Newson Gale Earth-Rite PLUS is an active static grounding monitoring system combining continuous grounding verification, operator status indication and process interlock functions.

The system monitors the resistance of the electrical connection between conductive equipment and a designated grounding point.

A satisfactory grounding condition is indicated by flashing green LEDs, while an unsatisfactory condition is indicated by a red LED.

Two voltage-free changeover contacts enable integration with process control systems, helping prevent loading or unloading operations when the required grounding condition is not confirmed.

Verified Product-Family Specifications for the Metallic Ex d Version:

• Manufacturer: Newson Gale

• Business Group: HOERBIGER Safety Solutions

• Product Family: Earth-Rite PLUS / Earth-Rite II PLUS

• Requested Model: PLUSMEA1B3

• Product Type: Static Grounding Indicator and Interlock System

• Configuration Family: Single Mode, PLUSME

• Available AC Supply: 115 VAC or 230 VAC

• Supply Frequency: 50/60 Hz

• Power Consumption: 10W

• Nominal Monitoring Loop Resistance: ≤10 Ω, ±10% tolerance

• Monitoring Circuit: Intrinsically Safe

• Visual Indicators: One red LED and three flashing green LEDs

• Interlock Outputs: Two voltage-free changeover contacts

• AC Contact Rating: 250 VAC, 5A, 500VA maximum resistive

• DC Contact Rating: 30 VDC, 2A, 60W maximum resistive

• Ambient Temperature: −40°C to +55°C

• Ingress Protection: IP66

• Monitoring Unit Enclosure: Copper-free cast aluminium

• Monitoring Unit Weight: Approximately 4.5kg

• Cable Entries: Seven M20 entries, two plugged

• Optional Grounding Clamp Material: Stainless Steel 304

• Grounding Clamp Contact Tips: Tungsten Carbide

• Optional Grounding Cable: Two-core Cen-Stat spiral cable with Hytrel sheath

• Available Cable Lengths: 3m, 5m, 10m or 15m

• Calibration: No field calibration required according to the manufacturer

Published Hazardous-Area Certifications for the Earth-Rite II PLUS Ex d Version:

• ATEX: II 2(1)G / II 2(1)D

• Gas Protection Marking: Ex db [ia Ga] IIC T6 Gb

• Dust Protection Marking: Ex tb [ia Da] IIIC T80°C Db

• ATEX Certificate: ExVeritas 19ATEX0537

• IECEx Certificate: IECEx EXV 19.0052

• Functional Safety: SIL 2 according to IEC/EN 61508

These certifications are published for the manufacturer's specified equipment version. The exact PLUSMEA1B3 unit must be checked against its certificate, nameplate and supplied documentation.

Configuration-Specific Verification Required:

• Complete decoding of the A1B3 suffix.

• Selected AC supply voltage.

• Included grounding cable type and length.

• Supplied grounding clamp and accessories.

• Applicable certificate revision and equipment marking.

• Wiring diagrams and installation drawings.

Important Safety Notes:

The grounding monitor does not replace the design and verification of the facility grounding system.

The 10-ohm threshold is the equipment's monitoring criterion, not a universal grounding resistance requirement for all installations.

Hazardous-area installation must be performed by appropriately qualified personnel.

Process interlock contacts must be integrated in accordance with the applicable electrical ratings and the overall safety design.