Brand:

MEDC SM87 Hazardous Area Beacon, ATEX Zone 1 & 2 Ex d

Description

Overview

The MEDC SM87 heat detector combines a Fenwal rate-compensated heat detection element with an explosion-proof Ex d enclosure, providing a dependable fire detection device for hazardous areas. The detector is mounted to a type SM87 marine grade alloy enclosure, giving an all-stainless steel external construction suitable for offshore and onshore installations.

The unit is part of the Eaton Crouse-Hinds series MEDC HD1 heat detector range, designed for fire alarm and suppression systems in paint spray booths, flammable material stores, turbine rooms, extract ductwork, and other hazardous areas throughout the oil and gas, petrochemical, and process industries.

Engineering & Design

The Fenwal rate-compensated detector responds to the rate of temperature rise as well as absolute temperature, providing early detection of fast-developing heat sources while remaining stable in normal ambient conditions. The contact in the detector closes at the alarm temperature, providing a discrete alarm signal to the fire detection system.

The SM87 marine grade alloy enclosure is certified for explosive atmospheres with Ex d protection and is rated IP66/67, protecting the detector element from water and dust ingress in demanding outdoor and offshore environments. The 24 VDC operation and M20 cable connection allow direct integration with standard fire alarm systems.

Key Features

  • Explosion-proof heat detector for hazardous areas
  • Fenwal rate-compensated detection element
  • Contact closes at alarm temperature
  • SM87 marine grade alloy enclosure (Ex d)
  • 316 stainless steel body construction
  • IP66/67 ingress protection
  • 24 VDC operation, M20 connection
  • Part of Eaton Crouse-Hinds MEDC HD1 range
  • Oil and gas, marine, and process applications

Applications

  • Offshore platform fire detection
  • Paint spray booths and flammable material stores
  • Turbine rooms and extract ductwork
  • Oil and gas, petrochemical, and process plants
  • Fire alarm and suppression system initiation

Specifications

Specification Value
Manufacturer MEDC (Eaton Crouse-Hinds)
Type SM87 heat detector (Ex d)
Detection Element Fenwal rate-compensated
Alarm Output Contact closes at alarm temperature
Enclosure SM87 marine grade alloy, Ex d
Body Material 316 stainless steel
Ingress Protection IP66/67
Connection M20
Supply Voltage 24 VDC
Range Eaton Crouse-Hinds MEDC HD1 family

Fire detection in hazardous areas demands certified hardware, and the MEDC SM87 Ex d heat detector provides it, which is why Seven Star LLC supplies the MEDC SM87 heat detector for offshore and onshore fire protection projects.

The MEDC SM87 heat detector is the rate-of-rise and the fixed temperature detector of the hazardous area range with the Category 1 approval for the gas group. The detector is mounted on the junction box of the fire loop and gives the heat alarm to the fire panel. The detector head is interchangeable with the other SM87 sensor heads of the same base, which simplifies the maintenance of the installed loop.

The SM87 heat detector is connected on the same two-wire loop as the smoke detectors of the zone, and the base provides the continuity of the line when the head is removed. The fixed temperature element is rated for the ambient conditions of the storage area and the rate-of-rise element responds to the fast temperature change. The detector covers the ceiling area according to the spacing rules of the hazardous area installation.

Why Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies the MEDC SM87 Ex d heat detector for hazardous area fire detection projects across the Gulf, with verified certification documentation and technical support. Our team assists with detector selection for Zone 1 and Zone 2 installations and fire system compatibility.

We support offshore, oil and gas, and process customers with genuine MEDC and Eaton Crouse-Hinds products throughout the GCC.

Hazardous Area Performance

The Ex d marine grade alloy enclosure contains the heat detection element so that the detector can operate in explosive atmospheres without becoming an ignition source, while the 316 stainless steel body resists corrosion in offshore and chemical plant environments. The IP66/67 rating keeps water and dust out of the sensing chamber.

The rate-compensated response of the Fenwal element balances early detection against false alarm stability, and the normally open contact closes at the alarm temperature, providing a simple, reliable interface to fire alarm systems.

