It is an opportune time to review the use of multicores containing more than one IS circuit because of the introduction of the ‘ic’ concept. [For the uninitiated ‘ic’ is intrinsic safety without faults intended for Zone2 use and will replace the ‘nL’ concept of the type ‘n’ standard in time] A further factor is that the subject has now been introduced into the draft documents of the system standard [IEC 60079-25] whereas previously guidance was confined to the code of practice [IEC 60079-14]. The reason for this is that the information is required for Group I [mining] applications and IEC 60079-14 is only applicable to surface industry. The alignment of the two documents is being carefully monitored, in the vain hope of avoiding conflicting requirements.
As an aside the CDV [voting document] of the next edition of the system standard should emerge in the near future. If you are involved in IS installations you should obtain a copy from your local standards body and make your opinions known since this is the last opportunity to influence the content of the document.
There are a number of basic requirements for IS cables. At first this seems strange since the open circuit and short circuit of field wiring is taken into account in the design of an IS system. The requirements are intended to reduce the probability of multiple faults such as random earth faults to an acceptable level. It is necessary to establish the inductive and capacitive parameters of a cable and this is difficult unless the cable is of a known conventional construction. There is a need for all cables to be suitable for their intended environment. Resistance to chemicals and extremes of temperature is a frequent requirement. In practice the requirements have not been challenged because they align with the requirements for a reasonably operationally secure installation. The origins of many of the requirements in the IS standards are a pragmatic mixture of safety and operational needs.
The basic requirements of an IS cable is that the insulation shall withstand a 500V insulation test and that the minimum strand diameter should be 0,1 mm. The latter requirement is concerned with all the current flowing through a single strand causing hot wire ignition. There is little or no justification for this requirement but it has been there since 1960 and is impossible to dislodge
Multicore cables have additional requirements of a minimum insulation thickness of 0,2 mm and a modified insulation test. The sensible approach is to use the two types of multicore, which are considered to prevent the interconnection of the different, IS circuits within the multicore. The most easily defended multicore is a Type A cable in which each IS circuit is contained within an individual screen. There are then two screens between the circuits and the probability of an interconnecting fault penetrating both screens is considered to be acceptably low. Where the cable can be well supported and protected against mechanical damage a cable without interposing screens, known as a Type B cable can be used. The conventional multicore between the IS interface and the distribution junction box protected by a cable tray is an example of this type of installation. There is no requirement to protect against the rampant fork lift truck so beloved by standards writers, a modicum of common sense on the level of protection should be applied.
It is permitted to use a multicore, known as a Type C cable, without screens or mechanical protection but it is then required to consider faults between the IS circuits [up to four open circuits and two short circuits]. This analysis is difficult if all the circuits are resistive limited, and if one or more of the circuits is non-linear then the analysis is even more complex. All the circuits within this type of cable take the gas classification and the level protection of the least well protected circuit. For example if one of the circuits is ‘ic’ then all the circuits become ‘ic’. This type of cable is permitted but is best avoided. There are occasions when several IS circuits have to be taken via the same route and continuously flexed, such as the monitoring circuits on a robot arm. In these circumstances using separate cables within an hydraulic tube rather than a multicore has much to commend it.
It is necessary to establish the cable parameters of the multicore. Where Type A or B cables are used and the cores used for a particular circuit can be readily identified then the parameters of that combination can be identified and used to determine the safety of the system. It is therefore desirable to choose a cable with readily identifiable combinations of cores [fortunately this is usually possible] If this is not possible then the parameters of the worst possible combinations of cores must be used. It is usually cable capacitance, which becomes a problem. If a Type C cable is used then the worst possible combination must be used, which is another good reason for not using this type of cable.
Conclusion
Whenever possible avoid the use of a Type C cable. It is permitted but the safety analysis is quite complex and the probability of fully complying with all the requirements low. A well-supported Type B cable is usually the most economic solution. There is a small question of cross-talk between signals if high frequency signals are used. [This is a practical problem, not a safety problem] The use of separately screened circuits as required by Type A cables is technically commendable but may not be practicable for availability and economic reasons.
AN-Ex 