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Brand: MEDC
MEDC DB3 Industrial Explosion-Proof Alarm Sounder
Description
Overview
The MEDC DB3 is a high-power explosion-proof electronic sounder for audible fire, gas and process alarm signalling in hazardous areas. MEDC is part of the Eaton Crouse-Hinds series, and the current production model of this family is the DB3B, which Eaton introduced as a replacement for the original DB3 with improved functionality. The specifications below are taken from the Eaton DB3B datasheet.
The Ex enclosure is glass reinforced polyester and the flare is high-impact thermoplastic polyester, giving a corrosion-free unit for offshore, coastal and petrochemical service. The sounder produces up to 122 dB at 1 m and has an integral volume control for areas where a lower output is needed.
Key Features
- Ex d or Ex de, IIC/IIIC, T4/T5/T6, with ATEX and IECEx certification
- Up to 122 dB at 1 m (1400 Hz, long flare, gas version)
- 28 user-selectable tones, custom tones available on request
- DC units have 3 remotely switchable stages, with DIP-switch tone selection per stage
- Integral volume control and an optional end-of-line resistor
- IP66 and IP67 / NEMA 4X and 6, with 316 stainless steel bracket and cover screws
- Ratchet mounting bracket as standard, swivel bracket optional
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | MEDC DB3 / DB3B sounder range (Eaton Crouse-Hinds series) |
| Maximum output (1400 Hz at 1 m) | Short flare GD 113 dB, long flare GD 116 dB, short flare G 119 dB, long flare G 122 dB (+/-3 dB) |
| Tones | 28, user selectable |
| Supply voltage | 12-48 V DC; AC versions 110, 120, 220, 230, 240, 254 V |
| Current at 24 V DC (970 Hz tone) | 329 mA (IIC unit), 339 mA (IIIC unit) |
| Gas protection | Ex d IIC T4/T5/T6 Gb or Ex de IIC T4/T5/T6 Gb |
| Dust protection (GD versions) | Ex tb IIIC T135/T100/T85 deg C Db |
| Certified temperature | -55 deg C (Ex d/UL) or -50 deg C (Ex de) to +70 deg C |
| Ingress protection | IP66 / NEMA 4X; IP67 / NEMA 6 for the terminal chamber |
| Enclosure | Glass reinforced polyester, V0 rated |
| Flare | Thermoplastic polyester, V0 rated |
| Hardware | 316 stainless steel |
| Cable entries | M20 or 1/2 in NPT (1 or 2 entries) |
| Certifications | ATEX, IECEx, UL (USA and Canada), TR CU, CQST, CCCF, INMETRO, CCOE, CSFM; SIL 1 to IEC 61508 |
| Weight (long flare DC unit) | Ex d / UL 4.6 kg; Ex de 5.4 kg |
| Terminals, DC unit | 8 × 2.5 mm² (loop in/out power and tone selection) |
| Terminals, AC unit | 4 × 1.5 mm² (power loop in/out) + 3 × 2.5 mm² (tone selection) |
| Current at 110 V AC / 230 V AC | 115 mA / 52 mA (IIC unit); 122 mA / 55 mA (IIIC unit) |
| Relative humidity | 99 % non-condensing |
| EOL resistor limits | Minimum 470 Ω |
| EN 54-3 version | LPCB approved, ambient -25 to +70 °C, supply 11 to 57.6 V DC |
| Overall length | About 280 mm long flare / 208 mm short flare |
| Product generation | The Eaton datasheet describes the DB3B as the replacement for the DB3 |
Applications
- Fire and gas alarm annunciation on oil and gas production and processing facilities
- Refineries, petrochemical plants and gas terminals in Zone 1 and Zone 2 gas areas, and Zone 21/22 dust areas
- Offshore platforms and marine installations
- General process alarm and evacuation signalling in power and water plants
MEDC DB3B Ordering Code and Options
The current version of this sounder is the DB3B, which the Eaton datasheet describes as the replacement for the DB3. Its reference number is built from the model, certification, Ex atmosphere, voltage, labels, entries, options and finish. Certification codes include D (ATEX Ex d), E (ATEX Ex de), DJ and EJ (IECEx Ex d and Ex de), UL, UW (UL ordinary locations), 54D (ATEX Ex d with EN 54-3) and W (weatherproof only). The Ex atmosphere code is G for IIC gas, GD for IIC gas plus IIIC dust, or N for non-Ex versions.
Voltage codes are 048 for 12 to 48 V DC and 110, 120, 220, 230, 240 or 254 for AC. Entries are 1B or 2B (one or two M20), 2BP (two M20 with one plug), and 1C, 2C or 2CP for 1/2 inch NPT. Options are B (swivel bracket), E (end-of-line resistor), G (earth continuity, Ex e only), M (alternative tone activation), R (volt-free remote activation), S (short flare) and T (custom tones); M and R cannot be combined.
Maximum output depends on the build: 113 dB (short flare GD), 116 dB (long GD), 119 dB (short G) and 122 dB (long G), with a tolerance of ±3 dB.