Confirming the SM87 Detector Specification

Hazardous area fire detectors must match both the fire system design and the area certification. When ordering a replacement or additional unit, confirm these points from the nameplate and the project documents:

  • The complete type code and certification marking on the enclosure label, including the gas group and temperature class for your zone.
  • The alarm temperature of the rate-compensated element, which should be chosen to suit the normal maximum ambient temperature of the protected area.
  • The supply voltage, cable entry size and gland type used on site.
  • The wiring arrangement on the detection loop, including any end-of-line or alarm resistors needed by the fire panel.

Installation Guidelines

Install the detector where heat from a fire will reach it quickly, typically at high level above the risk, following the spacing rules of the applicable fire detection standard and the project layout. In outdoor Gulf locations, consider solar gain on the enclosure when choosing the alarm temperature, so that normal daytime heating does not bring the detector close to its set point. Use certified cable glands suitable for the Ex d enclosure, keep the flameproof joints clean and undamaged, and close the cover to the specified torque. Unused entries must be closed with certified stopping plugs.

Testing and Maintenance

  • Test each detector periodically with a suitable certified heat test method, and confirm the alarm is received at the fire panel.
  • Inspect the enclosure, glands and flamepath for corrosion or damage during routine Ex inspections.
  • Check loop wiring and terminations when a detector shows an open-circuit or fault condition.

Applications in Oman and the GCC

Offshore platforms, gas compressor stations, turbine enclosures and chemical storage areas across Oman and the GCC need fire detection that can handle hazardous atmospheres, salt-laden air and high temperatures. The MEDC SM87 heat detector, with its stainless steel construction and IP66/67 rating, is designed for exactly these conditions.

Supply from Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies MEDC hazardous area signalling and detection products for projects and maintenance. Share the existing type code and certification details, and we will check that the replacement matches your installation.

Request a Quote for MEDC SM87 | Hazardous Area Beacon | ATEX Beacons Zone 1 & Zone 2 Steady Beacons LU1/LU3 Ex d

For the MEDC SM87 heat detector, Ex d hazardous area detector or any related control and instrumentation requirement, contact the Seven Star LLC team. Submit a formal inquiry through our RFQ page with your measurement range, connection and configuration, and our specialists will respond with a detailed commercial proposal and the official MEDC documentation.

Other Models in the MEDC SM87 Hazardous Area Beacons Range

Seven Star LLC supplies models from the MEDC SM87 Hazardous Area Beacons range in Oman and the GCC. Compare the related models below and request a quote for the one that matches your application.

ModelCategory
MEDC SM87 Hazardous Area Beacon, ATEX Zone 1 & 2 Ex dAlarm Beacons & Call PointsYou are viewing this model
MEDC SM87LED Ex LED Beacon RangeAlarm Beacons & Call PointsView details
MEDC (Eaton) SM87BGLAD1T1B1NNRAS Explosion-Proof Beacon 24VDCAlarm Beacons & Call PointsView details
MEDC SM87JB Ex Junction BoxAutomation AccessoriesView details

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Datasheets & Documents
  • PDF Datasheet MEDC SM87 Hazardous Area Beacon, ATEX Zone 1 & 2 Ex d 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

Family Examples
Alarm Beacons & Call Points (Eaton) SM87BGLAD1T1B1NNRAS Explosion-Pr…, BG2E Break Glass Manual Call Point (Ex de), SM87 Hazardous Area Beacon, SM87LED Ex LED Beacon Range
Fire & Gas Detectors BG Manual Call Point, DB3 Industrial Explosion-Proof Alarm Sou…, XB15 Explosion-Proof Xenon Beacon
Automation Accessories LD15 Ex LED Beacon, SM87JB Ex Junction Box

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MEDC SM87?
It is an explosion-proof heat detector combining a Fenwal rate-compensated element with an SM87 marine grade alloy Ex d enclosure, for hazardous area fire detection.
How does the detector respond?
The Fenwal rate-compensated element responds to rate of temperature rise and absolute temperature, with the contact closing at the alarm temperature.
What is the ingress protection?
The unit is rated IP66/67 for water and dust protection in outdoor and offshore environments.
Which applications is it used for?
Paint spray booths, flammable material stores, turbine rooms, extract ductwork, and hazardous areas in oil and gas, petrochemical, and process industries.
What is the supply voltage?
The unit operates at 24 VDC with an M20 cable connection.