FM-Certified Explosion-Proof Temperature Sensors from United Electric: Closing Hazardous-Area Gaps in the Energy Sector
In oil and gas, gas processing, and petrochemical facilities, temperature measurement is one of those quiet safety layers that can easily be taken for granted until something goes wrong. From well pads and separators to compressors, heaters, and pipelines, accurate temperature monitoring protects equipment, supports process efficiency, and helps keep people safe.
In hazardous (classified) locations, the way temperature sensors are specified and assembled matters just as much as the transmitter or control system they feed into. A common practice across the industry has been to pair an explosion-proof terminal head with an unrated RTD or thermocouple and assume the combined assembly is suitable for use in hazardous areas. In reality, this can create a compliance blind spot.
To help address this issue, United Electric Controls (UE) has introduced three new FM-certified explosion-proof temperature sensor assemblies. Westech Industrial Ltd. distributes these solutions in Western Canada, helping energy producers deploy temperature measurements that are both robust and clearly compliant as stand-alone devices.
The Hidden Risk in “Mix-and-Match” Temperature Assemblies
In many plants, temperature assemblies are put together piece by piece:
- An explosion-proof or flameproof terminal head
- A separate RTD or thermocouple element
- Adapters, thermowells, and fittings from various sources
On paper, it looks acceptable because the head is rated for hazardous areas. However, the certification often applies only to the head, not to the complete assembly once a generic sensor is added. To be fully compliant, the entire device – head plus sensor – should be evaluated and certified as a single unit for use in hazardous locations.
This “mix-and-match” approach can lead to:
- Compliance uncertainty – difficulty proving that the actual installed assembly meets hazardous-area requirements.
- Audit and inspection headaches – especially when components are sourced from different vendors at different times.
- Inconsistent performance – variations in mechanical fit, vibration resistance, and thermal response depending on how the assembly is built in the field.
For operators in Western Canada, where safety and regulatory expectations are high, this can translate into added risk, rework, and unexpected project delays.
UE’s FM-Certified Assemblies: A Complete, Stand-Alone Solution
United Electric’s Applied Sensor Technologies division has added three explosion-proof temperature sensor styles that are FM certified as complete assemblies, including both the sensor and the terminal head.
They are available as either:
- 100 Ω RTD
- Mineral-insulated thermocouple
These assemblies allow engineers and designers to specify a single part number, knowing that the entire device has been certified for hazardous-area service.
Style 79 – RTD Assembly Based on UE’s ONE Series Platform
Style 79 is available as a 100 Ω RTD and is derived from the proven sensor design used in UE’s ONE Series electronic switches and transmitters. It is ideal for applications where a local display or setpoint function is not required, but reliable, explosion-proof temperature monitoring still is.
Typical energy-sector uses include line temperature monitoring, heater skids, or general-purpose process points inside hazardous zones.
Style 83 – Spring-Loaded RTD or Thermocouple
Style 83 is available as either a 100 Ω RTD or a mineral-insulated thermocouple and features a spring-loaded sheath that maintains consistent contact with the thermowell tip. This design improves temperature response, repeatability, and vibration performance.
It is well-suited for separators, treaters, exchangers, and other equipment where good seating in the thermowell is critical.
Style 84 – Welded Process Connection RTD or Thermocouple
Style 84 is available as either a 100 Ω RTD or a mineral-insulated thermocouple and includes a welded process connection for rugged, leak-tight installation. It is designed for demanding services where mechanical integrity and process containment are top priorities.
Typical applications include direct mounting on process lines, vessels, or equipment in upstream, midstream, and downstream facilities.
Benefits for Western Canadian Energy Facilities
These new UE assemblies directly address several recurring challenges for operators in the Canadian energy industry.
Clear hazardous-area compliance
Because each assembly is FM certified as a complete device, it is much easier to demonstrate compliance:
- Reduced risk of non-conforming, field-built assemblies
- Cleaner documentation for inspectors, auditors, and engineering reviews
- Confidence that the installed device meets the hazardous-area classification it is specified for
Simplified specification and procurement
Instead of managing multiple part numbers for heads, sensors, and adapters, engineering and purchasing teams can:
- Specify one certified assembly per application
- Standardize on a small number of styles (79, 83, 84) across multiple sites
- Reduce the chance of mismatched components ending up in hazardous areas
Reliable performance in harsh service
The assemblies are designed for:
- Mechanical robustness under vibration and thermal cycling
- Stable, accurate temperature readings over time
- Compatibility with common thermowells and process connections
This supports critical measurements in:
- Well pads and test separators
- Dehydration and amine systems
- Gas processing and fractionation units
- Compressors, heaters, and pipeline facilities
Lower lifecycle risk
By using a fully certified stand-alone assembly, operators reduce uncertainty across the entire lifecycle:
- Design – standardized, documented solutions for projects
- Construction and commissioning – less rework if compliance questions arise
- Maintenance – easier like-for-like replacement with the assurance that certification remains intact
Westech Industrial: Your UE Temperature Partner in Western Canada
Westech Industrial Ltd. is proud to support the Western Canadian energy sector with United Electric’s FM-certified explosion-proof temperature sensor assemblies, along with a wide portfolio of complementary instrumentation and safety solutions.
Our team can help you:
- Select the right style (79, 83, or 84) and sensor type (RTD versus thermocouple)
- Match assemblies to your hazardous-area classifications and internal standards
- Integrate with existing transmitters, safety instrumented systems, and control systems
- Standardize temperature assemblies across multiple facilities and projects
Learn More or Request a Quote
If you are planning a new project, reviewing existing hazardous-area installations, or looking to simplify your temperature assembly standards, we can help.
Contact Westech Industrial:
Phone: 1-800-912-9262
Email: sales@westech-ind.com
Ask us about United Electric’s FM-certified explosion-proof temperature assemblies and how they can help close compliance gaps and improve reliability in your facility.