Overview
Explosion Proof Slip Rings for Hazardous Locations – Certified, Reliable, and Customizable
- Certified for Hazardous Locations – IEC Ex db IIC T6 Gb and ATEX Ex II 2 G compliance for safe use in explosive gas and vapor environments
- High Performance – Supports 2 to 30 electrical channels, up to 3,000V, and speeds up to 500 RPM
- Flexible Mounting Options – End-of-shaft configuration available with or without a junction box to fit your application needs
- Maintenance-Free, Arc-Free Design – Utilizes proven ROTOCON® brushless technology for reliable, long-lasting performance in critical environments
Meridian Laboratory’s HLMX series of Explosion Proof Slip Rings are engineered for safe and reliable operation in hazardous environments where flammable gases or vapors may be present. Certified to meet IEC Ex db IIC T6 Gb and ATEX Ex II 2 G standards, ROTOCON hazardous location slip rings are designed for use in demanding applications requiring robust explosion protection.
Our explosion-proof slip rings are designed for end-of-shaft mounting and are available with or without an integrated junction box, providing flexible installation options to suit your specific needs. The ROTOCON HLMX series can be configured with 2 to 30 electrical channels, supporting voltages up to 3,000V and rotation speeds up to 500 RPM.
Backed by Meridian Laboratory’s proven ROTOCON® brushless slip ring technology, our slip rings offer maintenance-free, arc-free performance, ensuring long-term durability and safety in ATEX/IECEx classified areas.
Advantages
Why Choose ROTOCON Hazardous Location Slip Rings?
General Specifications
Hazardous Location Slip Ring Specifications
Certification
IEC Ex db IIC T6 Gb
and ATEX Ex II 2 G
For other certifications, please contact Meridian Laboratory to discuss your application.
MOUNTING
End-of-Shaft
A selection of mounting flanges are available, with the option of Meridian Laboratory providing a custom-sized mounting flange to meet application-specific requirements.
RPM
Up to 1000 RPM
The maximum rotational speed of a ROTOCON washdown rotating electrical connector is directly limited to the temperature the slip ring reaches under maximum current load and rotational speed within a given environment. The speeds shown are up to and not guaranteed in absolute maximums.
TEMPERATURE
-35˚F to 160˚F
Temperature rating is measured at the body of the ROTOCON slip ring under maximum current load and rotational speed should not exceed 160˚F for continuous periods of time. For application specific scenarios, please contact Meridian Laboratory.
Configurations
Hazardous Location & Explosion Proof Slip Rings
| Name | Channels | Amperage | Voltage | Data Capable | Terminations Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom Hazardous Location ROTOCON Slip Ring | Up to 30 Channels | Up to 18A per Channel | up to 3, 500V | Available up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) Speed | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
| HLMX-24 | 24 | 5.5A | up to 3, 500V (custom), 600V (standard) | Yes | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
| HLMX-30 | 30 | 4A | up to 3, 500V (custom), 600V (standard) | Yes | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
| HLMX-15 | 15 | 10A | up to 3, 500V (custom), 600V (standard) | Yes | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
| HLMX-20 | 20 | 10A | up to 3, 500V (custom), 600V (standard) | Yes | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
| HLMX-8 | 8 | 18A | up to 3, 500V (custom), 600V (standard) | Yes | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
| HLMX-12 | 12 | 18A | up to 3, 500V (custom), 600V (standard) | Yes | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
| HLMX-2 | 2 | 18A | up to 3, 500V (custom), 600V (standard) | Yes | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
| HLMX-4 | 4 | 18A | up to 3, 500V (custom), 600V (standard) | Yes | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
| HLMX-2 | 2 | 18A | up to 3, 500V (custom), 600V (standard) | Yes | or junction box, potted flying leads, Ring terminals |
FAQs
Common Hazardous Location Slip Ring Questions
What is the difference between ATEX / IECEx and Class/Division certifications and markings?
