Page 66: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Jan/Feb 2026)

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TECH FEATURE SAFETY ous area, each component — no matter how small — can dergo rigorous corrosion testing in condensation climates become a potential source of ignition if not properly de- containing sulfur dioxide, where acidic compounds form signed and certifed according to NEC, CEC, ATEX and and attack metal surfaces. The components must create

IECEx. One example is the terminal block, which serves as gas-tight connections that protect contact points even un- the connection point in electrical circuits. In an explosive der these extreme conditions. atmosphere containing hydrocarbons, an uncertifed or im- • Salt S pray: Particularly critical for offshore platforms, properly installed terminal block could generate sparks, ex- terminal blocks must withstand exposure to fne spray of cessive heat or electrical arcs, leading to catastrophic ignition. 5% sodium chloride solution at +35°C for extended periods

Explosion-proof terminal blocks have undergone the to simulate marine and offshore atmospheric conditions. rigorous engineering and testing required for safe use in • Temperature Cycling: Terminal blocks must main- oil and gas facilities where potentially explosive environ- tain proper tight ft and function through dielectric testing ments are present. Their design and features demonstrate after exposure to extreme temperature variations, with se- why compliance at the component level is non-negotiable. verity testing at +85°C for 168 hours (standard) for indus-

Here are some examples of features and design specifca- trial-grade components. tions to look for in terminal blocks with the proper com- pliance, ensuring safety in your oil and gas installation:

Excellent Termal Management

Excessive heat is one of the most common causes of ignition in oil and gas hazardous areas. Terminal blocks,

Robust Design and Material Selection

Terminal blocks designed for use within ATEX/IECEx especially when carrying rated currents, can generate heat, certifed enclosures have a minimum IP54 rating. For envi- making it imperative to select components that are de- ronments with hydrocarbon mists or process dusts, they're signed to manage this thermal load effectively. integrated into enclosures providing the type of protec- Look for terminal blocks with a maximum service tem- tion (“t”) that complies with IEC/EN60079-31. A suit- perature of 110°C, though for some series, the maximum able insulation material is Polyamide 66, which features temperature may be 85°C. The highest temperature of the a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of 600 and belongs insulating material must not exceed these specifed maxi- to Material Group I, indicating high resistance to tracking mum values. In addition, these components can operate and electrical breakdown. within an ambient temperature range of -60° to +66°C at

Terminal blocks in oil and gas applications must also the mounting position — critical for both offshore plat- withstand multiple environmental stressors, such as: forms exposed to harsh weather and desert facilities expe- • Corrosive A tmospheres: Terminal blocks must un- riencing extreme heat. 66 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM