EX & EXE Reducers, Adaptors & Stopping Plugs

In the world of hazardous area electrical installations, understanding the role and functionality of Exd and Exe adaptors and reducers is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance. This blog aims to demystify these components, explaining their purpose, differences, and the contexts in which they are used.

What are Exd and Exe Adaptors and Reducers?

Exd stands for “flameproof” protection, while Exe represents “increased safety.” These protection types prevent ignition in explosive atmospheres. Adaptors and reducers connect dissimilar thread sizes in hazardous area installations while maintaining enclosure integrity.

Adaptors (Enlargers)

Adaptors are used to increase the entry thread size, enabling a larger gland or fitting to be attached to an enclosure with a smaller thread.

Reducers

Reducers reduce the threaded entry diameter of an enclosure, allowing a gland or fitting with a smaller thread to be attached.

Application Areas

These components are essential in industries such as:

• Oil & Gas — preventing ignition in flammable environments.
• Mining — managing combustible dust and gases safely.
• Marine — corrosion-resistant fittings for offshore conditions.
• Pharmaceuticals & Power Generation — ensuring spark prevention.

Material and Design Considerations

Manufactured in brass, stainless steel, aluminium, and nylon, Raxton adaptors and reducers come in male-to-female, male-to-male, and female-to-female configurations, with hexagonal or round bodies for flexible use.

Explosion-Proof or Flameproof?

“Explosion-proof” (North America) and “Flameproof” (international) mean the same thing — both prevent an internal explosion from igniting the external atmosphere.

Differences Between Adaptors and Reducers

Adaptors enlarge the entry size, while Reducers make it smaller. Both maintain hazardous area integrity and thread compatibility.

Different Thread Types

Thread compatibility is vital in hazardous area installations. Cable Glands UK and AC Cable Solutions supply a wide range of Raxton and Redapt fittings to suit every requirement.

Thread Type	Description
Metric Threads (M)	Globally standardised threads measured in millimetres. Example: M20.
NPT (National Pipe Thread)	U.S. tapered thread standard for sealed connections in gas or liquid systems.
BSP (British Standard Pipe)	UK and international standard; available in BSPP (parallel) and BSPT (tapered) forms.
ET (Electrical Thread)	Used in electrical fittings and conduit accessories, similar to BSP.
PG (Panzer-Gewinde)	Older European conduit thread type originally used for armoured cable fittings.

Comprehensive Stock and Industry Coverage

• Extensive Inventory — large stock of Eaton / Raxton & Redapt products for rapid dispatch.
• Industry Coverage — serving OEMs, wholesalers, and contractors across multiple sectors.

Fast Turnaround and Competitive Pricing

• Rapid Delivery — same-day dispatch for urgent industrial needs.
• Competitive Prices — accessible pricing across project scales.

Specialised Product Availability

• Custom Sourcing — access to rare and bespoke components.
• Preferred Distributor Status — Eaton’s official distributor for Raxton & Redapt in the UK & Ireland.

Conclusion

Cable Glands UK and AC Cable Solutions are leading suppliers of Eaton / Raxton, Redapt & Capri products. Our extensive stock, rapid service, and technical expertise make us the trusted choice for hazardous area electrical components.

To download Eaton’s full brochure of reducers, adaptors, and stopping plugs, click the logo below: