Introducing the Fibre Ex Connector Fibre Technology for Hazardous Areas

Designed for Ex Environments, this multi-core connector offers a safe means of making and breaking fibre cabling in some of the world’s most arduous environments.

Fibre and Ex Environments

Fibre is ideal for communication and sensing applications in hazardous areas and it has long been assumed by the industry that Fibre is safe to install in these environments. It’s not. Fibre actually poses a serious ignition risk in Ex applications. That’s why we’ve created the Fibre Ex connector to align with the latest in Fibre Optic standards.

The Connector

The Fibre Ex protects against ignition risk in hazardous areas by utilising two of the three ‘protection concepts’ described in the IEC 60079-28 standard for optical radiation. There is the option to choose Ex op is (Inherently Safe Optical Radiation) protection or Ex op pr (Protected Optical Radiation) depending on the customers individual needs. Ex op pr protection is the standard method that we offer. These methods have been used in conjunction with Hawke’s extensive experience in hazardous areas to create a product that allows for the safe connection and termination of Fibre Optic cabling in the field.

Other Features

Like all Hawke Connectors, the Fibre Ex has been designed to provide a fast and simple alternative to complicated hard wiring methods. Utilising ‘Plug and Play’ technology, the Fibre Ex allows for quick installation or termination with minimal downtime. We’ve also designed our connector to use M29504 series pin and socket termini in order to prevent signal loss – even in the most arduous conditions.

"It is imperative that our customers can safely harness the power of Fibre technology. The Fibre Ex range finally offers a safe and effective approach to Fibre Techology in Ex environments."

Fibre Ex in Other Applications

Although the connector has been designed with Ex environments in mind, it’s tough design means that it would actually be suitable for a variety of other harsh applications. Despite fibre’s ruggedized nature, it can actually be a very delicate technology when exposed to the elements. The Fibre Ex offers increased ingress and impact protection to keep fibre systems up in severe environments.

Termination and Bespoke Design Services

Hawke have teamed up with Acal BFi to provide a custom cable jumper service that allows customers to install the connector without the need for costly termination engineers.

We also offer a bespoke design service to allow customers to design a product that fits their specific needs. Just get in touch to find out more!

Fibre and the Future

We’ve already seen fibre completely take off in the commercial sector and, now that standards are in place to implement this technology safely, I’ve no doubt that our industry will follow very quickly. In fact, we’ve already seen an increase in enquiries for this type of product over the past years, that’s why we’re currently in the final stages of expanding the product offering in this range to include Enclosures.

Finding Out More

Head to our dedicated Fibre Ex landing page to find out more – bit.ly/2Q9TrdY.

Or, if you want to talk about Fibre Ex in more detail, just email: mogden@ehawke.com or call: +44(0)7803243235.