, and other industrial operations.
In these applications, electrical devices must be designed and installed to prevent them from becoming a source of ignition. Temperature sensors are no exception.
The challenges of temperature measurement in hazardous environments
While standard temperature sensors may perform adequately in general industrial applications, hazardous locations introduce additional considerations that must be addressed during the design process.
Engineers must evaluate factors such as:
- Area classification requirements
- Explosion-proof or intrinsically safe designs
- Environmental sealing and enclosure protection
- Installation and wiring requirements
- Applicable industry codes and certifications
- Long-term reliability in demanding operating conditions
Meeting these requirements often requires specialized sensor designs that have been tested and certified for use in hazardous locations.
Engineering solutions for safety and compliance
At Conax Technologies, hazardous location temperature sensors are designed to help customers meet the stringent requirements associated with classified environments.
Conax CT Series and CBT Series temperature sensors are available in configurations suitable for hazardous locations and are certified for use in Class I, Class II, and Class III environments. These solutions are available in both thermocouple and RTD configurations, allowing engineers to select the sensing technology that best fits their application.
To complement these sensor solutions, Conax also offers hazardous location wire seals, including the HL and HLPL Series. These sealing solutions are designed to maintain the integrity of electrical enclosures while allowing wires and sensors to safely pass through pressure boundaries and hazardous area enclosures. By combining certified sensors with proven sealing technologies, Conax helps customers create complete temperature measurement solutions for demanding hazardous environments.
Customers can review available certifications and accreditations, including documentation for CT and CBT hazardous location sensors, by visiting the Conax Certifications and Accreditations page.
Why application-specific design matters
No two hazardous location applications are exactly alike. Environmental conditions, installation requirements, process temperatures, area classifications, and operational goals can vary significantly from one facility to another.
That is why successful temperature measurement solutions often require more than an off-the-shelf sensor.
For more than 75 years, Conax Technologies has worked closely with customers to understand their unique application challenges and develop solutions that meet both performance and safety requirements. Whether the need is a standard hazardous location sensor or a custom-engineered design, Conax delivers the expertise required to help customers operate safely and confidently in demanding environments.
If you would like to learn more about Conax CT Series and CBT Series Hazardous Location Temperature Sensors or discuss a specific application, contact us, email [email protected],
or call +1 800 223 2389.