Vega EL 8 User manual

Operating Instructions
Conductive rod electrode
Conductive probe EL 8
Document ID: 32655

2
Contents
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
Contents
1 About this document ............................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Function ........................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Target group ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Symbols used................................................................................................................... 3
2 For your safety ......................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Authorised personnel ....................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Appropriate use................................................................................................................ 4
2.3 Warning about incorrect use............................................................................................. 4
2.4 General safety instructions............................................................................................... 4
2.5 Installation and operation in the USA and Canada ........................................................... 5
2.6 Safety instructions for Ex areas ........................................................................................ 5
2.7 Environmental instructions ............................................................................................... 5
3 Product description ................................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Conguration.................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Principle of operation........................................................................................................ 7
3.3 Adjustment ....................................................................................................................... 7
3.4 Packaging, transport and storage..................................................................................... 7
4 Mounting................................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 General instructions ......................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Mounting instructions ....................................................................................................... 9
5 Connecting to power supply................................................................................................. 11
5.1 Preparing the connection ............................................................................................... 11
5.2 Wiring plan ..................................................................................................................... 11
6 Setup ....................................................................................................................................... 13
6.1 General information........................................................................................................ 13
7 Maintenanceandfaultrectication...................................................................................... 14
7.1 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 14
7.2 Rectify faults................................................................................................................... 14
7.3 Shortening the probe...................................................................................................... 14
7.4 How to proceed if a repair is necessary.......................................................................... 14
8 Dismount................................................................................................................................. 16
8.1 Dismounting steps.......................................................................................................... 16
8.2 Disposal ......................................................................................................................... 16
9 Supplement ............................................................................................................................ 17
9.1 Technical data ................................................................................................................ 17
9.2 Dimensions .................................................................................................................... 18
9.3 Industrial property rights................................................................................................. 19
Editing status: 2022-03-11

3
1 About this document
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
1 About this document
1.1 Function
This instruction provides all the information you need for mounting,
connection and setup as well as important instructions for mainte-
nance,faultrectication,theexchangeofpartsandthesafetyofthe
user. Please read this information before putting the instrument into
operation and keep this manual accessible in the immediate vicinity
of the device.
1.2 Target group
This operating instructions manual is directed to trained personnel.
Thecontentsofthismanualmustbemadeavailabletothequalied
personnel and implemented.
1.3 Symbols used
Document ID
This symbol on the front page of this instruction refers to the Docu-
ment ID. By entering the Document ID on www.vega.com you will
reach the document download.
Information, note, tip: This symbol indicates helpful additional infor-
mation and tips for successful work.
Note: This symbol indicates notes to prevent failures, malfunctions,
damage to devices or plants.
Caution: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
may result in personal injury.
Warning: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
may result in serious or fatal personal injury.
Danger: Non-observance of the information marked with this symbol
results in serious or fatal personal injury.
Ex applications
This symbol indicates special instructions for Ex applications.
• List
The dot set in front indicates a list with no implied sequence.
1 Sequence of actions
Numbers set in front indicate successive steps in a procedure.
Disposal
This symbol indicates special instructions for disposal.

