Ashcroft LS ATEX Series Instruction Manual

IM-LS/ATEX-EN-Rev D 04/2021 1 of 22
095I403-02EN
Installation and Maintenance
Instruction Manual
Level Switch Model LS
for explosion risk areas pursuant to Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX)
In the versions:
LS###ATEX

Page 2 of 22
Table of Contents:
1General remarks.........................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Purpose of this manual......................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Symbols .............................................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Limitation of liability............................................................................................................................................4
1.4 Copyright............................................................................................................................................................4
1.5 Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................4
1.6 Manufacturer address, customer service ..........................................................................................................4
2Safety..........................................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 General sources of danger ................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Intended use......................................................................................................................................................5
2.3 Operator’s responsibility ....................................................................................................................................5
2.4 Personnel qualification.......................................................................................................................................6
2.5 Signs/safety marking .........................................................................................................................................6
2.6 Environmental protection...................................................................................................................................6
3Use in potentially explosive atmospheres according to Directive 2014/34/EU ATEX................................................6
3.1 Range of use:.....................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 Intrinsic safe execution Ex ia .............................................................................................................................7
3.3 Flameproof enclosure execution Ex d ...............................................................................................................8
3.4 Special operating conditions for safe use in potentially explosive atmospheres...............................................9
4Technical data ..........................................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Reed contacts..................................................................................................................................................10
4.2 Electrical Wiring...............................................................................................................................................10
5Marking of the device ...............................................................................................................................................12
5.1 Labeling ...........................................................................................................................................................12
6Structure and function ..............................................................................................................................................13
6.1 Overview..........................................................................................................................................................13
6.2 Functional description......................................................................................................................................14
6.3 Description of the components........................................................................................................................14
7Transportation ..........................................................................................................................................................14
7.1 Delivery............................................................................................................................................................14
7.2 Storage ............................................................................................................................................................14
8Assembly/Installation................................................................................................................................................15
8.1 Preparation ......................................................................................................................................................15
8.2 Requirements for the installation site...............................................................................................................15
8.3 Process connection..........................................................................................................................................15
8.4 Electrical connection........................................................................................................................................16
8.5 Starting up........................................................................................................................................................16
8.6 Subsequent relocation of the level switch .......................................................................................................16
9Maintenance.............................................................................................................................................................16
9.1 Cleaning...........................................................................................................................................................16
9.2 Cleaning and maintenance..............................................................................................................................17
10 Faults ...................................................................................................................................................................17
10.1 Behavior after rectifying the fault .....................................................................................................................17

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11 Dismantling & disposal ........................................................................................................................................17
11.1 Disassembly.....................................................................................................................................................17
11.2 Disposal ...........................................................................................................................................................18
12 Appendix..............................................................................................................................................................18
12.1 Data Sheet Level Switch..................................................................................................................................18
12.2 Declaration of conformity for Level Switch ......................................................................................................19

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1 General remarks
The level switch described in these operating instructions is designed using the latest standards, guidelines and findings.
During the manufacturing processes, all components are subject to our high quality and environmental criteria. For this
purpose, we maintain certified management systems according to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. For the special
requirements of devices for intended use in potentially explosive atmospheres, we maintain a management system
according to ISO 80079-34.
1.1 Purpose of this manual
These operating instructions contain basic instructions that must be followed for the installation, operation and
maintenance of the device. It must be read by the installer, the operator and the specialist personnel responsible for the
device before the device is installed and commissioned. These operating instructions must always be available at the
place of use.
The following sections on general safety instructions 2 as well as the following special instructions on intended use 2.2
to disposal 0 contain important safety instructions, the non-observance of which may cause health and safety hazards
to people, in particular to workers, and possibly to domestic and farm animals, as well as property.
1.2 Symbols
Warning.
...indicates a potentially hazardous situation, the non-observance of which may cause hazards to
the health and safety of people, especially workers, and possibly to domestic and farm animals,
as well as property.
Information.
... highlights important information for efficient and trouble-free operation.
1.3 Limitation of liability
Improper use of the equipment, failure to observe the operating instructions, use of unqualified personnel for installation
and maintenance work, or unauthorized modifications to this equipment will inevitably result in the loss of liability claims
against the equipment manufacturer.
1.4 Copyright
These operating instructions may only be reproduced and passed on as a complete document without the special
consent of the publisher.
Subject to technical changes.
1.5 Warranty
For the product described here we grant warranty according to § 6 warranty for defects, in our General Terms and
conditions of delivery and payment.
1.6 Manufacturer address, customer service
Ashcroft Instruments GmbH
Max Planck Street 1
D-52499 Baesweiler
Tel.: [phone]
Fax.: [phone]
Mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.ashcroft.eu

