BA386S Steady State Intrinsically Safe LED Beacon

1. Introduction

The BA386S is an ATEX, IECEx, and FM certified intrinsically safe steady state beacon designed to produce a continuous visual output in hazardous areas. It is available in five different colours, indicated by the external order code label and the colour of the reflector behind the lens.

Available Colours:

• BA386SR: Red
• BA386SA: Amber
• BA386SG: Green
• BA386SB: Blue
• BA386SW: White

A separate BA386 datasheet details the intrinsically safe flashing beacon, which can function alone or with a BEKA intrinsically safe sounder for audio-visual alarm systems.

2. Supply Voltage

The BA386S beacon operates immediately when power is applied to terminals 1 and 2. It is designed for hazardous areas and powered via a Zener barrier or galvanic isolator.

Testing or use in a safe area without a barrier/isolator is possible, but supply voltages above 16V will activate the internal current limit, reducing brightness. Continuous operation without a barrier/isolator at voltages greater than 16V is not recommended.

Diagram Description (Figure 1):

Figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of the BA386S steady state beacon. It illustrates the power supply input (terminals 1 and 2), a current limit function, the beacon brilliance control, and the LED output.

Diagram Elements:

• Power supply connected to terminals 1 (+) and 2 (-).
• Internal current limit.
• Beacon brilliance adjustment.
• LEDs for light output.
• A 16V reference point is shown, indicating potential brightness reduction above this voltage.

3. Intrinsic Safety Certification

The BA386S beacon holds IECEx, ATEX, and FM certifications. This section details IECEx and ATEX certification, with FM approval covered in Appendix 1.

3.1 ATEX and IECEx Certification

Notified Body Intertek Testing and Certification Ltd has issued the BA386 beacon assembly with an IECEx Certificate of Conformity (IECEx ITS 17.0052X) and an EU-Type Examination Certificate (ITS02ATEX2006X). The steady state BA386S is electrically identical to the BA386, differing only in firmware and order code.

The ATEX certificate confirms compliance with harmonised European standards for Group II, Category 1G equipment, carrying the community mark. It is suitable for installation in European Economic Area (EEA) member countries and some non-EU countries like Switzerland, subject to local codes of practice.

This instruction sheet aligns with IEC/EN 60079-14 for electrical installations design, selection, and erection. Local codes of practice should always be consulted.

3.2 Zones, Gas Groups, and T Rating

The BA386S steady state beacon is certified Ex ia op is IIC T4 Ga, with an ambient temperature range of -40°C to +60°C (Ta).

When connected to a suitable system, the BA386S can be installed in:

• Zone 0: Explosive gas-air mixture continuously present.
• Zone 1: Explosive gas-air mixture likely to occur in normal operation.
• Zone 2: Explosive gas-air mixture not likely to occur, and if it does, will only exist for a short time.

It can be used with gases in groups:

• Group A: Propane
• Group B: Ethylene
• Group C: Hydrogen

The equipment has a temperature classification of T4, suitable for gases with a maximum surface temperature of 135°C. Other classifications are:

• T1: 450°C
• T2: 300°C
• T3: 200°C
• T4: 135°C

While certified for -40°C to +60°C ambient, the beacon's operating temperature is -20°C to +60°C.

3.3 Special Conditions for Safe Use

The IECEx and ATEX certificates include an 'X' suffix, indicating special conditions apply. Refer to the certificates for details.

⚠️ CAUTION: When installed in Zone 0, the installation must prevent ignition sources from impact or friction between the aluminium label and iron/steel, even in rare incidents.

3.4 Certification Label Information

A certification label is affixed to the side of the beacon, displaying the model number, certification details, and BEKA associates' address. The year of manufacture is on an internal label. The beacon order code and serial number are on a separate external label.

