Manual call points for hazardous areas

E2S Warning Signals manufactures an extensive range of manual call points, (MCP), designed to be installed in hazardous areas primarily for the control of fire and gas detection and alarm systems. They are available in different enclosure materials: STEx in 316L stainless steel for use in the harshest of environments, GNEx in anti-static, UV-stable corrosion proof GRP, and BEx in corrosion proof marine grade copper free LM6 (A413) aluminum with a chromated and powder coat finish.

Specifiers can choose the most suitable enclosure for the installation location and operating environment. There is a choice of four operating mechanisms. The traditional break glass has a lifting protective flap to minimise accidental operation: it features a safety membrane to ensure that no glass fragments are released during activation. A push button where the operating mechanism is again protected by a latching lift flap and a tool is required to reset the unit after operation, a momentary action push button unit and a dual action push button, which requires the operating mechanism to be twisted through 90° and then pushed to activate.

All versions are SIL2 compliant to IEC 61508 (2010). To reduce installation time and cost, there are dual cable entries in the top and another in the side of the enclosure. The backbox can be rotated through 180° to position the entries in the required direction. Two M20 stopping plugs, user-definable in brass, stainless steel or nickel-plated brass are supplied as standard. ½ and ¾ inch NPT and M25 adaptors are also available.  

The latest updates include the BExCP3C and GNExCP6C call points, now with extended approval  temperatures and a wider range of EOL and series resistor values, approved to IECEx and ATEX standards with additional PESO, INMETRO and Ex EAC approvals. The GNExCP7 Ex d units are globally approved to IECEx, ATEX, UL and cUL standard for all Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 and Class I/II Div 2 installations with a variant approved to UL 38, Manual Signaling Boxes for Fire Alarm Systems and ULC-S528, Manual Stations for Fire Alarm Systems. The flameproof STExCP8 is ATEX and IECEx approved for Zone 1 and 2 and also carries DNV type approval for exposed locations.  For installation outside hazardous areas, IP66/IP67 weatherproof versions WP3, WP6 and WP7 call points units are now available.