Basic concepts for explosion protection

A leading position for safety technology

The company BARTEC
Reinhold A. Barlian founded BARTEC in 1975 and has since then shaped
the corporate philosophy:
BARTEC protects people and the environment
by the safety of components, systems and plants.

Safety technology
We continuously develop ideas for new products. For new applications,
for new markets. Thus within a period of 30 years, we have acquired a
leading position among suppliers of safety technology with our
innovative components and systems tested to international standards.
We design and manufacture components and systems for manufacturers
of machines and equipment and for original equipment manufacturers;
for constructors and operators of industrial plants, for the chemical,
petrochemical, pharmaceutical sectors as well as for power generation
and environmental engineering industries.

Expertise and reliability are the basis of an efficient

partnership for:
æ Machine and apparatus construction
æ Original equipment manufacturers
æ Constructors and operators of plants in the chemical,
petrochemical, pharmaceutical sectors as well as for power
generation and environmental engineering industries.
They all rely on BARTEC as an expert partner in safety technology.

Reservation
Technical data subject to change without notice. No claims for damages arising from alterations, errors or misprints shall be allowed. Attention is drawn
to the applicable standards and regulations on safety components and systems together with the relevant operating and installation instructions.

BARTEC brochure “Basic concepts for explosion protection“ - 5. revised edition - Version 2005 - Author: Dr.-Ing. Hans-Jürgen Linström
Content
Technical development of explosion protection 2

Explosion protection 4 - 10
Explosion 4
Basis for an explosion 4
Explosive range 4
Prevention of explosions 5
Primary explosion protection 5
Three factors 6
Combustible substances 6
Oxygen 7
Ignition sources 8 - 10

Protection principles 11 - 22
Overview 11
Non-technical measures 12
Design regulations 12
Regulations 13 - 16
Relevance and advantage of the classification in zones 17
Explosion parameters 18
Ignition temperature - temperature class 19
Examples of ignition temperatures of different types of dust 20
Minimum ignition current ratio - Maximum experimental safe gap - 21 - 22
Explosion sub-group

Types of protection 23 - 32
General requirements 23
Flameproof enclosure EEx d 24
- Protection by enclosure EEx tD 25
- Enclosed break device EEx nC 25
- Non-incendive component EEx nC 25
Pressurized apparatus EEx p, Ex pD, EEx p 26
- n-pressurization EEx pz 26
Powder filling EEx q 27
Oil/ Liquid immersion EEx o, Ex k 27
Increased safety EEx e 28
- Non sparking device EEx nA 28
- Constructive safety Ex c 28
Encapsulation EEx m, Ex mD 29
- Hermetically sealed device EEx nC 29
- Encapsulated device EEx nC 30
- Sealed device EEx nC 30
Intrinsic safety EEx i, Ex iD 31
- Inherent safety Ex g 31
- Energy limited circuit EEx nL 31
Restricted breathing enclosure EEx nR, EEx fr 32
Protection by control of ignition sources EEx b 32

Marking 33 - 36
Contents of marking 33 - 34
-Conformity 35

EC directives 37 - 46
Directive 94/9/EC 37 - 42
Directive 1999/92/EC 43 - 46
1
 Technical development

Technical development of explosion protection

In the 19th century, electrical equipment was introduced into industry and households. Immediately
afterwards, because of the methane and coal dust occurring in coal mines, the basics of electrical
explosion protection were developed. The advantages of electricity were so convincing, that intensive
work was carried out to find the means of reliably preventing contact between an explosive atmosphere
and ignition sources - originating from the use of electrical equipment - and thus preventing explosions.

After bitter experiences in the beginning, mine explosions were able

Manufacturer Legislative to be made very much rarer, and well-monitored electrical equipment
Design regulations Design regulations was utilised with very high safety standards.

Today, fortunately, the number of accidents caused by electrical

ignition sources is low, the development and manufacturing
expenditures as well as the legal regulations have proven
themselves.
Therefore, the frequently asked questions as to "whether the
expenditures are justified" must be answered with yes. There are
still numerous examples of explosions which demonstrate the
devastating effects for humans and plants. Any neglect would equal
culpable carelessness.

Priority over the solutions referring to the ignition source is given

All those involved to primary explosion protection, i. e. the use of non-flammable
Personal responsibility User
materials which cannot form an explosive atmosphere is focused
and precautionary measures Directives
on.

However, it is not always possible to exclude flammable material such as methane or coal dust in
mines, or petrol, and in the future maybe hydrogen, in vehicles. Protection and safety are in such
cases provided by equipment which is reliably protected against explosions.

These days, the construction of explosion protected equipment has long left electrical engineering. As
will be demonstrated by further descriptions, in the future non-electrical equipment will also require
testing or at least assessing. Here the knowledge about the explosion protection of electrical equipment
that manufacturers have collected over the decades is particularly important, and now it also benefits
the manufacturers of non-electrical equipment. Often these manufacturers buy in electrical goods,
therefore a contact can easily be made.

There are many applications which require explosion protected equipment. During the over 100 years
of electrical explosion protection, principles and techniques have been developed which allow the use
of electrical measuring technology, even where, e. g. in reaction vessels, an explosion hazard is
permanently present.

Mining applications were only the beginning. The utilisation and processing of mineral oil and natural
gas offer a wide scope for the utilisation of explosion protected equipment. Organic chemistry, the
paint industry and the pharmaceutical industry all process flammable liquids and gases. Because of
the production and utilisation of biogas and the ecological utilisation of waste dumps, new applications
are constantly developing. The utilisation of hydrogen is being intensively discussed and practised in
experimental installations and exhibited at trade fairs.

2
Technical development

Internationally unified design regulations for electrical engineering have been drawn up in the form of
IEC standards and reports have been formulated, largely in agreement with those in the CENELEC
standards. Presently, the numerical sequence between IEC, CENLEC and DIN is being standardised.
This conversion currently results in various continuous changes, will, however, simplify future work.

The European Community has provided itself with obligatory, uniform design requirements for the
explosion protection of systems, devices and components with the Directive 94/9/EC, which is
supported by the EN standards mentioned above and the CENELEC and CEN standardisation
organisation.

With the help of these standards, the manufacturer is safe to assume during the design and assessment
of the explosion protection, that he is developing safe, explosion protected systems, devices and
components conforming to the Directive 94/9/EC, which will be tested by applying uniform and
obligatory criteria in a notified body authorized by the EC. The notified bodies authorized by the EC
provide a manufacturer-independent EC type examination certificate which guarantees a uniform quality
throughout, with regard to the required safety of the explosion protected equipment, at a very high or
enhanced safety level. These EC type examination certificates, or assessments provided by the
manufacturer, are the prerequisite for the production and distribution of systems, devices and
components at a very high or enhanced safety level.

Constant, uniform quality requirements are, according to Directive 94/9/EC, also required for the type
of the installation and for the servicing required for maintaining the safe state. The technical parameters
are also defined in EN standards.

Uniform classification of the potentially explosive equipment is the basis for the selection and
classification of systems and devices, including their installation. The appropriate EN standards are
being developed and passed step by step as Directive 1999/92/EC is becoming adopted. According to
this EC directive, an Ex document is the precondition for setting up and operating a potentially explosive
facility. Only such a document makes it possible to select systems, devices and components with
regard to explosion protection and to install, operate, maintain and eventually repair them as required
by the standards.

The implementation of the directives will be realised in the form of national regulations, in Germany,
for example, by means of the "Gerätesicherheitsgesetz" ("device safety law" and the "Betriebssicherheits-
verordnung" (occupational safety regulations). The Directive 94/9/EC formulates consistently binding
requirements, while the national implementations of the Directive 99/92/EC contains the minimum
requirements, which may be nationally more stringent.

Using the two directives mentioned above, a consistent system is created which allows successful
prevention of explosions for the effective protection of people, the environment and property.

BARTEC develops and constructs safety systems, devices and components, develops solutions and
projects and realises them.

Our corporate goal is:

BARTEC protects people and the environment

by the safety of components, systems and plants.

3
 Explosion protection

Explosion protection

Explosion
An explosion is defined as a sudden reaction involving a rapid
physical or chemical oxidation reaction or decay generating an
increase in temperature or pressure or both simultaneously. The
oxygen
most familiar reactions are those of flammable gases, vapours or
dusts with the oxygen contained in the air.

