Hawke
– fiber optic connectors for hazardous areas

Hawke is a British manufacturer of connectivity solutions designed for harsh and hazardous environments. The company is particularly known for cable glands, enclosures and rugged connector systems used in industries such as oil and gas, offshore and process industries.

Foss offers Hawke FibreEx, a rugged fiber optic connector system developed for use in hazardous areas. The solution is available for both single-mode and multimode fiber and can be supplied with 4 or 8 fibers.

About Hawke

Hawke International has more than 60 years of experience developing connectivity technology for harsh and hazardous environments.

The company has its roots in the Manchester area in the UK and develops cable glands, enclosures and connector systems for applications including oil and gas, marine, industrial, energy and other critical infrastructure.

Hawke is part of Hubbell and develops products certified for use in hazardous environments worldwide.

Hawke FibreEx from Foss

FibreEx is Hawke's fiber optic connector system for hazardous and demanding environments.

The system is designed to enable fiber optic communication in areas where equipment must meet specific requirements for use in explosive atmospheres.

Foss can supply FibreEx in different configurations depending on the installation:

• 4 or 8 fibers
• single-mode or multimode
• plug
• panel receptacle
• inline receptacle
• customer-specified cable length
• Hawke connector at one or both ends
• transition to standard fiber connectors such as LC, SC or ST

We can help select the appropriate configuration based on the installation, fiber type and how the connection will be used.

Explore Hawke FibreEx products →

Fiber optics in hazardous areas

Fiber optics offer several advantages in industrial installations, including high bandwidth, long transmission distances and immunity to electromagnetic interference.

In hazardous areas, however, optical radiation must also be considered as a potential ignition source.

Hawke FibreEx is therefore specifically designed and certified for fiber optic connections in hazardous environments and complies with relevant requirements including IEC/EN 60079-28.

The system is also available with applicable ATEX and IECEx approvals for use in explosive atmospheres.

Pluggable connections for harsh environments

FibreEx provides a rugged, pluggable fiber optic connection that can be connected and disconnected without re-splicing the fiber.

This can be particularly useful where:

• equipment or modules need to be replaced
• containers or units need to be interconnected
• connections need to be disconnected during maintenance
• the installation is located in a hazardous area
• equipment is exposed to dust, water or harsh environmental conditions

The connector system is designed for efficient mating while protecting both the optical interface and the cable during use.

Plug

The FibreEx plug can be supplied pre-terminated on a cable in the required length.

It can be fitted at both ends of the cable or combined with a standard fiber optic connector such as LC, SC or ST at the opposite end.

This makes it possible to create a rugged Ex-certified connection to equipment that uses standard fiber interfaces internally.

Panel receptacle

The panel receptacle is used where the connection needs to pass through a panel, cabinet, enclosure or, for example, a container wall.

On the inside of the installation, the fiber connection can continue using standard fiber optic connectors as required.

This creates a clear transition between the rugged hazardous-area connection on the outside and the standard fiber infrastructure on the inside.

Inline receptacle

The inline receptacle incorporates an adapter and makes it possible to connect two cable assemblies.

This can be useful in installations where cable sections need to be connected, extended or disconnected without field splicing.

Designed for harsh environments

FibreEx is designed for use in both hazardous and physically demanding environments.

Depending on the configuration, the system offers features including:

• IP66/67 protection
• nickel-plated brass or 316L stainless steel versions
• operating temperature from −40 to +60 °C
• 4- and 8-fiber configurations
• single-mode and multimode
• ATEX approvals

This makes the system suitable for applications including offshore installations, oil and gas, process industries and other infrastructure where both environmental protection and hazardous-area requirements must be considered.

Why choose Hawke through Foss?

A fiber optic connection in a hazardous area involves more than simply selecting a fiber and connector.

Area classification, cable type, fiber type, connector configuration and how the connection will be installed all need to work together.

Foss can assist with:

• selection of the appropriate FibreEx configuration
• single-mode or multimode
• 4- or 8-fiber solutions
• cable type and cable length
• plug and panel configurations
• transition to LC, SC, ST or other standard fiber connectors
• technical guidance for the fiber optic solution

The result is a complete fiber optic connection configured for the specific installation.

Frequently asked questions about Hawke FibreEx

Talk to us about fiber optics in hazardous areas

Need a fiber optic connection for a hazardous or demanding environment?

Foss can help you select the appropriate Hawke FibreEx configuration for your cable, fiber type and installation.

Contact us about Hawke FibreEx →