Page 67: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Jan/Feb 2026)

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TECH INSIGHTS OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE LUBRICATION

Electrical and Mechanical Integrity

Terminal blocks must maintain proper electrical sepa- ration and secure connections. At Altech, we ensure that minimum creepage and clearance distances are maintained

TERMINAL BLOCK for respective voltage ratings between neighboring termi- nal blocks, as well as between the current bar and the DIN-

APPLICATIONS IN

Rail, preventing electrical breakdown and short circuits.

For example, for a 630-V system, creepage distance is 12

OIL AND GAS millimeters (mm) and clearance distance is 10 mm. For a 400-V system, these values are 8 and 6 mm, respectively.

While crucial to hydrocarbon processing,

Compliance with explosion-proof directives also empha- sizes proper care for stranded wire connections to prevent the compliance framework provided by NEC, conductor damage during installation, leading to loose con-

CEC, ATEX and IECEx applies universally to nections and potential arcing. To avoid short circuits be- any industry — including chemical, pharma- tween adjacent conductors, the insulation of each conductor ceutical and mining — where fammable gas- must be maintained up to the metal of the terminal. es, vapors, mists or combustible dusts create

Requirements for Intrinsically Safe Circuits explosion risks.

An intrinsically safe (“i”) design will limit a circuit’s electri- • Power D istribution and Control: Tese cal and thermal energy, preventing ignition in an explosive systems help manage the fow of electricity to atmosphere. If identifed as part of an intrinsically safe circuit, equipment used in exploration, extraction terminal blocks should be marked with a light blue color. and processing operations. Terminal blocks

Altech terminal blocks used in such circuits have been ensure that power is distributed efciently tested for compliance with intrinsic safety requirements, including clearance, creepage and solid insulation distances and safely, minimizing the risk of electrical for circuits up to 60 V. A minimum separation distance of failures that could lead to downtime or 50 mm between intrinsically safe and non-intrinsically safe safety hazards. circuits is required, achievable via partition plates or spacers. • Process C ontrol and Automation:

These terminal blocks must also meet the requirements for

Terminal blocks connect the sensors, a T4 temperature class, ensuring that their surface tempera- transmitters and actuators that enable ture remains below the ignition temperature of most hydro- carbon gases commonly found in oil and gas operations. accurate data transmission and control.

Te role of terminal blocks in these systems

Clear Marking and Certifcation is a testament to the industry’s shif towards

Safety and explosion-proof compliance is not just about greater automation. design and performance; it’s also about clear identifcation. • Integration in Control Panels:

Altech terminal blocks bear the required information, in- cluding the IECEx SIR certifcation number and Ex pro-

Terminal blocks organize and manage all tection marking. the electrical connections in control panels, • For increased safety (“e”), markings such as Ex eb IIC providing an organized way to connect

Gb or Ex ec IIC Gc signify robust construction designed multiple wires and ensuring the control to prevent ignition sources in hazardous gas environments. systems operate smoothly and efectively. • For intrinsic safety (“i”), markings like Ex ib IIC Gb or Ex ic IIC Gc indicate the circuit’s energy is restricted to levels incapable of causing ignition.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 67