Explosion Basis for an explosion

As a rule, for explosions to happen in atmospheric air, three factors
have to be present at the same time:
æ flammable substance
æ oxygen (air)
ignition source flammable gases
æ source of ignition

In production and work places, hazardous areas can develop wherever the first two preconditions for
an explosion are fulfilled. Typical hazardous areas form in chemical factories, refineries, enamelling
plants, paint workshops, cleaning equipment, mills and stores for milled products and other combustible
dusts, in tank facilities and loading areas for flammable gases, liquids and solids.

The first two components - the flammable substance and air - must be present in sufficient quantities
to form an explosive atmosphere. The statutory definitions of explosion protection - deduced from the
health and safety at work regulations - are concerned with work places. For this reason discussions
about explosion protection are usually restricted to reactions with the oxygen in the air. Oxidation
reactions normally involve the release of heat and a pressure increase, and therefore fulfil the criteria
of an explosion.

It is generally assumed that a volume of 10 l of an explosive mixture in an enclosed space can cause
damage - particularly to people. For this reason, any area in which such a volume of an explosive
mixture can collect is described as a potentially explosive atmosphere.

Other compounds such as chlorine in reaction with hydrogen are also capable of forming explosive
mixtures and have already led to explosions in the past. However, as these reactions usually take place
inside containers or reactors, they concern the safety of these facilities and their effects on the
environment are therefore dealt with in the EC machinery directive and incident analysis.

Explosive range
In the internal combustion engine the three components work together in a sensible way: petrol, air/
oxygen and the ignition spark produce an explosion inside the enclosed cylinder. For this to take
place the ratio of petrol to air must be correct. If the petrol tank is empty, the air filter is blocked or if
the ignition does not work, one of the components for triggering this controlled, useful explosion is
missing and the motor will not start.

Combustible materials mixed with air have a lower and an upper explosive limit, between these limits
the explosive range is found. When considering the safety of work places, the lower explosive limit is
the more important value, a possible concentration of at least 20% less than that value is often regarded
as safe.
4
Explosion protection

Prevention of explosions
Explosion protected equipment is able to exclude one of the preconditions for an explosion - the
ignition source - and is in that way an important contribution to explosion protection.
In domestic areas, constructional measures ensure that normally an explosive atmosphere cannot
form. The conscious restriction of these measures, e. g. the intended, unimpeded flow of flammable
gases or a reduction in ventilation can lead to explosions if an ignition source is also present.

The easiest and simplest way to understand small and safe explosions is by looking at a gas lighter.
When the nozzle of the lighter is opened it releases a small amount of flammable gas. This gas mixes
with the surrounding air, the spark from the flint ignites the mixture, and a weak sound is heard - the
burning.
Some distance away from the nozzle the proportion of the flammable gas is already so low that the
explosion and the flame are restricted to the immediate vicinity of the nozzle. In other words, the
design of the gas lighter has ensured that it is safe to use.

The effect of an explosion in enclosed spaces and under non-atmospheric conditions - e. g. under
increased pressure - is often more powerful. Just think of the useful application of explosions in
vehicle engines.

Effective preventive explosion protection for non-controlled, unintended and therefore very damaging
explosions can only be achieved by removing one of the three components.

BARTEC products prevent the occurance of ignition sources or the formation of such sources where
electricity is being used in a potentially explosive atmosphere, and in that way they are effective at
preventing explosions, because the other components - at work places the oxygen in the air and often
the flammable substance - cannot be reliably and permanently excluded.

Primary explosion protection

Primary explosion protection aims at substituting something else for the flammable substances or the
atmospheric oxygen or reducing their quantities to the point where there is no danger of an explosive
mixture forming.

Increased air circulation, air flushing through ventilation can be achieved by structural measures; e.g.
the open layout of filling stations where the potentially explosive atmosphere is very small.

Replacing the atmospheric oxygen is not an option for areas where people work. For this reason the
measures available for such locations are limited to:

æ avoidance or restriction of flammable substances which are capable of forming an

explosive atmosphere

æ avoidance or restriction of release of the flammable substances and therefore formation

of explosive mixtures, both inside and around fittings, e. g. by
- limiting their concentration
- using enclosures filled with an inert substance
- natural or artificial ventilation
- concentration monitoring by means of a gas detection system,
which will give an alarm/or switch off the system

5
 Explosion protection

Three factors

Flammable substances
Flammable substances can be gaseous, liquid or solid. For a general discussion relevant to work
places, their reactivity with atmospheric oxygen is considered.

æ Flammable gases
A flammable gas may be an element such as hydrogen which can be made to react with oxygen with
Hydrogen

very little additional energy. Flammable gases are often compounds of carbon and hydrogen. These
flammable gases require only small amounts of energy to react with atmospheric oxygen.

A vapour is the proportion of a liquid - if talking about the explosion protection of flammable
liquids - which has evaporated into the surrounding air as the result of the vapour pressure above the
surface of the liquid, around a jet of that liquid or around droplets of the liquid. Mist is a special type,
which because of its explosion behaviour, can be included with the vapours, for the purposes of
fulfilment of safety considerations.

Carbon

æ Flammable liquids
Flammable liquids are often hydrocarbon compounds such as ether, acetone or petroleum spirit. Even
Petrol

at room temperature, sufficient quantities of these can change into the vapour phase so that an explosive
atmosphere forms near their surface. Other liquids form such an atmosphere near their surface only at

Ether increased temperatures. Under atmospheric conditions this process is strongly influenced by the
temperature of the liquid.

Nitrogen For this reason the flash point, or rather the flash point temperature, is an important factor when
dealing with flammable liquids. The flash point relates to the lowest temperature at which a flammable

Oxygen liquid will, under certain test conditions, form a sufficient quantity of vapour on its surface to enable
an effective ignition source to ignite the vapour air mixture.

The flash point is important for the classification of potentially explosive atmospheres. Flammable
Acetone

liquids with a high flash point are less dangerous than those with a flash point at room temperature or
below.

When spraying a flammable liquid, a mist can form consisting of very small droplets with a very large
overall surface area, as is well-known from spray cans or from car spraying stations. Such a mist can
explode. In this case the flash point is of lesser importance. For a fine mist - made from a flammable
liquid - the behaviour relevant to safety can be roughly derived from the known behaviour of the
vapour.

6
 Explosion protection

æ Flammable solids
Flammable solids in the form of dust, fibres or flock can react with atmospheric oxygen and produce
disastrous explosions. Normally more energy is required for activating the explosion in air than with
gases and vapours. However, once combustion starts, the energy released by the reaction produces
high temperatures and pressures. In addition to the chemical properties of the solid itself, the fineness
of the particles and the overall surface area, which increases with increasing fineness, play an important
part. The properties are processes which take place immediately at the surface of the solid. Lighting
and extinguishing a paraffin wax candle provides a demonstration of a series of processes undergone
by a solid material within a short period of time which cannot easily be presented in a simplified form.

An experiment shows that when the wick of a candle is lit, the paraffin wax melts and then vaporises
and that this vapour feeds the flame. After extinguishing the candle, the paraffin vapour can still be
smelled, the melted paraffin wax solidifies and the paraffin vapours disperse. Now the paraffin wax
candle is once again a harmless object.
Flour dust

Dust reacts very differently, depending on whether it is in a deposited layer or whether it is in a suspended
dust cloud. Dust layers are liable to begin smouldering on hot surfaces, while a dust cloud which has
been ignited locally or through contact with a hot surface can explode immediately. Dust explosions
are often the consequence of smouldering dust layers which become stirred up and already carry the
ignition initiation. When such a layer is stirred up, for example by mechanical cleaning methods during
transportation or inappropriate extinguishing attempts, this can lead to a dust explosion.

A gas or vapour/air explosion can also stir up the dust, which then often leads to the first, the gas
explosion, turning into the second, the dust explosion. In deep coal mines methane/firedamp explosions
often have triggered off coal dust explosions whose consequences were more serious than those of the
original firedamp explosion.