4
2 For your safety
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
2 For your safety
2.1 Authorised personnel
All operations described in this documentation must be carried out
onlybytrained,qualiedpersonnelauthorisedbytheplantoperator.
During work on and with the device, the required personal protective
equipment must always be worn.
2.2 Appropriate use
The EL 8 is a sensor for point level detection.
Youcannddetailedinformationabouttheareaofapplicationin
chapter " Product description".
Operational reliability is ensured only if the instrument is properly
usedaccordingtothespecicationsintheoperatinginstructions
manual as well as possible supplementary instructions.
For safety and warranty reasons, any invasive work on the device
beyond that described in the operating instructions manual may be
carried out only by personnel authorised by the manufacturer. Arbi-
traryconversionsormodicationsareexplicitlyforbidden.
2.3 Warning about incorrect use
Inappropriate or incorrect use of this product can give rise to applica-
tion-specichazards,e.g.vesseloverllthroughincorrectmounting
or adjustment. Damage to property and persons or environmental
contamination can result. Also, the protective characteristics of the
instrument can be impaired.
2.4 General safety instructions
This is a state-of-the-art instrument complying with all prevailing
regulations and directives.The instrument must only be operated in a
technicallyawlessandreliablecondition.Theoperatorisresponsi-
ble for the trouble-free operation of the instrument. When measuring
aggressive or corrosive media that can cause a dangerous situation
if the instrument malfunctions, the operator has to implement suitable
measures to make sure the instrument is functioning properly.
The safety instructions in this operating instructions manual, the na-
tional installation standards as well as the valid safety regulations and
accident prevention rules must be observed by the user.
For safety and warranty reasons, any invasive work on the device
beyond that described in the operating instructions manual may be
carried out only by personnel authorised by the manufacturer. Arbi-
traryconversionsormodicationsareexplicitlyforbidden.Forsafety
reasons,onlytheaccessoryspeciedbythemanufacturermustbe
used.
To avoid any danger, the safety approval markings and safety tips on
the device must also be observed.

5
2 For your safety
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
2.5 Installation and operation in the USA and
Canada
This information is only valid for USA and Canada. Hence the follow-
ing text is only available in the English language.
Installations in the US shall comply with the relevant requirements of
the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70).
Installations in Canada shall comply with the relevant requirements of
the Canadian Electrical Code.
2.6 Safety instructions for Ex areas
For applications in explosion-proof areas (Ex), only devices with cor-
respondingExapprovalmaybeused.ObservetheEx-specicsafety
instructions.These are an integral part of the operating instructions
and are enclosed with every device with Ex approval.
2.7 Environmental instructions
Protection of the environment is one of our most important duties.
That is why we have introduced an environment management system
with the goal of continuously improving company environmental pro-
tection.Theenvironmentmanagementsystemiscertiedaccording
to DIN EN ISO 14001.
Pleasehelpusfullthisobligationbyobservingtheenvironmental
instructions in this manual:
• Chapter " Packaging, transport and storage"
• Chapter " Disposal"

6
3 Product description
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
3 Product description
3.1 Conguration
The scope of delivery encompasses:
• EL 8 point level switch
• Documentation
– This operating instructions manual
The EL 8 consists of the components:
• Housing
• Processttingwithelectrode
1
2
Fig. 1: Conductive rod electrode EL 8
1 Housing
2 Processtting
To create a measuring system you need one conductive probe and a
VEGATOR 131 or 132 controller
The type label contains the serial number of the instrument. With it
youcanndthefollowinginstrumentdataonourhomepage:
• Product code (HTML)
• Delivery date (HTML)
• Order-specicinstrumentfeatures(HTML)
• Operating instructions and quick setup guide at the time of ship-
ment (PDF)
• Order-specicsensordata
Move to " www.vega.com"andenterinthesearcheldtheserial
number of your instrument.
Alternatively, you can access the data via your smartphone:
• Download the VEGA Tools app from the " Apple App Store" or the
" Google Play Store"
• Scan the DataMatrix code on the type label of the instrument or
• Enter the serial number manually in the app
Scope of delivery
Constituent parts
Serial number - Instru-
ment search

