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IEC

IEC 60079 (series)

Explosive atmospheres

Issuing body
IEC
Latest edition
Various parts
Region
Global
Equipment items
1

Scope

Equipment for use in hazardous (classified) areas — Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex p. Basis for ATEX/IECEx.

Key requirements (9)

  • Explosive atmosphere equipment standards (Ex). Multi-part series.
  • Zone 0: explosive gas mixture continuously present (typically inside vessels).
  • Zone 1: explosive mixture likely in normal operation (around vents, sample points).
  • Zone 2: explosive mixture not likely / brief if it occurs (open process areas).
  • Gas groups: IIA (propane), IIB (ethylene), IIC (hydrogen, acetylene). IIC most onerous.
  • Temperature classes: T1 (450 °C) to T6 (85 °C) — surface temp must be < AIT of gas.
  • Protection methods: Ex d (flameproof), Ex e (increased safety), Ex i (intrinsic safety ia/ib), Ex p (pressurized), Ex n (non-incendive Zone 2 only), Ex m (encapsulated).
  • Equipment Protection Level (EPL): Ga/Gb/Gc for gas atmospheres.
  • ATEX in EU; IECEx globally; PESO certification in India (CCOE).

Related standards (2)

Applied to 1 equipment item