Hazardous Area Coupler Device for High Frequency Signals

A coupler for allowing electrical transmission of an alternating current signal through the wall of a hazardous area enclosure, comprising:

• a hollow coupler housing body having an elongated shape defining a first end and a second end;
• an electrical circuit inside said hollow coupler housing body wherein there is a space between the electrical circuit and the hollow coupler housing body;
• potting material encapsulating the electrical circuit and filling the space;
• a first electrical connector projecting out said first end and a second electrical connector projecting out said second end, said first and second electrical connectors being connected to each other through said electrical circuit;
• wherein said electrical circuit includes current limiting resistors;
• fuses, which provide for over-current protection in case of a fault;
• and arrays of diodes having a capacitance not greater than four picofarads and having a clamping voltage, such that the electrical circuit permits alternating current signals to pass through between the first and second electrical connectors but shunts to ground any signal greater than the clamping voltage of the diodes.