7
3 Product description
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
3.2 Principle of operation
EL 8 is a point level sensor with partly insulated conductive electrode
for level detection.
EL 8 is very rugged and can be used in all areas of industrial process
technology.
The level switch can be used in conductive liquids such as e.g. water.
Typicalapplicationsareoverllanddryrunprotection.
The conductive measuring principle places no special requirements
oninstallation.Hence,manydierentapplicationscanbeequipped
with EL 8.
Conductive probes detect the product resistance when their elec-
trodes are covered by the product.
The switching signal is determined by the length or mounting position
of the respective electrode.
Alowalternatingcurrentowsthroughtheelectrodes,ismeasuredfor
amplitude and phase position by the electronics of the controller and
converted into a switching command.
EL 8 is operated with an external processing unit. The connected
controller powers EL 8 and provides a switching signal. A connected
device can be activated directly with this switching command (e.g. a
warning system, a PLC, a pump, etc.).
Youcanndtheexactrangeofthevoltagesupplyinchapter"Techni-
cal data" in the operating instructions manual of the controller.
3.3 Adjustment
The probe does not have its own electronics.The measurement is
carried out via the connected controller.
3.4 Packaging, transport and storage
Your instrument was protected by packaging during transport. Its
capacity to handle normal loads during transport is assured by a test
based on ISO 4180.
The packaging of standard instruments consists of environment-
friendly, recyclable cardboard. For special versions, PE foam or PE
foil is also used. Dispose of the packaging material via specialised
recycling companies.
Transport must be carried out in due consideration of the notes on the
transport packaging. Nonobservance of these instructions can cause
damage to the device.
The delivery must be checked for completeness and possible transit
damage immediately at receipt. Ascertained transit damage or con-
cealed defects must be appropriately dealt with.
Area of application
Functional principle
Voltage supply
Packaging
Transport
Transport inspection

8
3 Product description
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
Up to the time of installation, the packages must be left closed and
stored according to the orientation and storage markings on the
outside.
Unless otherwise indicated, the packages must be stored only under
the following conditions:
• Not in the open
• Dry and dust free
• Not exposed to corrosive media
• Protected against solar radiation
• Avoiding mechanical shock and vibration
• Storage and transport temperature see chapter " Supplement -
Technical data - Ambient conditions"
• Relative humidity 20 … 85 %
With instrument weights of more than 18 kg (39.68 lbs) suitable and
approved equipment must be used for lifting and carrying.
Storage
Storage and transport
temperature
Lifting and carrying

9
4 Mounting
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
4 Mounting
4.1 General instructions
In general the level switch can be mounted in any position.The instru-
ment must be mounted in such a way that the probe is at the height of
the requested switching point.
The probe is provided with a special hexagon for tightening. Due to
the hexagon shape, the housing itself can be used to screw the instru-
ment in.
Thewrenchsizeisstatedinchapter"Supplement" under " Dimen-
sions".
Use the recommended cables (see chapter " Connecting to voltage
supply") and keep the opening for the cable as small as possible.
You can give your EL 8 additional protection against moisture pene-
tration by leading the connection cable downward in front of the cable
gland.Rainandcondensationwatercanthusdraino.Thisapplies
mainly to outdoor mounting as well as installation in areas where high
humidity is expected (e.g. through cleaning processes) or on cooled
or heated vessels.
Do not hold EL 8 on its electrode rods. Particularly with long rod ver-
sions, the sensor can be damaged by the weight of the instrument.
Theprocessttingmustbesealedifthereisgaugeorlowpressure
in the vessel. Before use, check if the sealing material is resistant
against the measured product and the process temperature.
Themax.permissiblepressureisspeciedinchapter"Technical
data" or on the type label of the sensor.
4.2 Mounting instructions
Due to agitators, equipment vibration or similar, the level switch can
be subjected to strong lateral forces.
Extreme vibration caused by the system, e.g. due to agitators or
turbulenceinthevesselfromuidisation,cancausetheprobeofEL
8 to vibrate in resonance. If a longer rod version is necessary, you can
secure the probe by fastening a suitable isolated brace or guy directly
above the end of the rod.
Switching point
Handling
Moisture
Transport
Pressure/Vacuum
Agitatorsanduidization

10
4 Mounting
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
1
2
1
2
Fig. 2: Fasten the probe
1 Measuring probe
2 Plastic sleeve at the probe end or laterally mounted
IfEL8ismountedinthellingstream,unwantedfalsemeasurement
signals can be generated. For this reason, mount EL 8 at a position in
thevesselwherenodisturbances,e.g.fromllingopenings,agitators,
etc., can occur.
This applies particularly to instrument versions with a longer probe.
Fig.3:Inowingmedium
The probe should protrude into the vessel to avoid buildup. For that
reason,avoidusinghighmountingbossesforscrew-inttings.This
applies particularly to use in adhesive products.
Make sure that the mechanical connection of the probe to the vessel
iselectricallyconductivetoensuresucientgrounding.
Use conductive seals, such as those made of copper or lead, etc.
Insulatingmeasures,suchascoveringthethreadwithTeontape,
can interrupt the necessary electrical connection with metal vessels.
For this reason, ground the probe on the vessel or use a conductive
seal material.
Inowingmedium
Nozzle
Ground connection

