MTL MTL7779+ Intrinsically Safe DIN Rail Zener Safety Barrier
Product Overview
The MTL7779+ is a high-performance 2-channel shunt-diode safety barrier (Zener barrier) from Eaton's Crouse-Hinds series MTL7700 range, specifically engineered to provide intrinsic safety protection for electrical circuits installed 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 28 V DC, switching current of 93 mA, and series resistance of 300 Ω, the MTL7779+ is the ideal solution for protecting circuits in Zone 0, 1, and 2 hazardous locations (gas groups IIC, IIB, IIA). The device features a compact 12.6 mm width and standard DIN rail mounting for easy integration into existing control cabinets.
Certified with multiple international approvals including ATEX IECEx KCS (KOSHA) and cCSAus, the MTL7779+ is the trusted choice for intrinsic safety applications in oil & gas, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and other hazardous industries.
Model Number Decoding: MTL7779+
| Code Segment |
Meaning |
| MTL |
MTL Instruments Group (now Eaton) |
| 77 |
MTL7700 series — Shunt-diode safety barriers |
| 79 |
Specific barrier configuration |
| + |
Positive polarity configuration |
The "+" suffix indicates positive polarity; negative polarity versions are available with "-" suffix where applicable.
Key Features & Benefits
- 2-Channel Protection: Two independent intrinsically safe channels in a single 12.6 mm housing — maximizes panel space efficiency and reduces installation costs
- 28 V DC Rated Voltage: Provides safe voltage limiting for hazardous area circuits, preventing ignition under fault conditions
- 93 mA Switching Current: Adequate current handling for most field instrumentation including transmitters, sensors, switches, and indicators
- 300 Ω Series Resistance: Matches typical loop resistance requirements for 4-20 mA signal circuits while ensuring intrinsic safety compliance
- 250 V AC/DC Isolation (Um): Rated for connection to circuits with up to 250 V rms, allowing installation in standard industrial control systems
- Positive Polarity Configuration: Designed for positive ground applications — common in many industrial control systems
- Ultra-Slim DIN Rail Mounting: Compact 12.6 mm width for standard 35 mm DIN rail installation, saving valuable panel space
- Wide Operating Temperature: Functions reliably from -20°C to +60°C, suitable for most industrial environments
- Polycarbonate Enclosure: Lightweight, durable housing with excellent electrical insulation properties
- Multiple International Certifications: ATEX, IECEx, KCS (KOSHA Korea), cCSAus, and BASEEFA approvals for global installation flexibility
Technical Specifications
General Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Manufacturer |
Eaton (Crouse-Hinds series MTL) |
| Series |
MTL7700 Range |
| Product Model |
MTL7779+ |
| Product Type |
Shunt-Diode Safety Barrier (Zener Barrier) |
| Channels |
2-channel (Dual) |
| Polarity |
Positive (+) |
Electrical Ratings
| Parameter |
Value |
| Rated Supply Voltage DC |
28 V DC |
| Maximum Output Voltage (Uo) |
28 V |
| Maximum Output Current (Io) |
93 mA |
| Series Resistance |
300 Ω per channel |
| Maximum Supply Voltage (Um) |
250 V AC/DC |
| Endurance Current |
93 mA |
| Leakage Current |
Low (< typical Zener barrier values) |
Mechanical Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Width |
12.6 mm |
| Height |
90 mm |
| Length/Depth |
105 mm |
| Weight |
100-140 g |
| Enclosure Material |
Polycarbonate |
| Mounting |
DIN rail (35 mm) |
| Terminals |
Screw terminals |
Environmental Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Minimum Operating Temperature |
-20°C |
| Maximum Operating Temperature |
+60°C |
| Degree of Protection |
IP20 |
Hazardous Area Classification
| Parameter |
Value |
| Gas Groups |
IIC, IIB, IIA |
| Temperature Class |
T4 |
| Zones |
Zone 0, 1, 2 |
| Equipment Protection Level (EPL) |
Ga, Gb, Gc |
Certifications & Approvals
| Certification |
Status |
Details |
| ATEX |
✅ Certified |
BAS01ATEX7217 — II (1) GD [Ex ia] IIC |
| IECEx |
✅ Certified |
International certification for explosive atmospheres |
| KCS (KOSHA) |
✅ Certified |
Certificate 20-AV4BO-0698X — Korea approval |
| cCSAus |
✅ Certified |
Class I, Div 2, GP ABCD; Class I, Zn 2, IIC; T4 |
| FM |
✅ Approved |
CL I II III, DIV 1, GP ABCDEFG; [AEX ia] IIC |
| CCC |
✅ Certified |
China Compulsory Certification |
| RoHS |
✅ Compliant |
Lead-free |
Function Description
The MTL7779+ 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 (28 V) if the safe-area voltage rises above normal operating levels
- Current limiting: A series resistor (300 Ω) limits fault current to a safe value (93 mA)
- Fusing: Internal fuses provide backup protection under severe fault conditions
- Grounding: The barrier requires a connection to a high-integrity earth ground to function properly
Signal flow:
Safe Area (Control Side) Hazardous Area (Field Side)
PLC/DCS/Indicator ──► MTL7779+ ──► Intrinsically safe circuit
24 V DC supply ──► (Voltage/Current limiting) ──► Transmitter/Sensor/Switch
(Zener diodes + resistor)
[High-integrity earth ground required]
Typical loop configuration:
- The MTL7779+ is typically installed in the safe area (control room or panel)
- Field wiring from the barrier terminals connects to hazardous area devices
- The barrier requires a solid earth ground connection (typically < 1 Ω)
- Each of the two independent channels protects a separate field device
Applications
The MTL7779+ is specifically designed for intrinsic safety protection in hazardous area installations:
| Industry |
Application |
| Oil & Gas |
Protection of pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, and flow meters on offshore platforms, refineries, and pipelines |
| Chemical Processing |
Reactor monitoring instruments, level switches, and control valves in Zone 0/1 classified areas |
| Pharmaceutical |
Solvent handling equipment, fermentation vessels, and other processes with flammable materials |
| Leak Detection Systems |
Used with MTL-recommended leak detection sensors for water/oil leak monitoring in hazardous areas |
| Power Generation |
Gas turbine monitoring, hydrogen-cooled generator sensors |
| Mining |
Underground equipment requiring intrinsic safety certification |
Typical field devices connected:
- 2-wire 4-20 mA transmitters (pressure, temperature, level, flow, pH)
- NAMUR proximity sensors
- Mechanical switches (limit switches, pressure switches, temperature switches)
- Solenoid valves (low-power)
- LED indicators
- Leak detection sensors
Why Choose the MTL7779+?