Wood-Dust
Sugar dust

Oxygen
The quantity of oxygen available in the air can only oxidise/burn a certain quantity of the flammable
material. The ratio can be determined theoretically, it is called the stoichiometric mixture. When the
quantity of the flammable material and the available atmospheric oxygen are near to at the correct
ratio, the effect of the explosion - temperature and pressure increase - is most violent. If the quantity of
Oxygen
Oxygen

flammable material is too small, combustion will only spread with difficulty or will cease altogether.
The situation is similar when the quantity of flammable material is too great for the amount of oxygen
available in the air.
O2
O2 All flammable materials have their explosive range, which also depend on the available activation
energy. This is usually determined by igniting the mixture with an electric spark. The explosive range
is bounded by the lower explosive limit and the upper explosive limit. This means that below and
above these limits, explosions will not happen. This fact can be utilised by sufficiently diluting the
flammable substances with air or by preventing the ingress of air/oxygen into parts of the equipment.
The latter option is, however, not or only with restrictions possible in environments where people
regularly work and must therefore be reserved for technological equipment.

7
 Explosion protection

Sources of ignition
With technical equipment a large number of ignition sources is possible. In the following overview the
numbers given behind the ignition sources refer to the appropriate sections of the basic standard:

EN 1127-1: 1997 "Explosive atmospheres - Explosion prevention and protection- Part 1:

Basic concepts and methodology."

Hot surfaces (6.4.2) arise as the result of energy losses from systems, devices and components
during normal operation. In the case of heaters they are desired. These temperatures can usually be
controlled.
In the event of a malfunction - for example with overloading or tight bearings - the energy loss, and
therefore the temperature, increases unavoidably. Technical equipment must always be assessed as to
whether it is stabilising - i. e. whether it can attain a final temperature, or whether non-permissible
temperature increases are possible which need to be prevented by taking appropriate measures.
Examples: coils, resistors or lamps, hot equipment surfaces,
brakes or overheating bearings

For example, grinding and cutting devices mechanically generated sparks (6.4.4) during
normal operation are therefore not permitted in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Cracks in rotating
parts, parts sliding over each other without sufficient lubrication and similar situations can generate
such sparks when malfunctioning, and this must be carefully thought about when considering
malfunctions.
Special requirements on the materials of enclosures are intended to reduce the risks from such ignition
sources.
Examples: tools such as a rusty hammer and chisel in contact with
light alloys or the metal fork of a fork lift truck

Visible electric sparks - lightning (6.4.8) must normally be regarded as a sufficient ignition
source. Only very low energy sparks with energies of only microwatt seconds may be regarded as too
weak to start an explosion. For this reason, suitable measures must be adopted to prevent these
ignition sources.
Examples: switching sparks, sparks at collectors or slip rings

Independently of whether or not there is an electrical voltage supply, electrical sparks can be
caused by static electricity - (6.4.7). The stored energy can be released in the form of sparks and
function as an ignition source. Because this ignition source can arise quite independently of an electrical
voltage supply, it must also be considered with non-electrical devices and components. It is connected
with separation processes; therefore these cases must be assessed where this ignition source needs
to be taken into account.
Friction during normal operation can be the cause of electrostatic charging. For example, portable
devices cannot - due to their portability - be earthed or connected to an equipotential bonding ring.
When interacting with the clothes of the user, static charging can occur during normal operation.
Static electricity must be prevented from becoming an ignition source by taking appropriate measures.
Examples: Transmission belts made from plastic materials, enclosures of portable devices,
synthetic clothing material. Separation processes when rolling out paper or plastic
film, plastic pipe systems

8
Explosion protection

Electric rails and other earthed voltage supplies e.g. for electric corrosion protection of equipment,
can result in stray electric currents, cathodic corrosion protection (6.4.6) which then may
result in a potential difference between different earthing points. This is why a highly conductive
connection to all the electrically conductive parts of the equipment must be provided so that the
potential difference is reduced to a safe level. It is not relevant whether the conductive equipment is
electrical or non-electrical parts of the installation, as the cause of the current may be found outside of
the equipment.
An equipotential bonding must always be provided, irrespective of whether or not such currents are
expected or whether its sources are known.