11
5 Connecting to power supply
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
5 Connecting to power supply
5.1 Preparing the connection
Always keep in mind the following safety instructions:
Warning:
Connect only in the complete absence of line voltage.
• The electrical connection must only be carried out by trained,
qualiedpersonnelauthorisedbytheplantoperator.
• Alwaysswitchopowersupply,beforeconnectingordisconnect-
ing the instrument.
YoucanndtheelectricalconnectionofEL8intheoperating
instructions manual of the corresponding controller.
Youcanndsuitablecontrollersinchapter"Technical data".
Toensurethesealeectoftherubbercover,theinstrumentiscon-
nected with standard cable with round cross-section.
Make sure that the cable used has the required temperature resist-
anceandresafetyformax.occurringambienttemperature
Remove the black rubber cover and punch a small hole in the upper
side of the rubber cover with a sharp tool (e.g. a ball pen).
Note:
Do not use a knife or similar for puncturing
Push the connection cable through this opening.
5.2 Wiring plan
The ground connection of the controller must be on the same electri-
cal potential of the conductive vessel.
The EL 8 can be equipped optionally with a grounding eye. Connect
the ground cable according to the following illustration.
Note safety instructions
Voltage supply
Connection cable
Push cable through
Ground connection

12
5 Connecting to power supply
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
1
2
Fig. 4: Ground connection (optional)
1 Rubber cap
2 Grounding eye
YoucanndtheelectricalconnectionofEL8intheoperating
instructions manual of the corresponding controller.
Connection compartment

13
6 Setup
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
6 Setup
6.1 General information
YoucanndthesetupprocedureforEL8intheoperatinginstructions
manual of the corresponding controller.

14
7Maintenanceandfaultrectication
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
7 Maintenanceandfaultrectication
7.1 Maintenance
If the device is used properly, no special maintenance is required in
normal operation.
The cleaning helps that the type label and markings on the instrument
are visible.
Take note of the following:
• Use only cleaning agents which do not corrode the housings, type
label and seals
• Use only cleaning methods corresponding to the housing protec-
tion rating
7.2 Rectify faults
Thedeviceoersmaximumreliability.Nevertheless,faultscanoccur
during operation. These may be caused by the following, e.g.:
• Sensor
• Process
• Voltage supply
• Signal processing
Youcanndinformationonfaultrecticationintheoperating
instructions manual of the corresponding controller.
Should these measures not be successful, please call in urgent cases
the VEGA service hotline under the phone no. [phone].
Thehotlineismanned7daysaweekround-the-clock.Sinceweoer
this service worldwide, the support is only available in the English
language. The service is free, only standard call charges are incurred.
7.3 Shortening the probe
The probe can be shortened by any amount.
Remove the insulation on a length of approx. 20 mm on the tip of the
probe. Hence the probe can detect the switching point in an optimum
way.
7.4 How to proceed if a repair is necessary
Youcanndaninstrumentreturnformaswellasdetailedinformation
about the procedure in the download area of our homepage. By doing
this you help us carry out the repair quickly and without having to call
back for needed information.
In case of repair, proceed as follows:
• Printandlloutoneformperinstrument
• Clean the instrument and pack it damage-proof
• Attach the completed form and, if need be, also a safety data
sheet outside on the packaging
Maintenance
Cleaning
Causes of malfunction
Faultrectication
24 hour service hotline

15
7Maintenanceandfaultrectication
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
• Ask the agency serving you to get the address for the return ship-
ment.Youcanndtheagencyonourhomepage.