3.5 Terminals 1 & 2 - Power Supply

Power is supplied to the beacon via terminals 1 and 2, with the following maximum input safety parameters:

• Ui (Voltage): 28V
• Ii (Current): 110mA dc
• Pi (Power): 0.8W

BA386S steady state beacons can be powered by any certified Zener barrier or galvanic isolator whose output parameters are equal to or less than these input parameters.

The internal capacitance (Ci) and inductance (Li) at terminals 1 and 2 are zero. Therefore, the maximum permitted cable parameters are determined by the Co and Lo specified by the certificate for the powering barrier or isolator.

4. Installation

Installation must comply with certification requirements (Section 3) and ensure environmental conditions are within product specification limits. The beacon enclosure provides IP66 protection and is suitable for sheltered exterior locations when an appropriate sealed cable entry is used.

⚠️ CAUTION: Potential electrostatic charging hazard. Do not rub the beacon case or lens.

4.1 Mounting

The BA386S beacon can be secured to any flat surface using the two 6mm diameter fixing holes. The lens should be oriented to provide maximum visibility in the required area.

Diagram Description (Figure 2):

Figure 2 illustrates the dimensions of the BA386S beacon.

• Overall height: 94 mm
• Overall width: 98 mm
• Lens assembly depth: 87 mm
• The back box has two M20 entries on opposite sides and one M20 'knock-out' in the rear.

4.2 Installation Procedure

1. Remove the beacon lens assembly by unscrewing the two captive 'A' screws. Gently pull the assembly away from the back-box.
2. Fit an IP66 M20 cable gland or conduit entry into one of the back-box holes. Surface mount the back-box using the 6mm diameter holes in the fixing lugs.
3. Thread the field wiring through the cable gland or conduit entry. Connect the cable to the removable terminals on the lens assembly.
4. Carefully replace the lens assembly and tighten the two 'A' screws.
5. Beacon brilliance is adjustable using the control shown in Figure 3.

Diagram Description (Figure 3):

Figure 3 shows the location of field terminals and controls.

• Terminals 1 and 2 are for power supply input.
• A 'Beacon brilliance' adjustment control is visible.
• The diagram also indicates the location of the 'A' screws for the lens assembly.

5. Electrical System Design for Installation in Hazardous Areas Using Zener Barriers

This section details circuits for powering the BA386S beacon using Zener barriers.

Single Channel Barrier (Figure 4)

A single channel Zener barrier is sufficient if the beacon is controlled by a switch in the positive supply or if the power supply is switched on/off. This circuit is also suitable for control by a mechanically activated switch within the hazardous area.

The power supply voltage should be between 20V and the Zener barrier's maximum working voltage. Lower voltages will reduce beacon brightness.

Diagram Description (Figure 4):

Figure 4 illustrates a single channel Zener barrier circuit. It shows the safe area with the power supply and Zener barrier, and the hazardous area with the BA386S beacon. A switch ('on/off') controls the positive supply to the beacon via the barrier.

Two Channel Barrier (Figure 5)

If the beacon control switch is in the negative wire and the power supply 0V is earthed, a two-channel barrier circuit (Figure 5) may be used. For simplicity, two barriers can be combined into one package.

The power supply voltage should be between 21V and the maximum working voltage of the 28V barrier. Lower voltages will reduce beacon brightness.

Diagram Description (Figure 5):

Figure 5 shows a single stage alarm using a two-channel barrier. It depicts the safe area with power supply and a two-channel barrier (with a diode return barrier), and the hazardous area with the BA386S beacon. The 'on/off' switch is shown in the negative line.

5.1 Operating Two Beacons from One Zener Barrier (Figure 6)

Two BA386S steady state beacons can be powered from a single common Zener barrier, provided a small reduction in brilliance is acceptable. Each beacon can be independently controlled by a separate hazardous area switch, or both can be controlled from the safe area.

Diagram Description (Figure 6):

Figure 6 illustrates powering two BA386S beacons from a single barrier. It shows the safe area with the power supply and a 28V 93mA positive Zener barrier, and the hazardous area with two BA386S beacons. Each beacon has its own 'on/off' control and a diode return barrier.

