Difference between IS and Non-IS cables

• The IS and Non-IS cables are similar in construction like 1 pair, 2 pair or multi-pair cables with shield, insulation, armor etc.
• The entity parameter of the cables needs to be verified in IS calculations and if these values fulfil the requirements then they can be used in IS loops.
• The entity parameters of cables needs to be checked prior to ordering or selection of cables, specially for use in Gas Group IIC.
• The IS cable outer sheath insulation color is BLUE (most of cases) to identify in the plant which cables are IS cables while non IS cable outer sheath color is either Black or Grey.
• The terminals used in JB and in control cabinets is Blue color for IS circuit where as for Non IS it is generally Grey color.
• Generally IS and Non IS cables are segregated in cable trays/ duct while laying in the field (depending on project specifications).

IS (Intrinsic Safe) Loop calculation

Fundamentally the purpose of the IS circuits is to limit the energy going into the field so as to minimize the risk of ignition in hazardous atmosphere

Typical IS circuit

Refer figure below –

The safety apparatus is the field instruments (transmitters, valves, switches) which are installed in Hazardous area, they are intrinsically safe and Exi certified.

The associated apparatus (Barriers, Isolators) are installed in Non Hazardous area mainly in Control cabinets inside Instrument Rack Rooms or in control rooms. They are designed to limit the energy (voltage and current) available to safety apparatus. They are also Exi certified suitable to use with safety apparatus.

When devices are approved as Intrinsically safe, under the entity concept they have entity parameters listed in table below the figure.

Following conditions should be met, for an IS circuit / loop

Condition 1

Vmax < Va

Isc < Ia

Pa < Peq

If there is a fault condition, the excess voltage or current from associated apparatus (non Hazardous area) could be transferred to the safety apparatus (intrinsically safe apparatus – field device). If the voltage or current (Va , Ia) exceeds the safety apparatus’ Vmax or Isc, the device can heat up or spark and ignite the gases in the hazardous area.

Condition 2

Ceq + C (cable) < Ca

Leq + L (cable) < La

C (cable) = Ca – Ceq

L (cable) = La – Leq

The Ca and La values describe the device‘s ability to store energy in the form of internal capacitance and internal inductance. This represents the maximum capacitance that may be connected to the specified terminals without invalidating safety.

Condition 3

Lc/Rc < L/R

The Lc/Rc ratio of the cable can be used as an alternative to the maximum value of L/R allowed by the associated apparatus. If this value is lower than that of the associated apparatus then the inductive effect of the cable can be ignored and the cable distance can be equivalent to the capacitance value.

Example

Typical Non IS circuits

The diagram above shows a typical non IS circuit.

The cables used in this circuit does not need to have entity parameters.

This circuit is used in mainly non Hazardous areas or Non IS instruments and apparatus or Instruments with Exd approval.

Article by :
Nilima singh
Instrumentation and control Engineer
13 year experience in Detail engineering
Worked on various Refinery, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical and chemical projects