MTL7728P+ Eaton MTL 4-20mA Zener Safety Barrier
Product Overview
The MTL7728P+ is a high-performance 1-channel shunt-diode safety barrier (Zener barrier) from Eaton's Crouse-Hinds series MTL7700 range, specifically engineered for high-power applications in IIC gas groups (hydrogen, acetylene, etc.) requiring intrinsic safety protection in hazardous areas.
This passive device limits the voltage and current that can reach a hazardous area under fault conditions, preventing ignition of flammable atmospheres. With a maximum output voltage of 28V DC, switching current of 119mA, and a low voltage drop of only 5.1V at 20mA, the MTL7728P+ is the ideal solution for protecting solenoid valves, alarms, LEDs, and controller outputs in Zone 0, 1, and 2 hazardous locations (gas group IIC).
Model Number Decoding
| Code Segment |
Meaning |
| MTL |
MTL Instruments Group (now Eaton) |
| 77 |
MTL7700 series – Shunt-diode safety barriers |
| 28 |
Specific barrier configuration for general-purpose IIC applications |
| P+ |
High-power version (P) with positive polarity (+) |
The "P" designation indicates the higher-power version with lower voltage drop (5.1V vs 6.66V), distinguishing it from the standard MTL7728+. The "+" indicates positive polarity.
Key Features & Benefits
- High-Power IIC Certification: Certified for the most hazardous IIC gas groups (hydrogen, acetylene) – suitable for use in Zone 0, 1, and 2 explosive atmospheres
- Low Voltage Drop – UNIQUE: Only 5.1V voltage drop at 20mA – significantly lower than the standard MTL7728+ (6.66V), maximizing available power for field devices in power-limited applications
- 1-Channel with Higher Current: Single channel rated for 119mA switching current – higher capacity than standard IIC barriers (typically 93mA)
- Ideal for Solenoid Valves & Alarms: Specifically recommended for digital (switch) outputs including solenoid valves, alarms, LEDs, and controller outputs
- Controller Output Optimization: Recommended choice for controller outputs where power budget is critical – provides more headroom for I/P converters and other analog outputs
- Removable Terminals: Unique removable terminal blocks for easy cabling, maintenance, and loop disconnect by simply unplugging terminals from the side of the module
- Bussed Power Capability: Integrated bussed power distribution reduces cabling requirements. When used with the MTL7798 power feed module, provides a fully protected, electronically fused supply with no additional wiring required
- Angled Wire Entry: Wire entry is angled to assist wiring within limited space enclosures, making installation easier in crowded control cabinets
- Ultra-Slim DIN Rail Mounting: Compact 12.6 mm width for standard 35 mm T-section DIN rail – simultaneously makes a reliable IS earth connection when clipped onto the rail
- Dual-Stage Protection: Contains two stages of pulse-tested Zener diodes and an 'infallible' terminating resistor. The two stages of voltage limitation ensure continued safety if either stage should fail
- Global Approvals: ATEX, IECEx, UL, CSA certifications for international installation flexibility
Technical Specifications
General Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
Eaton (Crouse-Hinds series MTL) |
| Series |
MTL7700 Range |
| Product Model |
MTL7728P+ |
| Product Type |
Shunt-Diode Safety Barrier (Zener Barrier) |
| Number of Channels |
1 (single-channel) |
| Polarity |
Positive (+) |
Electrical Ratings
| Parameter |
Value |
| Rated Supply Voltage DC |
28 V DC |
| Maximum Output Voltage (Uo) |
28 V |
| Maximum Output Current (Io) |
119 mA |
| Safety Current Resistance |
234 Ω / 300 Ω variants reported |
| Voltage Drop @20mA |
5.1 V – High-power version |
| Maximum Power Dissipation |
1.0 W |
| Recommended Application |
Solenoid valves, alarms, LEDs, controller outputs, I/P converters |
Hazardous Area Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Gas Groups |
IIC, IIB, IIA |
| Zones |
Zone 0, 1, 2 |
| Division Rating |
Class I, Division 2; Class I, Zone 2 |
| IECEx/ATEX Rating |
II (1) GD [Ex ia] IIC |
| ATEX Category |
II 1 GD |
| Temperature Code |
T4 (-40°C to +60°C) |
Mechanical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Width |
12.6 mm |
| Height |
90 mm |
| Depth/Length |
105 mm |
| Weight |
140 g |
| Enclosure Material |
Polycarbonate |
| Mounting |
35 mm T-section DIN rail (EN 60715) |
| Terminals |
Removable screw terminals |
Environmental Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Minimum Operating Temperature |
-20°C to -40°C (depending on standard) |
| Maximum Operating Temperature |
+60°C to +65°C |
| Degree of Protection |
IP20 |
Certifications & Approvals
| Certification |
Status |
Region |
| ATEX |
✅ Certified |
Europe |
| IECEx |
✅ Certified |
International |
| UL |
✅ Certified |
USA |
| CSA |
✅ Certified |
Canada |
| FM (Factory Mutual) |
✅ Certified |
USA |
| CCC Ex (China) |
Available |
China |
| RoHS |
✅ Compliant |
-- |
Function Description
The MTL7728P+ is a passive shunt-diode safety barrier that operates on the Zener barrier principle. It limits both voltage and current that can be delivered to a hazardous area circuit under fault conditions.