- Proven MTL7700 Series Reliability — The MTL7700 series has been the industry standard for shunt-diode safety barriers for decades, trusted globally for intrinsic safety applications. The MTL7779+ is built on this legacy of quality and reliability.
- Dual-Channel Efficiency — With two independent channels in a single 12.6 mm housing, the MTL7779+ protects two field devices while using half the panel space of single-channel barriers.
- Wide Global Approvals — Certified for use in virtually every major industrial market (ATEX Europe, IECEx international, KCS Korea, cCSAus North America, FM), the MTL7779+ simplifies global equipment standardization.
- Simple Installation — DIN rail mounting, clearly labeled terminals, and compact design make installation quick and intuitive. The polycarbonate enclosure provides durability without excessive weight.
- Easy Replacement — The MTL7779+ is designed as a direct replacement for older MTL700 series barriers, simplifying retrofit projects.
- Recommended by Equipment Manufacturers — The MTL7779+ is specifically recommended by Cooper Industries Japan K.K. for use with their leak detection sensors, demonstrating industry trust.
MTL7779+ vs. Related MTL7700 Series Models
| Model |
Channels |
Polarity |
Voltage (Uo) |
Current (Io) |
Resistance |
Application |
| MTL7779+ |
2 |
Positive (+) |
28 V |
93 mA |
300 Ω |
General purpose 2-channel |
| MTL7778ac |
2 |
AC |
28 V |
93 mA |
300 Ω |
AC circuits |
| MTL7787+ |
2 |
Positive |
28 V |
93 mA |
300 Ω |
Alternative configuration |
| MTL7706+ |
1 |
Positive |
28 V |
93 mA |
300 Ω |
Single channel |
| MTL7707+ |
1 |
Positive |
28 V |
300 mA |
85 Ω |
Higher current |
| MTL7715+ |
1 |
Positive |
28 V |
300 mA |
85 Ω |
High current applications |
Installation Information
| 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 (typically via DIN rail or dedicated terminal) |
| 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
- Observe terminal polarity markings (positive and negative/ground terminals)
- The barrier must be installed in a safe area (non-hazardous location)
- Maximum cable parameters for IIC gas group apply to field wiring
Ordering Information
| Item |
Details |
| Part Number |
MTL7779+ |
| Brand |
Eaton (Crouse-Hinds series MTL) |
| Product Family |
MTL7700 Range — Shunt-Diode Safety Barriers |
| Condition |
New, Original, Factory Sealed |
| Minimum Order Quantity |
1 piece |
| Warranty |
Manufacturer's standard warranty |
| HS Code |
85389000 (parts for electrical apparatus) |
| Country of Origin |
India / UK |
| Shipping |
Immediate dispatch via DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT |
Contact our sales team for volume pricing, datasheet downloads, or technical application support.
Accessories
| Accessory |
Model |
Description |
| Bus Power Link |
BPL7700 |
Distributes bussed power to multiple barriers |
| Power Feed Module |
MTL7798 |
Provides power and protection for barrier circuits |
| Earth Bar |
— |
High-integrity grounding system for MTL7700 series |
Related Products from MTL7700 Series
| Model |
Function |
Description |
| MTL7798 |
Power Feed Module |
Power supply and protection for barrier circuits |
| MTL7706+ |
Single-Channel Barrier |
28 V, 93 mA, 300 Ω — single channel |
| MTL7715+ |
High-Current Barrier |
28 V, 300 mA, 85 Ω — for solenoid valves |
| MTL7728+ |
Dual-Channel Barrier |
28 V, 93 mA, 300 Ω — alternative dual-channel |
| MTL7787+ |
Dual-Channel Barrier |
28 V, 93 mA, 300 Ω — similar configuration |
| MTL7788+ |
Dual-Channel Barrier |
Alternative polarity configuration |
| MTL7789+ |
Dual-Channel Barrier |
Alternative configuration |