Should you consider static monitoring?
The G2 Series provides a positive ground indication through the use of an intrinsically safe monitoring circuit driving a switching relay. Upon connection of the self-releasing clamp and cable to a conducting material, the intrinsically safe circuit is completed and the operator will be shown a green light to indicate that a ground connection has been established.
While most competing systems only monitor the path from the ground unit to the clamp, the G2 series also employs a segregated cable connection to actual ground, which is also monitored for low resistance. An interruption in either path (indicated by any resistance above 5 ohms) will shut down the system.
The system can also be interlocked with filling equipment to ensure that no flammable product can be transferred until the ground is established. If the circuit is broken by release of the grounding clamp or other ground interruption, the control relay will open and a red light will be displayed. Any filling equipment that is controlled by the system will also be halted until the ground is re-established.
The G2 Series systems will do the following: shut down a pump or valve; sound an alarm; show a red light when conditions are unsafe; show a green light when conditions are safe; open contacts on a computer; indicate that static path to ground has integrity and receive permissive signals from a computer control.
Standard options include a choice of aluminum or bronze clamp, straight or self-coiling cable, and a variety of cable storage and retracting reels.
- 5 Ohm set resistance point
- Unit measures 13" H x 11" W x 5" D
- 110V power required, ¾" NPT connection. (220V available)
- Moisture drain
- Includes 2 dry contacts that can be independently configures as normally open or normally closed
- Approvals: cULus Class 1, Division 1, Group D. Class 2, Division 1, Group E, F, G.
- NSN # 4930-20-008-7994
Usually, a visual means is used to confirm that a ground clamp and lead are in place for proper grounding or bonding, with periodic confirmation via resistance meters. Despite an operator’s best efforts to ensure that equipment is properly bonded/grounded using the appropriate wiring and tools, static dissipation may still not be achieved due to failure to reach a conductive surface. As a result, an improperly grounded or bonded object can store up static charge and, with the right amount of flammable vapour and the presence of a spark, an ignition can occur. This condition may exist without the slightest indication to alert an operator.
Newer electronic verification systems now take the guesswork out of proper grounding and bonding techniques. These verification systems offer a continuous means of visual confirmation of a properly grounded or bonded connection.
The StaticSure product is an intrinsically safe portable device designed to help you comply with safety regulations and maintain a safe working environment. When used with proper bonding and grounding clamps and cables, StaticSure helps to ensure that a static bond has been achieved prior to handling flammable materials.
The StaticSure system uses an intrinsically safe set of electronics to monitor the entire connection from clamp to ground point, and will warn the operator if for any reason the connection is not good enough to drain static electricity. StaticSure flashes a very bright red LED light that warns the operator and keeps flashing until the problem is resolved and static electricity can once again drain off the equipment.
StaticSure is cULus approved for Class I, Division 1, Groups ABCD and Class II, Division 1, Groups FG hazardous locations. The device itself is a small form factor unit that can be used portably or mounted to a wall or vehicle. The modular design uses standard industrial static grounding clamps that can be quickly disconnected and reconnected in whatever configuration is necessary for the work at hand.
Remember - if you need a configuration that you don't see here, contact us and we'll make it for you.
The G2 Series and StaticSure are excellent devices that provide clear indication that a ground connection or bond has been made and static electricity is being dissipated. Although similar in concept, the G2 systems and StaticSure have differing features and they use a different approach to alert operators of a proper or improper connection.
G2 systems are fixed, mounted systems which are large in size. They rely on an electrical input and require a heavy explosion-proof enclosure to be used inside hazardous locations. When a connection is established, a green light indicates that a proper grounding is being achieved. If a
proper ground is not achieved, a red light remains on. These are typically used in bulk train or truck unloading areas and can be interlocked with pumps to only turn the pump on if there is a good static ground.
StaticSure is a battery operated, lightweight, and portable device. The device is intrinsically safe and can be used in hazardous locations. It alerts an operator if a proper bond has not been achieved by flashing a red light. These devices are used typically in drumming or other portable operations. Many independent flammable truck carriers will also keep a StaticSure handy in their truck in case the bulk unloading area at a client facility does not have a G2 type system.
Both of these devices have a role to play in proper static grounding processes. What you need to think about as a safety manager or facility operator is how much risk there is in your flammable handling and whether being sure that you have a good ground through a monitoring device is worth the piece of mind for your employees and equipment.