How it works:
- Voltage limiting: Zener diodes clamp the output voltage to a safe level (28V) if the safe-area voltage rises above normal operating levels
- Current limiting: A series resistor limits fault current to a safe value (119mA)
- Fusing: Internal fuses provide backup protection under severe fault conditions
- Two-stage voltage limitation: Two stages of pulse-tested Zener diodes ensure continued safety if either stage should fail
- Grounding: The barrier requires a connection to a high-integrity earth ground – made simultaneously when clipping onto standard T-section DIN rail
Signal Flow
Safe Area (Control Side) Hazardous Area (Field Side)
PLC/DCS Controller Output ──► MTL7728P+ ────────► Intrinsically safe circuit
24V DC supply ──► (Voltage/Current limiting) ──► Solenoid Valve
(Zener diodes + resistor) Alarm/LED
[5.1V drop @20mA] I/P Converter
[High-integrity earth ground required]
Applications
The MTL7728P+ is specifically designed for high-power digital and analog output applications in IIC hazardous area installations:
| Industry |
Application |
| Oil & Gas |
Solenoid valve control for emergency shutdown systems on offshore platforms (IIC environments) |
| Chemical Processing |
Alarm and indicator driving in hydrogen-containing atmospheres (IIC gas groups) |
| Pharmaceutical |
Solvent handling equipment control requiring Ex ia IIC certification |
| Power Generation |
Hydrogen-cooled generator monitoring – alarm and control outputs |
| Factory Automation |
LED annunciator and audible alarm protection in hazardous locations |
| Marine & Offshore |
Marine control systems requiring IIC intrinsic safety certification |
Typical field devices connected:
- Solenoid valves (low-power)
- Audible and visual alarms
- LED indicators
- I/P converters (current-to-pressure) for valve positioning
- Controller analog outputs (0/4-20 mA)
- Digital (switch) outputs
Important Note: The MTL7728P+ is certified for IIC gas groups (hydrogen, acetylene), making it suitable for the most hazardous industrial environments. For IIB applications (ethylene), the MTL7729P+ with even lower voltage drop (3.68V) is available.
Model Comparison
| Model |
Voltage Drop @20mA |
Typical Application |
| MTL7728+ (Standard) |
6.66V |
Most controller outputs |
| MTL7728P+ (High-Power) |
5.1V |
Power-limited IIC applications |
| MTL7729P+ (IIB) |
3.68V |
IIB applications (ethylene) |
Installation Information
| Parameter |
Detail |
| Mounting |
Standard 35 mm T-section DIN rail (EN 60715) |
| Terminals |
Removable screw terminals, colour-coded (blue for hazardous area) |
| Grounding |
High-integrity earth connection made simultaneously when clipping onto DIN rail |
| Wire Entry |
Angled to assist wiring in limited space enclosures |
| Terminal Capacity |
Accommodates conductors up to 2.5 mm² |
| Clearance |
Minimal – 12.6 mm width enables high-density installation |
| Operating Position |
Any orientation |
Important Installation Notes:
- A high-integrity earth ground connection is mandatory for proper Zener barrier operation
- Do not install in areas where condensation may occur
- The barrier must be installed in a safe area (non-hazardous location)
- Hazardous-area terminals are identified by blue labels
- For bussed power applications, use with MTL7798 power feed module
- Compatible with existing MTL700 range installations – direct replacement
Ordering Information
| Item |
Details |
| Part Number |
MTL7728P+ |
| Brand |
Eaton (Crouse-Hinds series MTL) |
| Product Family |
MTL7700 Range – Shunt-Diode Safety Barriers |
| Tariff Code |
85369095 |
| EAN |
3066227675739 |
| Weight |
0.140 kg |
| Country of Origin |
India |
| Condition |
New, Original, Factory Sealed |
| Minimum Order Quantity |
1 piece |
| Warranty |
Manufacturer's standard warranty |
| Shipping |
Immediate dispatch via DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT |