Why Use an Intrinsically Safe Isolation Barrier?

Intrinsic safety standards require — for instruments in hazardous locations — that certain points of the system be
grounded, and others be isolated from ground.

Grounding intrinsically safe circuits reduces the probability of generating excessive energy levels. Isolation from
ground prevents the possibility of having two grounded points with different potentials, and the possible circulation
of a high current.

IS standards also require that only one point be grounded, and the rest of the circuit isolated from ground (500
VAC min.). This is done with a conductor connected to the reference ground system and isolated from any other
plant grounds.

Isolated Barriers
The grounding requirement, maintenance, and testing can be considerably reduced by using isolated barriers —
that don’t require a maintained IS ground.

The circuits are floating ground systems, and are usually equipped with three transformers (on input, output, and
power). Below, you can see a comparison of wiring methods using isolated barriers.

Conventional Passive IS Zener Barriers Active (Powered) IS Isolation Barriers

1. Ground connection not required.
2. Field devices can be grounded.
1. A good ground connection must be provided and maintained. 3. Full voltage is available to field devices.
2. Field devices must be isolated from ground. 4. Reverse polarity protected and surge arrestors incorporated.
3. Voltage drop across the barriers can make some applications difficult. 5. Tolerates high common mode voltage.
4. Improper connection or voltage surges could blow the fuse. 6. Signal conditioning and circuit protection are combined.
5. Poor common mode rejection values. 7. Simple installation with elimination of ground loops.