ATEX Certified 4-20 mA Load Cell AmplifierALA5
SKU: ALA5
Description
The ALA5 is a high performance ATEX-approved load cell amplifier designed for use in hazardous environments including Zones 0, 1 and 2. It converts strain gauge or load cell signals into a 2-wire 4–20 mA current loop output, making it suitable for integration with a wide range of industrial systems, including those measuring force, pressure, or torque.
Housed in a compact stainless steel IP67 (NEMA 4) enclosure, the ALA5 is environmentally sealed and supplied with 1 metre of strain gauge cable and 5 metres of output cable. It features reverse polarity and short circuit protection as standard. The amplifier is intrinsically safe to EN60079-11 (previously EN50020) standards.
The ALA5 can be used with approved ATEX equipment inside hazardous areas, or with standard instrumentation located outside the hazardous zone when installed via a suitable safety barrier.
For embedded installations, the ICA5ATEX OEM amplifier is also available. This is approved for incorporation directly into load cells and other enclosures.
Typical Applications:
-
Oil and gas installations
-
Chemical processing
-
Food industry automation
-
Hazardous area weighing and force monitoring
Product Features & Benefits
- Certified amplifier for ATEX hazardous zones 0, 1 & 2
- Designed for fitting in-line to strain gauge sensors such as load cells
- Intrinsically safe to EN60079-11
- Provides 2-wire 4-20 mA current loop output
- Stainless steel IP67 housing (96 mm × Ø28 mm)
- Fast calibration via gain and offset trim
- Bridge impedance min 350 Ohms max 5,000 Ohms
- Wide temperature range -40 C to +85 C
- Supplied with 1 m strain gauge cable and 5m output cable
- Robust design, reverse polarity & short circuit protected
- OEM option of the ATEX certificated miniature load cell amplifier available
Specifications
Parameter
|
Min |
Typ |
Max |
Units |
Notes |
Electrical & Environmental |
|||||
| Supply Voltage Range | 9 | 24 | 28 | Volts | |
| Operating Current | 4 | – | 20 | mA | |
| Operating temperature range | -40 | – | 85 | ºC | |
| Storage temperature range | -40 | – | 125 | ºC | |
| Reverse polarity protection
|
– | – | -28 | Volts | |
Measurement |
|||||
| Bridge excitation | 1.05 | 1.11 | 1.16 | Volts | 1000 Ohms load cell connected |
| Bridge impedance | 350 | 1000 | 5000 | Ohms | Recommended bridge impedance is 1000 Ohms |
| Bridge sensitivity | 0.5 | 2.5 | 55 | mV/V | The factory setting is the typical value, with other values possible via an alternate calibration resistor. |
| Output current range | 4 | – | 20 | mA | |
| Output load | – | – | 800 | Ohms | At 24V supply minimum |
| Bandwidth | DC | – | 1000 | Hz | |
| Zero adjustment | – | ±2 | – | %FR | |
| Span adjustment | – | ±8 | – | %FR | |
| Linearity | – | 0.02 | – | %FR | |
| Zero temp stability | – | 0.001 | 0.005 | ±%FR/ºC | |
| Span temp stability
|
– | 0.007 | 0.014 | ±%FR/ºC | |
General Notes: |
|||||
| The voltage between either of the power supply connections and the load cell shield should not exceed 50V. Any leakage will be greater than 10M Ohms. | |||||
| FR = Full Range | |||||
Dimensions
Downloads
Videos
FAQ
| Q | What are the different ATEX zones? |
| A | Zone 0 – Permanently or frequently hazardous over long periods.
Zone 1 – Occasionally hazardous. Zone 2 – Rarely or temporarily hazardous Safe Zone – No hazard |
| Q | What Strain Gauge parameters is the ALA5 designed for? |
| A | Designed for a 1k bridge, however, 350R can be used at the expense of noise and drift performance due to the reduced excitation voltage on the bridge. It is factory set for 2.5mV/V. |
| Q | What do the ATEX markings mean? |
| A | II 1 G Ex ia IIC T4 Tamb = -40°C to +85°C CE0891 TRAC09ATEX1xxxX ATEX Marking detailsEx – Explosion protection Certification Code detailsEx – Explosion protection |
| Q | Are there different mV/V settings available? |
| A | The sensitivity can be set between 0.5 mV/V and 55 mV/V by changing the SPAN (gain) resistor. Please enquire with our Sales team for more info. |
| Q | Can I extend the output cable on the ALA5? |
| A | Yes by use of an ATEX approved junction box. Please refer to the manual for the EC examination certificate detailing the maximum allowable cable capacitance and inductance. |
| Q | What is the maximum cable length for the load cell connections? |
| A | Maximum is 2 metres. |
| Q | Is a barrier needed for Zones 1 and 2? |
| A | Yes, a barrier is needed for all ATEX installations. Please contact us for more information. |
| Q | Can I embed the OEM ALA5 device into my own loadcell? |
| A | Yes, the ICA5ATEX amplifier is designed to fit into a pocket in a certified loadcell. Please note: OEM customers must hold a notified body Quality Assurance Notification (QAN) and ensure that the load cell and amplifier assembly is submitted for ATEX certification by an appropriate body. |
| Q | What is ATEX? |
| A | The term ‘ATEX’ comes from the French word ‘atmosphére explosibles’. It is the name commonly given to the framework for controlling explosive atmospheres and the standards of equipment and protective systems used in them. It is based on the requirements of two European Directives. One that applies to equipment manufacturers and another for its end users, both Directives came into effect on 1 July 2003.
The ATEX regulation removes the need for separate testing by joining the technical and legal standards for manufacturing of equipment that may potentially be used in explosive atmospheres . ATEX regulations apply to all equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres, whether electrical or mechanical, and also protective systems. Manufacturers must ensure that their products meet essential health and safely requirements and undergo appropriate conformity procedures. |
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