6. Electrical System Design for Installation in Hazardous Areas Using Galvanic Isolators

Galvanic isolators are an alternative to Zener barriers, offering easier installation as they do not require a high-integrity earth connection. Any certified device with output safety parameters equal to or less than the BA386S beacon's input parameters (see Section 3.5) can be used.

Figure 7 shows the basic circuit for all applications. The control arrangement depends on the chosen isolator. The galvanic isolator must supply an output of approximately 25mA at 16V. This circuit can also be used if the beacon is controlled by a mechanically activated switch on the hazardous area side of the isolator.

Diagram Description (Figure 7):

Figure 7 presents a basic circuit for use with a galvanic isolator. It shows the safe area with the power supply and galvanic isolator, and the hazardous area with the BA386S beacon. The isolator provides the 'on/off' control.

Two BA386S steady state beacons can be powered from one common galvanic isolator if a slight reduction in brilliance is acceptable.

7. Accessories

7.1 Tag Number

The BA386S beacon can be supplied with a tag number, thermally printed on a self-adhesive label.

8. Maintenance

The beacon should be inspected regularly for damage. The frequency of inspection depends on environmental conditions.

Do not attempt to repair a faulty BA386S beacon. Suspect beacons must be returned to BEKA associates or a local BEKA agent for repair.

9. Guarantee

Beacons failing within the guarantee period should be returned to BEKA associates or a local BEKA agent. Providing a brief description of the fault symptoms is helpful.

10. Customer Comments

BEKA associates welcomes customer feedback on products and services. All communications are acknowledged, and suggestions are implemented whenever possible.

Appendix 1: Installation in USA

A1.1 Factory Mutual Approval

The BA386S beacon has the following Factory Mutual (FM) approval. It is electrically identical to the BA386, differing only in operating firmware and order code.

Intrinsic Safety:

• Class I, Division 1, Gas groups A, B, C & D, T4, Ta = 60°C
• Class I, Zone 0, AEx ia IIC, T4, Ta = 60°C
• Entity per BEKA Control drawing CI386-12

Nonincendive:

• Class I, Division 2, Gas groups A, B, C & D, T4, Ta = 60°C
• Class I, Zone 2, IIC, T4, Ta = 60°C
• Nonincendive per BEKA Control drawing CI386-13

Intrinsically safe installations must comply with BEKA Control Drawing CI386-12, appended to the BA386 FM Certificate of Compliance, available on the BEKA website (www.beka.co.uk).

All intrinsically safe circuits described in this manual may be used in the USA, provided Zener barriers and galvanic isolators are Factory Mutual approved and meet specified entity parameters. Installations must also adhere to the appropriate Control Drawing, ANSI/ISA RP12.6, and the National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA70.

A1.2 Intrinsic Safety Approval

The BA386 beacon has been evaluated under the entity concept. Terminals 1 and 2 may connect to any intrinsically safe circuit with output parameters equal to or less than:

• Voc, Vt = 32V
• Isc, It = 110mA
• Po = 0.8W

The equivalent capacitance (Ci) and inductance (Li) at terminals 1 and 2 are:

• Ci = 30pF
• Li = 0

Ci must be subtracted from the maximum permissible cable capacitance specified for the Zener barrier or galvanic isolator powering the beacon.

The BA386S beacon has a T4 rating and is suitable for ambient temperatures between -20°C and +60°C.

Note: The BA386S beacon is not approved for use with Class II and III dusts and fibres.

A1.3 Nonincendive Approval

The BA386S is also Factory Mutual approved as nonincendive for Class I, Division 2 locations. This permits installation in Division 2 without a Zener barrier or galvanic isolator when powered from a Factory Mutual approved associated apparatus with nonincendive output parameters equal to or less than:

• Voc = 32V
• Isct = 110mA