Nivotester FTL825

Summary

Product identification

• Product Name: Nivotester FailSafe FTL825
• Type: Point level switch
• Intended Use: Fail-safe point level detection in liquids, suitable for use in safety systems requiring functional safety to SIL3 (IEC 61508 Ed.2.0 / IEC 61511-1 / ISA 84-1). Applications include chemicals, petrochemicals, and oil & gas industries, especially where redundant or diverse systems are not recommended or possible, and where long test cycles are desirable.

Function and system design

• Measuring Principle: Two-wire system where the Nivotester supplies power to the Liquiphant FailSafe FTL8x point level switch and analyzes its 4-20 mA current signal.
• Signal Analysis: Evaluates the point level switch's current for level alarms, switches a signaling contact, and a separate fault-signaling contact. It also evaluates a dynamic LIVE signal.
• Operating Mode: Selectable between Minimum (MIN) detection (used for dry running/pump protection) and Maximum (MAX) detection (used for overfill protection).
• Function Monitoring: Permanent monitoring for faults in the point level switch, wiring, or the Nivotester itself. Indicated by a red LED, opening of safety contacts, and de-energization of the fault-signaling relay.
• Proof Test: Functional test of the Nivotester and downstream components can be activated via a front panel button or remote control.

Measuring system

The measuring system consists of:

• Liquiphant FailSafe FTL8x with FEL85 electronic insert
• Nivotester FailSafe FTL825

Input

• Measured Variable: Point level
• Measuring Range: 4 to 20 mA signal (discrete depending on operating mode).
• Input Signal:
  • Connectable point level switch: Liquiphant FailSafe FTL8x with FEL85 electronic insert.
  • Power Supply: Provided by the Nivotester FailSafe FTL825.
  • Connecting Cable: Twin-core, screening not required.
  • Cable Resistance: Maximum 25  per core.
  • Cable Length: Maximum 1,000 m (3,281 ft).
  • Cable Capacitance: Maximum 100 nF.
  • Signal Transmission: 4 to 20 mA as per NAMUR NE 43 with additional LIVE signal.

Output

• Output Signal:
  • Relay outputs:
    • Two floating NO contacts (supervised safety contacts based on quiescent current principle) with integrated 3.15 A fuse. Quiescent current operating mode (MIN/MAX) selectable via connection wiring.
    • One floating NC contact (signaling contact).
    • Fault-signaling relay: floating changeover contact.
  • Switching capacity per relay contact:
    • AC: Maximum 253 V, Maximum 2 A, Maximum 500 VA (cos  ≥ 0.7)
    • DC: Maximum 40 V, Maximum 2 A, Maximum 80 W
  • Operating life: At least 10⁵ switching operations at maximum contact load.
  • Recommended minimum current: 1 mA.
  • Function indicators: LEDs for operation, point level, and fault.
  • Sum of voltages of relay output and power supply: Max. 300 V.
• Overvoltage category to EN 61010: Category II
• Protection class: II (doubled or reinforced isolation)
• Signal on alarm: Safety contacts open, signaling contact closed, fault indicated by red LED.
• Galvanic isolation: Input channels, output channels, and relay contacts are galvanically isolated.
• Switch-on behavior: Output assumes the alarm signal upon power-on. Operational after max. 5 s.

Power supply

• Electrical connection: Removable terminal blocks, divided into intrinsically safe (top) and non-intrinsically safe (bottom) circuits.
• Mains voltage version:
  • Nominal supply voltage: AC/DC 230/115 V
  • Supply voltage range: AC 85 to 253 V, 50/60 Hz; DC 85 to 253 V
  • Power consumption: ≤3.8 VA, ≤2.0 W
• Extra-low voltage version:
  • Nominal supply voltage: AC/DC 24 V
  • Supply voltage range: AC 20 to 30 V, 50/60 Hz; DC 20 to 60 V
  • D/C power supply: Maximum 95 mA
  • Permitted residual ripple: Uss = Maximum 2 V
  • Power consumption: ≤3.6 VA, ≤2.5 W
  • Reverse polarity protection: Yes
  • Overvoltage protection: Category II (2000 m above MSL)

Operating conditions

• Installation instructions:
  • Location of use: Installed outside the hazardous area, typically in a cabinet. A protective housing (IP65) is available for outdoor mounting.
  • Orientation: Vertical on DIN rail (TS 35).
• Environment:
  • Location of use: Cabinet or protective housing.
  • Permitted ambient temperatures:
    • Individual mounting: –20 to +60 °C (–4 to +140 °F)
    • Series mounting without lateral spacing: –20 to +50 °C (–4 to +122 °F)
    • Storage temperature: –20 to +85 °C (–4 to +185 °F)
    • Installation in protective housing: –20 to +60 °C (–4 to +140 °F)
  • Climatic and mechanical application class: 3K3 and 3M2 (In accordance with DIN EN 60721-3-3)
  • Humidity: 5-95% (non-condensating)
  • Degree of protection: IP20
  • Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): In accordance with EN 61326 series and NAMUR Recommendation EMC (NE 21).
  • Vibration resistance: As per IEC 60068-2-64, load class 0.5 (m/s²)²/Hz, 3 x 100 minutes.

Mechanical construction

• Design, dimensions: Plastic row housing, mounts on DIN rail.
• Weight: Approx. 270 g (9.52 oz)
• Material:
  • Housing: Polycarbonate (light-gray)
  • Front cover: Polypropylene PPN (charcoal-gray)
  • Fixing slide: Polycarbonate (light-gray)
• Terminals: Screw terminals for sensor connection, fault-signaling relay, remote control, supply voltage, unlocking, safety contacts, and signaling contact. Maximum conductor cross-section: 1 x 2.5 mm² or 2 x 1.5 mm².

Human interface

• Operating concept: Local configuration with proof test button and interlock switch behind a retractable front panel.
• Operating and display elements:
  • Operating elements: Proof test button, interlock switch.
  • Display elements: LEDs for LIVE signal, sensor status, wiring status, fault conditions, and operating mode.
  • Fuses: Two replaceable fuses for the safety contacts.

Certificates and approvals

• CE mark, Declaration of Conformity: Complies with applicable EC Directives.
• Ex approval: Information on available Ex versions (IECEx, ATEX, TIIS, NEPSI, FM IS, CSA IS) is available from E+H Sales Center. Explosion protection data in separate documentation.
• Type of protection: [Ex ia] IIC
• Overfill protection and leakage (WHG): System designations Z–65.11–507 (overfill) and Z–65.40–508 (leakage).
• Marine approval: GL, ABS.
• Other standards and guidelines: EN 60529, EN 61010, EN 61326, IEC 61508.
• Liquefied gas approval: VdTÜV100.
• Functional safety: Up to SIL3 in conjunction with FEL85.

Documentation

• Technical Information (TI): For Liquiphant FailSafe FTL8x and Protective housing.
• Operating Instructions (BA): For Nivotester FailSafe FTL825 and Liquiphant FailSafe FTL8x.
• Functional safety: Manual for Nivotester FTL825.
• Safety Instructions (ATEX, NEPSI, Control Drawings): Specific documents for various explosion protection types and regions (ATEX, IECEx, CSA, FM, NEPSI).

Accessories

• Protective housing: IP66, with integrated DIN rail and transparent, lead-sealable cover. Dimensions: 180 mm (W) x 182 mm (H) x 165 mm (T). Item number: 52010132.

Disclaimer: This extraction may miss figures, footnotes, or revisions. Contractual data must match the OEM PDF revision used on the project.

Official datasheet (PDF)

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