Eaton MTL7764AC Zener Safety Barrier 12V 1000Ω ATEX Approved for Hazardous Areas
The MTL7764AC is a high-performance shunt-diode safety barrier (Zener barrier) from Eaton's Crouse-Hinds series MTL7700 range, specifically engineered for strain-gauge bridge circuits, load cells, and Wheatstone bridge applications 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 rated voltage of 12 V, end-to-end resistance of 1,000 Ω, and maximum current of 12 mA, the MTL7764AC is the ideal solution for protecting sensitive strain-gauge based measurement equipment in Zone 0, 1, and 2 hazardous locations (gas groups IIC, IIB, IIA).
The device features a compact 12 mm width and standard DIN rail mounting for easy integration into existing control cabinets.
| Code Segment | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MTL | MTL Instruments Group (now Eaton) |
| 77 | MTL7700 series — Shunt-diode safety barriers |
| 64 | Specific barrier configuration for strain-gauge bridges |
| AC | AC/DC compatible — suitable for both AC and DC circuits |
The "AC" suffix indicates compatibility with AC circuits, distinguishing it from polarity-sensitive models.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Eaton (Crouse-Hinds series MTL) |
| Series | MTL7700 Range |
| Product Model | MTL7764AC |
| Alternative Part Number | 5710-032-006 |
| Product Type | Shunt-Diode Safety Barrier (Zener Barrier) |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Working Voltage (Vwkg) | 12 V |
| Maximum Current | 12 mA |
| End-to-End Resistance | 1,000 Ω |
| Resistance Tolerance | ±10 % |
| Fuse Rating | 50 mA |
| Number of Channels | 1 (single-channel) |
| Polarity | AC (non-polarized) |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Gas Groups | IIC, IIB, IIA |
| Zones | Zone 0, 1, 2 |
| Safety Description | 12 V, 1,000 Ω, 12 mA |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 12 mm |
| Height | 86 mm |
| Length/Depth | 105 mm |
| Weight | 100 g / 0.121 kg |
| Enclosure Material | Polycarbonate |
| Mounting | DIN rail (35 mm) |
| Terminals | Screw terminals |
The MTL7764AC 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.
- Voltage limiting: Zener diodes clamp the output voltage to a safe level (12 V) if the safe-area voltage rises above normal operating levels
- Current limiting: A series resistor (1,000 Ω) limits fault current to a safe value (12 mA)
- Fusing: Internal 50 mA fuses provide backup protection under severe fault conditions
- Grounding: The barrier requires a connection to a high-integrity earth ground to function properly
- The MTL7764AC is typically used in conjunction with other MTL barriers for complete strain-gauge bridge protection:
- MTL7761ac: Provides bridge excitation power (14 V, 230 Ω source)
- MTL7764ac: Used to sense the bridge supply voltage
- MTL7766Pac: Provides 12.3 V for 350 Ω bridges with 20 V supply
- For load cells with resistance between 350 Ω and 800 Ω, the MTL7764AC provides safe excitation and signal conditioning
The MTL7764AC is approved by Factory Mutual for use with 1 to 4 load cells in a clear covered polycarbonate junction box. The indicator can have excitation voltage of 10 to 20 V DC and must have remote sense ability. Load cells with Wheatstone bridge circuits are classified as "Non-energy Storing Simple Apparatus" (per ANSI/ISA-RP12.6) requiring no additional approvals when connected to certified intrinsic safety barriers.
The MTL7764AC is specifically designed for strain-gauge and load cell applications in hazardous area installations:
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Tank level measurement using load cells on storage tanks in Zone 0/1 areas |
| Chemical Processing | Vessel weighing systems, hopper scales, and silo level monitoring |
| Pharmaceutical | Batch weighing systems for solvent handling equipment requiring Ex protection |
| Mining | Conveyor belt weighing systems, bin level monitoring |
| Food & Beverage | Tank weighing for flammable liquid storage (spirits, oils) |
| Marine & Offshore | Cargo tank monitoring, mooring line tension measurement |
- Strain-gauge bridge sensors (full Wheatstone bridge configuration)
- Load cells (350 Ω to 800 Ω resistance)
- Torque sensors
- Pressure sensors based on strain-gauge technology
- Weighing systems in hazardous areas
Unlike general-purpose safety barriers, specifically designed for strain-gauge bridge circuits and load cells
Non-polarized operation eliminates wiring errors and simplifies installation
Industry standard for shunt-diode safety barriers for decades
Certified for use in major industrial markets worldwide
DIN rail mounting, clearly labeled terminals, and compact design
Factory Mutual approved for use with 1 to 4 load cells
| Model | Working Voltage | Current | Resistance | Polarity | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTL7764AC | 12 V | 12 mA | 1,000 Ω | AC | Strain-gauge bridges, load cells |
| MTL7760ac | 7 V | 72 mA | 85 Ω | AC | General purpose AC circuits |
| MTL7761ac | 10 V | 93 mA | 300 Ω | AC | AC circuits, general purpose |
| MTL7761Pac | 10 V | 93 mA | 300 Ω | AC | Power bus version |
| MTL7765ac | 12 V | 93 mA | 300 Ω | AC | AC circuits, higher current |
| MTL7766ac | 14 V | 93 mA | 300 Ω | AC | AC circuits, higher voltage |
| MTL7766Pac | 14 V | 93 mA | 300 Ω | AC | Power bus version, 12.3 V for 350 Ω bridge |
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Standard 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715) |
| Terminals | Screw terminals (accepts up to 2.5 mm² wire) |
| Grounding | Requires high-integrity earth ground connection |
| Clearance | Minimal — 12 mm width enables high-density installation |
| Operating Position | Any orientation |
- 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)
- Maximum cable parameters for IIC gas group apply to field wiring
- For load cell applications, ensure the indicator has remote sense capability
| Certification | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ATEX | Certified | BAS01 ATEX 7217 — II (1) GD [Ex ia] IIC |
| TIIS (Japan) | Certified | TC16441 (expired July 2024, renewal available) |
| Factory Mutual (FM) | Approved | For load cell applications with 1-4 load cells |
| CSA | Certified | North American approval |
| RoHS | Compliant | Lead-free |
| CE | Compliant | EMC Directive |
| Model | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MTL7761ac | Excitation Supply | 10 V, 300 Ω source for bridge excitation |
| MTL7764ac | Bridge Sense | 12 V, 1,000 Ω, 12 mA — senses bridge supply voltage |
| MTL7766Pac | Bridge Power | 14 V, 300 Ω — provides 12.3 V for 350 Ω bridge |
| MTL7761Pac | Power Bus Version | Same as MTL7761ac with power bus capability |
| MTL7706+ | Single-Channel Barrier | 28 V, 93 mA, 300 Ω — general purpose positive polarity |
| MTL7787+ | Dual-Channel Barrier | 28 V, 93 mA, 300 Ω — general purpose positive polarity |
The MTL7700 series offers a complete range of shunt-diode safety barriers for all intrinsic safety applications.
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