MEDC DB3B Installation and Wiring Notes
A standard DC unit gives one stage when power is applied, two stages by reversing supply polarity or by using a common negative with two positive feeds, and three stages with a common negative and three positive feeds. Each stage tone is set on its own DIP switch. Option R allows volt-free contact activation of up to five stages on DC units and two on AC units. AC units have a single stage as standard. Reverse-polarity line monitoring can be combined with common positive or negative switching, and an end-of-line resistor can be fitted. Earth continuity is offered on the Ex de version only.
Why Seven Star LLC
Seven Star LLC supplies MEDC hazardous-area signalling equipment to industrial and EPC customers across Oman and the GCC. Before quoting we check the Ex certification, supply voltage, flare type and cable entry configuration against your alarm system design or the existing nameplate, because the DB3 range covers many variants that are not interchangeable.
Also available: E2S BExCS110-05 Explosion-Proof Alarm & Beacon · MEDC LD15 Ex LED Beacon
Request a Quote for MEDC DB3 Industrial Explosion-Proof Alarm Sounder
Submit a formal inquiry through our RFQ page with the full MEDC order code or nameplate data. Please also include the required certification (ATEX, IECEx or UL), the gas or gas-and-dust version, the supply voltage, the number of stages, the cable entry type, the flare colour and the quantity. Our team will confirm the correct MEDC DB3 alarm sounder configuration and send a formal quotation.
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See also: MEDC XB15 Explosion-Proof Xenon Beacon.
Datasheets & Documents
- Datasheet MEDC DB3 Industrial Explosion-Proof Alarm Sounder Datasheet Download
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About brand
MEDC is a British brand of alarm, signalling and control equipment for hazardous areas, designing and building products for flammable atmospheres and harsh conditions since 1975. It is now part of Eaton, whose Crouse-Hinds hazardous-area portfolio includes the MEDC range alongside the Fulleon and Wheelock signalling brands. MEDC sounders, beacons and call points are used offshore, in refineries and on railways.
Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier listing MEDC explosion-protected beacons, alarm sounders, call points and junction boxes for fire and gas systems in Oman and the GCC.
MEDC company profile
| Active since | 1975, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Eaton, within its Crouse-Hinds hazardous-area business |
| Sister brands | Fulleon and Wheelock signalling, Cooper and Menvier |
| Approvals | ATEX and IECEx Ex d, Ex de and Ex ia versions |
| Product families | DB3 and XL sounders, SM87 and XB beacons, BG and GP manual call points and break-glass units, combined sounder-beacons, telephone and PA loudspeakers for Zone 1 and Zone 2 |
Milestones
- 1975: MEDC starts designing alarm and signal equipment for hazardous areas.
- 2012: Eaton acquires Cooper Industries, then the owner of MEDC.
MEDC product families on this page
Visual signals include the XB15 xenon beacon, the LD15 LED beacon and the SM87 beacon family with its SM87LED version, for Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas. The DB3 is the alarm sounder. Manual alarm devices are the BG manual call point and a manual release unit from the BG2 call point series, listed as BG2E. The SM87JB junction box completes the field wiring. These devices are ordered with long codes such as SM87BGLAD1T1B1NNRAS or BGEB4B6B1DDCF7R, in which each block of characters selects an option.
Where MEDC signaling equipment is used
MEDC beacons and sounders announce fire, gas and process alarms on production platforms, in gas plants, refineries, chemical plants, loading terminals and marine vessels. Call points give personnel a way to raise the alarm by hand, and the same devices are wired into fire and gas panels from many system builders.
MEDC products we list
Ordering MEDC beacons and call points: what we need
The complete order code from the label or the project datasheet is the best starting point. If you are selecting from scratch, send the supply voltage, lens color for beacons, tone and sound level for sounders, enclosure material and finish color, cable entry size and number, the certification required and the ambient temperature. For call points add the switch arrangement, any series or end-of-line resistor values, and label or duty plate text.
Facts checked against Eaton's alarms and signalling pages and the MEDC catalogue, October 2026.
Browse MEDC products by category: Fire & Gas Systems, Fire & Gas Detector, Automation Accessories.
FAQ
Questions about the MEDC DB3 Industrial Explosion-Proof Alarm Sounder
Answers from our engineering team on installation, compatibility and integration.
01What details should I include in my inquiry for the MEDC DB3 alarm sounder?
Include the full model and part number, the supply and voltage data of your system and the quantity required. Seven Star LLC matches the item against the manufacturer documentation and confirms compatibility before preparing the quotation.
02Can Seven Star LLC supply the MEDC DB3 alarm sounder for projects in Oman and the GCC?
Yes. Seven Star LLC supplies industrial components across Oman and the wider GCC, and the inquiry form on our website accepts requests from anywhere in the region. Our team responds with a formal quotation for your project.
03Is the MEDC DB3 alarm sounder a genuine manufacturer part?
Seven Star LLC supplies MEDC products to customers in Oman and the GCC and can provide the manufacturer documentation and technical support on request.
04How do I request a quotation for the MEDC DB3 alarm sounder?
Submit a formal inquiry through the RFQ page of our website with your specification. The inquiry form collects the product name, brand and category of the item, and our team responds with the quotation details and lead time for your order.
05Does Seven Star LLC support installation and spare planning for the MEDC DB3 alarm sounder?
Our technical team reviews the product data of your plant, confirms the configuration and advises on associated spares and installation details before your order is placed.
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