How Do I Know Which Dairyland Product To Use?

It can be difficult to know which ratings or classifications are needed when determining which Dairyland product is right for your application. Dairyland offers a wide range of product families with features that work within a diverse set of applications. This article is meant to help you determine which product is right for your needs. If you have any questions, please contact techsupport@dairyland.com.

Decoupler or Over-Voltage Protector?

Decouplers are commonly used to isolate cathodically protected structures from other equipment grounding systems, enhancing the cathodic protection system’s performance. They also perform a function of safely grounding induced AC (alternating current), fault current and lightning. Over-Voltage Protectors provide the same DC (direct current) isolation and protection from fault current and lightning, but are not designed to address induced AC.
The first question to ask when selecting a Dairyland product is whether there is (now or potentially in the future) any induced AC voltage present. Induced AC commonly occurs on structures near overhead powerlines. If the answer is yes, or you are unsure, select a decoupler to address any present or future issues with induced AC.

What Hazardous Location Classification Do You Have?

Commonly used products like the SSD, PCR and PCRX are designated as Division 2 or Zone 2 products. This is a common hazardous location designation, where explosive gases and vapors are not typically present.

Sites can also be designated as Division 1 or Zone 1, where explosive gases and vapors are commonly present. Dairyland’s PCRH and OVP are both rated for Division 1 and Zone 1. If you need help identifying which product is appropriate for your specific site conditions, contact Dairyland. You can also learn more about hazardous locations here.

Use the chart below to identify which product is appropriate for your specific site conditions.

 

Choosing a Specific Decoupler Model

If you have determined that your application calls for a decoupler, proceed with selecting your specific model number by using a product’s configuration tool on the Dairyland website or by contacting customerservice@dairyland.com. Dairyland’s full lineup of decouplers offers a range of fault current ratings, steady-state current ratings, and additional features. Using the chart below, you can evaluate the available options for each decoupler.

Notably, the PCRX line is the only product line to feature active capacitance compensation technology, designed to eliminate the influence of decoupler capacitance on instant-off measurements during interrupted surveys. You can learn more about identifying sites that may require the PCRX here: When do I need a PCRX?

Choosing Decoupler Ratings

Several criteria are required to select the proper decoupler ratings. Dairyland technical support teams are always willing to assist you with selecting the proper model numbers for your application.  Additionally, we have numerous articles available to assist you.

Measuring Induced AC
Determining AC Fault Current
Determining Maximum DC Voltage
Understanding Voltage Threshold Ratings