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2 Safety
2.1 General sources of danger
Level switches can be part of oleodynamic equipment or fluid reservoirs, in case of damage or leakage of the fluid tank
it can result in hazardous situations. The selection of switches should be made in accordance with the applicable
standards, regulations and engineering practice.
The devices are only to be used for the intended purpose as described by the manufacturer.
2.2 Intended use
The devices may only be used for the purpose intended by the manufacturer.
The intended use of the devices, determined by the manufacturer, is to control the presence of liquid contained in a
tank, supplying electrical signal to a control panel when its level changes. The fluid storage, which can be low
pressurized, can be part of a potentially explosive atmospheres.
According to the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU, the device is classified as pressure-maintaining equipment
without a safety function in accordance with Article 4(3) of the Directive.
When operating the device, care must be taken to ensure that the medium used is harmless to the selected device
material. Process media that exhibit changes in the state of aggregation within a range of application can influence the
functionality. Negative influences must be avoided for this reason. The process condition of these media must be within
the technical limits of the device.
Further technical data on the intended use are summarized in the product data sheet,see section 12.1 these instructions.
2.3 Operator’s responsibility
Instructions for the proper operation of the device must be observed. They are to be provided by the operator, the
respective qualified personnel for installation, maintenance and operation. Risks from electrical energy and from the
released energy of the medium, from escaping media and from improper connection of the device must be eliminated.
The details for this are to be found in the corresponding applicable set of regulations, such as DIN EN, UVV (accident
prevention regulations) and in sector-specific instances of use (DVWG, Ex-. GL, etc.), the VDE guidelines and the
regulations supplied by local utilities companies. The device must be included in the equipotential grounding within the
system.
The device must be taken out of operation and secured against unintentional operation if it must be assumed that safe
operation is no longer possible (see chapter 10, Faults).
Opening the device when energized and performing technical modifications by the customer violate the
explosion protection approval and are not permitted.
The operational safety of the device and the manufacturer's warranty are only guaranteed if the device is used as
intended. The device design must be adapted to the medium and potentially explosive atmosphere used in the plant.
The limit values specified in the technical data must not be exceeded.
The safety instructions listed in this operating manual, existing national regulations for accident prevention and internal
work, operating and safety regulations must be observed by the operator. Furthermore, he is responsible for ensuring
that all prescribed maintenance, inspection and assembly work is carried out by authorized and qualified personnel.
The device may be regarded as a pressure-maintaining part of a plant in a potentially explosive atmosphere. The
operator of this plant is obliged to carry out an ignition hazard analysis and a zone classification.

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2.4 Personnel qualification
The device may only be installed and commissioned by trained specialist personnel.
Specialized personnel are persons who are able to perform the work assigned to them due to their specialized training,
experience and knowledge of the country-specific regulations, applicable standards and guidelines. For explosion-
protected devices, the personnel must be trained or instructed or authorized to work on explosion-protected devices in
hazardous areas.
2.5 Signs/safety marking
The device is provided with a label. The label shows the type designation, serial number, year of manufacture, certificate
of approval number, Ex marking (including X for special conditions of use) and manufacturer.
With agency approval Ex d the device is provided with two warning label:
DO NOT OPEN WHEN ENERGIZED OR EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE IS PRESENT
The operator must check the label, which is important for the use in potentially explosive atmospheres, at regular
intervals to ensure that it remains legible.
The outer packaging is labelled with the type designation, order number, item number and manufacturer's data.
2.6 Environmental protection
This device contain electrical components. The provisions of the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization
and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) 2006/1907/EC must be observed, the corresponding safety data sheets of the
manufacturers of the chemicals, are available for download on our website. At the end of the product life cycle, we
recommend to recycle the devices, as they are mostly made of stainless steel. Instructions for disassembly, material
separation and disposal can be found in chapters 11.1 and 0
3 Use in potentially explosive atmospheres according to Directive
2014/34/EU ATEX
3.1 Range of use:
Potentially explosive atmospheres Zone 0, 1 and 2, as well as 21, hazard due to gases and dry dusts.
The permissible environment has the usual oxygen content (21%), ambient pressure 80 kPa (0.8 bar) to 110 kPa (1.1
bar).
The requirements of the applicable standards EN IEC 60079-0, EN ISO 60079-1, EN 60079-31 or EN ISO 60079-11,
EN ISO 60079-26 were considered by an ignition hazard assessment. The applicable requirements of these standards
have been met.
The documentation has been filed with TÜV-Italia Gruppo TÜV Süd NB 0948 (see Declaration of Conformity).
Fluid Temperatures:
Permissible max. medium temperature in the
measuring system
≤ 70 °C
The medium temperature depends on the ignition temperature of the surrounding gas, vapours or dust, on the design
of the device, the surface, as well as the ambient temperature and other external heat sources. The device itself does
not have its own heat source.