16
8 Dismount
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
8 Dismount
8.1 Dismounting steps
Warning:
Before dismounting, be aware of dangerous process conditions such
as e.g. pressure in the vessel, high temperatures, corrosive or toxic
products etc.
Take note of chapters " Mounting" and " Connecting to voltage sup-
ply" and carry out the listed steps in reverse order.
8.2 Disposal
Pass the instrument on to a specialised recycling company and do not
use the municipal collecting points.
Remove any batteries in advance, if they can be removed from the
device, and dispose of them separately.
If personal data is stored on the old device to be disposed of, delete it
before disposal.
If you have no way to dispose of the old instrument properly, please
contact us concerning return and disposal.

17
9 Supplement
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
9 Supplement
9.1 Technical data
Note for approved instruments
The technical data in the respective safety instructions which are included in delivery are valid for
approvedinstruments(e.g.withExapproval).Thesedatacandierfromthedatalistedherein,for
example regarding the process conditions or the voltage supply.
All approval documents can be downloaded from our homepage.
General data
Materials 316Ti corresponds to 1.4571, 316L corresponds to 1.4404 or 1.4435
Materials, wetted parts
Ʋ Processtting 1.4301
ƲProcess seal Klingersil C-4400
ƲInsulation (partly insulated) PE
ƲElectrode (rod partly PE insulated:
ø 4 mm/0.157 in)
316Ti
Materials, non-wetted parts
ƲHousing EPDM
ƲCable gland PA, stainless steel, brass
ƲSealing, cable gland NBR
ƲBlind plug, cable gland PA
Processtting G½ (DIN 3852-A)
Weight
Ʋwith basic weight 100g(3.5oz)
ƲRod weight: ø 4 mm (0.157 in) 100g/m(1.1oz/ft)
Sensor length (L) 0.03 … 1 m (0.1 … 3.3 ft)
Insulation length 27 mm (1.06 in)
Output variable
Suitable controllers VEGATOR 131, 132
Ambient conditions
Ambient temperature on the housing -40 … +80 °C (-40 … +176 °F)
Storage and transport temperature -40 … +80 °C (-40 … +176 °F)
Process conditions
Process pressure -1 … 6 bar/-100 … 600 kPa (-14.5 … 87 psig)
Process temperature EL 8 of 316L -10 … +60 °C (+14 … +140 °F)
Conductance of the medium min. 7.5 µS/cm
Electrical protective measures
Protection rating IP50 (NEMA Type 1)

18
9 Supplement
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
9.2 Dimensions
30 mm
(1.18")
12 mm
(0.47")
9,3 mm
(0.37")
ø24 mm
(0.94")
ø6,8 mm
(0.27")
ø4 mm
(0.16")
27mm
(1.06")
SW 27mm
(1.06")
G½A
L
Fig. 5: Conductive rod electrode EL 8
L Sensor length, see chapter " Technical data"

19
9 Supplement
Conductive probe EL 8 •
32655-EN-220324
9.3 Industrial property rights
VEGA product lines are global protected by industrial property rights. Further information see
www.vega.com.
Only in U.S.A.: Further information see patent label at the sensor housing.
VEGA Produktfamilien sind weltweit geschützt durch gewerbliche Schutzrechte.
Nähere Informationen unter www.vega.com.
Les lignes de produits VEGA sont globalement protégées par des droits de propriété intellec-
tuelle. Pour plus d'informations, on pourra se référer au site www.vega.com.
VEGA lineas de productos están protegidas por los derechos en el campo de la propiedad indus-
trial. Para mayor información revise la pagina web www.vega.com.
Линии продукции фирмы ВЕГА защищаются по всему миру правами на интеллектуальную
собственность. Дальнейшую информацию смотрите на сайте www.vega.com.
VEGA系列产品在全球享有知识产权保护。
进一步信息请参见网站< www.vega.com。
9.4 Trademark
All the brands as well as trade and company names used are property of their lawful proprietor/
originator.

Printing date:
VEGA Grieshaber KG
Am Hohenstein 113
77761 Schiltach
Germany
32655-EN-220324
All statements concerning scope of delivery, application, practical use and operat-
ing conditions of the sensors and processing systems correspond to the information
available at the time of printing.
Subject to change without prior notice
© VEGA Grieshaber KG, Schiltach/Germany 2022
Phone [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
www.vega.com