Bray Series 5C Explosion-Proof Valve Status Monitor, Ex d

A flameproof switch box for gas and dust hazardous areas

The Bray Series 5C is the explosion-proof valve status monitor of the Bray switch box family. Its die-cast aluminum housing is certified flameproof (Ex d) with dust protection (Ex t), so any explosion that occurs inside the enclosure is contained. It provides open and closed indication on any VDI/VDE 3845 quarter-turn actuator and shares much of its design with the 5A and 5B, but adds a rear conduit entry, room for up to six switches and up to 20 terminals, and an improved certificate set that includes dust protection and a higher gas rating.

In hazardous plants such as gas processing, fuel terminals and chemical sites the usual alternative is a bulky cast box with a separate indicator. The 5C keeps the high-visibility dome indicator and tool-free cams of the 5A/5B inside a rated enclosure, which is why it is the common choice on pneumatic actuators in classified areas.

Technical specifications

Source: Bray technical data sheet TM-1092 (Rev. 10, 2022) and brochure B-1068. Certificates are quoted as printed; check the certificate for the exact model and temperature class.

Network modules, bracket kits and part code

The 5C can be fitted with a CommPro network module for AS-i, DeviceNet or PROFIBUS DP, which puts valve position and two solenoid outputs on a single bus cable. Bray states most users can cut installation and commissioning cost by as much as 50 percent per automated valve package compared with conventional cabling. Status LEDs show module, network and position state, and a calibration button tests outputs.

Standard brackets are a single-piece 30 x 80 mm bracket for Series 92/93 sizes 063 to 128 and all Series 98, and an adjustable bracket for both 30 x 80 and 30 x 130 mm NAMUR pads. The part code follows 5C000X-126X X XXX / E X, with a thread type digit (0 imperial, 5 metric), a switch option letter such as A for SPDT mechanical or S for DPDT-DB, the switch configuration, language and indicator colour.

When to specify the 5C instead of the 5A or 5B

Use the 5C where the area classification requires a flameproof enclosure for gas group IIB with hydrogen (IIB+H2) or combustible dust. For non-hazardous plants the 5A or 5B is lighter and lower cost, and for intrinsically safe loops the 5A and 5B with NAMUR switches avoid a heavy enclosure altogether.

Documents and quotation

The brochure B-1068 is attached; the Bray page also carries the 5C installation manual, safety manual, hazardous-location product guide and the network module sheets. Before ordering, confirm the area classification and certificate scope, cable gland requirements, switch type and the actuator mounting pattern.

See the wider range of valve positioners and accessories on our catalogue, or send the model name and order number for a quotation.