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3.2 Intrinsic safe execution Ex ia
Ambient temperatures for intrinsic safety series:
Execution
Min. / Max. permissible ambient
temperature
Temperature class
Enclosure with wire
terminals (LS)
- 60°C to +80°C
T6
To avoid additional temperature increase, the devices should not be exposed to direct exposure to sunlight when in
operation!
When process temperatures for Ex ia are elevated, see below maximum temperature reachable on LS
stem/slide bar
3.2.1 Labeling
Ex marking according to
2014/34/EU
Ex marking
according to EN 60079-0
II
1G
Ex ia
IIC
IIB
T6
Ga
X
CE marking
Marking for explosion protection
II
Group II equipment is intended for use in places
with explosive gas atmospheres, excluding mine
gas and/or dust from hazardous mining
operations.
1G
Equipment group for gases and vapors in which an
explosive atmosphere may occur continuously during
normal operation.
Ex ia
Marking according to the equipment protection level for electrical
equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres
(intrinsic safety)
IIB
Suitable for gas atmosphere IIB
IIC
Suitable for gas atmosphere IIC
T6
Maximum surface temperatures which are mainly dependent on the operating conditions
Ga
Equipment for explosive gas atmospheres, having a “very high” level of protection, which is not a
source of ignition in normal operations, during expected malfunctions or during rare
malfunctions.
X
Special conditions of use must be observed
Model
EPL
Ambient
Temperature
MAX. Process
Temperature
Temperature
Class
Level Switch (LS)
ia
-60°C +80°C
80°C
T6
ia
-60°C +70°C
150°C
T6

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3.2.2 Intrinsic ATEX ia wiring
For any ASHCROFT®Level Switch with intrinsic safety certification (Ex ia) the following electrical parameters have to
be considered: Li= 4 μH and Ci= 20 pF
Power supply parameters: Ui≤ 30 V and Ii≤160 mA
3.3 Flameproof enclosure execution Ex d
When process temperatures for Ex d are elevated, see below maximum temperature reachable on LS
stem/slide bar
Model
EPL
Ambient
Temperature
MAX. Process
Temperature
Temperature
Class
Level Switch (LS)
d
-60°C +80°C
80°C
T6
d
-60°C +70°C
150°C
T6

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3.3.1 Labeling
Ex marking according to 2014/34/EU
Ex marking
according to EN 60079-0
II
2G
2D
Ex db
Ex tb
IIB
IIC
IIIC
T6
T80°C
Gb
Db
X
CE marking
Marking for explosion protection
II
Group II equipment is intended for use in places with explosive gas
atmospheres, excluding mine gas and/or dust from hazardous mining
operations.
2G
Equipment group for gases and vapors in which an explosive
atmosphere may occasionally occur during normal operation.
2D
Equipment group for dusts in which an explosive atmosphere may occur during
normal operation or for a short time.
Ex db
Marking according to the equipment protection level for electrical equipment in
potentially explosive atmospheres
(flameproof enclosure)
Ex tb
Marking according to the equipment protection level for electrical equipment in potentially
explosive atmospheres
(protection through the enclosure)
IIB
Suitable for gas atmosphere IIB
IIC
Suitable for gas atmosphere IIC
IIIC
Suitable for flammable suspended solids, non-conductive and conductive dust
T6
T80°C
Maximum surface temperatures which are mainly dependent on the operating conditions
Gb
Equipment protection level for gases containing all potential ignition sources that are effective, which may occur during normal
operation, in expected malfunctions.
Db
Equipment protection level for dusts containing all potential ignition sources that are effective, which can occur during normal operation, in
expected malfunctions.
X
Special conditions of use must be observed
3.4 Special operating conditions for safe use in potentially explosive atmospheres
Maintenance work to be carried out, from chap. 9 by unauthorized personnel may result in damage and lead to loss of
approval.
To avoid possible spark generation due to static charge, the device should always be cleaned with a damp cloth.
The legibility of the nameplates must be checked at regular intervals. It must remain legible throughout the entire period
of use of the device. If a reliable reading is no longer given, please contact the manufacturer.
Impacts on the device must be avoided at all costs. Impacts or shocks can produce sparks.
It is the responsibility of the operator to evaluate attached process components or accessories together with the
delivered device by means of an ignition hazard analysis. The operator must recognize the ignition hazards and prevent
them by using appropriate protective measures.
The operator must comply with the points from chapter 2.3 "Responsibility of the operator".

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4 Technical data
For detailed technical data, please refer to the documents in the appendix chapter 12.
4.1 Reed contacts
Maximum current table for Reed contacts
Number of contacts
1
2
3
5
7
Maximum
power load
SPST
40 W [VA]
SPST
60 W [VA]
SPST
120 W [VA]
SPST
60 W [VA]
SPST
5 W [VA]
Max charge in
Voltage [V]
Max current load in Ampere [A]
6
2
3
3
1
0,25
12
2
3
3
1
0,25
24
1,5
2,5
3
1
0,2
48
0,8
1,25
2,5
1
0,1
110
0,3
0,5
1
0,5
0,05
230
0,15
0,25
0,5
0,25
-
Note 1:
The electric charge to the level switch should not exceed the electric tension and current load
values indicated on the table.
Note 2:
In case of power charge piloting, it is necessary to use auxiliary relays or snubbers/suppressors.
4.2 Electrical Wiring
The wiring of the ASHCROFT®Level Switches is available in various configurations:
Two, three or four wires sealed cable
Box with terminal blocks weatherproof “S” or explosion proof “A” version; the housing have two electrical
entries located a side.