ATEX, IECEx, and Class/Division certifications all address hazardous environments, but differ by region and classification method. ATEX is used in the EU and identifies zone-based classifications, while Class/Division (per NEC) is used in North America. Markings include specific gas group, temperature class, and protection level. While the correlations do not overlap exactly, here is a simple comparison between the various schemas.
| System | Area Classification | Protection Type | Gas Group | Temp Class |
| North American | Class 1, Division 1 | Explosion Proof | Group A (Hydrogen) | T6 (≤85°C) |
| ATEX | Zone 1 | Ex d | IIC | T6 (≤85°C) |
| IECEx | Zone 1 | Ex db | IIC | T6 (≤85°C) |
How often is maintenance required for a ROTOCON?
Never. Once installed, ROTOCON brushless slip rings are engineered for continuous operation throughout their entire lifespan. Their brushless design not only ensures industry-leading signal quality, but also eliminates wear points and common failure modes found in traditional brushed slip rings.
Are ROTOCONs available for hazardous, dusty environments?
Currently we offer ATEX Ex II 2G db T6 Gb and IECEx Ex db IIC T6 Gb certified ROTOCON slip rings specifically designed for hazardous locations involving gas. For environments involving dust, please contact Meridian Laboratory for more information.
Can a single ROTOCON be used to transmit both power and signal?
Yes, ROTOCON rotary electrical connectors are extremely capable and successful at transmitting both power and signal within the same assembly, minimizing interference or crosstalk.
Can a ROTOCON pass Profinet, Ether-CAT, Ethernet, and other industrial communication protocols?
Yes, ROTOCON rotary electrical connectors and slip rings are capable of transferring many signal types and communication protocols, including Etherlink, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Modbus TCP/IP, Powerlink, CC-Link IE, SERCOS III, SynqNet, MECHATROLINK-III, ControlNet, RS485, RS432, RS422, EtherCAT, and more generally speaking – any 1000BASE-T Ethernet-based or similar communication protocols. If you have a specific protocol not listed, please contact us directly to determine if your signal is compatible.
Can a ROTOCON be used in corrosive environments?
Yes, ROTOCON rotary electrical connectors and rotary grounds are built with durable, industrial-grade materials, making them suitable for many challenging environments. Depending on the level of exposure to corrosive substances, a standard model may be sufficient for your application. Meridian Laboratory also offers upgrades to enhance ingress protection (IP rating) and chemical resistance. For extreme cases, Meridian Laboratory has the ability to deliver custom ROTOCONs to meet the challenging environmental requirements of your application. Contact us to discuss your project and find the best solution for your needs.
Customization
Hazardous Location & Explosion Proof Slip Ring Options
APPLICATIONS & USES
Common Uses for Hazardous Location Slip Rings
Oil & Gas Exploration
On drilling rigs—both onshore and offshore—slip rings are used in top drives, pipe handling systems, and rotary tables. These components continuously rotate, but still require electrical power and signal transmission to operate control valves, sensors, torque monitoring systems, and instrumentation. The slip ring allows for uninterrupted electrical connection between the rotating and stationary parts of the system.
Pharmaceutical and Chemical Mixing
In reactors or mixers used for pharmaceutical and chemical production, the vessels are often equipped with rotating agitators or blades. These require ongoing electrical power and control for temperature sensors, motor feedback, or batch control signals. Hazardous location slip rings allow the system to transmit this data continuously while rotating.
Mining Operations
In mining environments, slip rings are used in rotating equipment such as drill rigs, ventilation systems, conveyors, and excavation machines (e.g., continuous miners or bucket wheel excavators). These systems require continuous transmission of power, signals, and control data to rotating platforms that support cutting heads, winches, or sensor arrays. ROTOCON hazardous location slip rings eliminate the need for hanging cable loops or complex cable management systems, enabling safer and more reliable rotary motion.
EXPLORE MORE
Related Articles for Hazardous Location Slip Rings
Resources
Helpful Information
Get the details you need—explore our complete resource library on every slip ring series.