Flames, hot gases and particles (6.4.3) can occur inside combustion engines or analysis
devices during normal operation and when a fault has occurred. Protective measures are required
here which are able to permanently prevent them from leaving the enclosure.
Examples: Exhausts from internal combustion engines or
particles which are formed by the switching sparks
of power switches eroding material from the switch contacts

Among the ignition sources where radiation energy enters the explosive mixture, the following
deserve to be mentioned:
Ultrasonic (6.4.12),
Electro-magnetic radiation - radio waves (6.4.9),
Electro-magnetic radiation - IR radiation, visible light (6.4.10),
ionising radiation - UV radiation (6.4.11).
If their parameters are permanently and securely limited and tested, systems, devices and components
utilising radiation can be operated in a potentially explosive atmosphere, otherwise the radiation must
be reliably prevented from entering the potentially explosive atmosphere.
Examples: transmitting and receiving equipment, mobile telephones, photoelectric barriers and
scanners

Finally, adiabatic compression and shock waves (6.4.13) as they occur inside
tube-shaped structures operated at an underpressure can become an ignition source.
Examples: breakage of a long fluorescent tube which is filled with a hydrogen/air atmosphere

9
 Explosion protection

Prevention of ignition sources

Idea

Designed to design regulations

EN 50014 to EN 50020
IEC/EN 60079-0 inc. amendments
IEC/EN 61241-00 inc. amendments

Approval by a notified body

EC type examination certificate

Quality assurance system in operation in

conformity with Directive 94/9/EC

Manufacturer – Routine tests

Installation in conformity with the

regulations regarding manufacture
IEC/EN 60079-14
IEC/EN 61241-14

Commissioning e. g. by an accredited expert

Commissioning (Directive 1999/92/EC)

Maintenance and inspection by safety personnel

(Directive 1999/92/EC)
Maintenance IEC/EN 60079-17
IEC/EN 61241-17
10
 Protection principles

Protection principles
Protection principles are defined as principles which exclude systems, devices and components as
ignition sources.
Ignition sources which are caused by sparks from friction or impact or from electro-static charging
have to be prevented in explosion protected equipment by selecting appropriate materials and by
constructive measures, and this must be verified and confirmed by the appropriate tests.
Four protection principles can prevent equipment from becoming an ignition source. The types of
protection listed as examples in the overview are discussed in a different section.
An important precondition for all the protection principles is that parts which are in unhindered contact
with the explosive atmosphere must not be able to reach non-permitted temperatures, which depend
on the ignition temperature. This means that the ignition temperature is relevant for all protection
principles.
The protection principles can be equally applied to electrical and non-electrical devices and for gases
and for dusts. The principles allow for a design in various safety categories in accordance with the
Directive 94/9/EC.

Category 1 - with maximum scope of protection and thus a very high degree of safety
Category 2 - with increased scope of protection and therefore a high degree of safety
Category 3 - with conventional scope of protection and therefore a conventional degree of safety

Overview

Protection principles Flammable substances Types of protection Category

1. Explosive mixtures can penetrate the item of Gases Flammeproof enclosure 2

equipment and be ignited. Measures are taken to Powder filling 2
ensure that the explosion cannot spread to the
Enclosed break device 3
surrounding atmosphere.

2. The item of equipment is provided with an Gases and dust Pressurized apparatus 2
enclosure that prevents the ingress of an Encapsulation 2
explosive mixture and/or contact with sources of
Gases Oil immersion 2
ignition arising from the normal.
Restricted breathing enclosure 3
Non-incendive component 3
Hermetically sealed device 3
Sealed device 3
Encapsulated device 3
n-pressurization 3
Dust Protection by enclosure 2

3. Explosive mixtures can penetrate the Gases Increased safety 2

enclosure but can not be ignited. Sparks and Non-sparking device 3
temperatures capable of causing ignition must be
Protection by constructional safety 2
prevented..

4. Explosive mixtures can penetrate the Gases and dust Energy limited circuit 3
enclosure but can not be ignited. Sparks and Gases Intrinsic safety 2
temperatures able to cause ignition may only
Protection by control of 3
occur within certain limits.
ignition sources

BARTEC applies these protection principles to its different pieces of equipment according to the
application for which they are going to be used. The industrial products of other manufacturers are
also equipped by BARTEC for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
11
 Protection principles

Non-technical measures
The requisite preconditions for the safe operation of electrical equipment in potentially explosive
atmospheres are created in a joint effort by the manufacturers of explosion protected equipment and
the constructors and operators of industrial plants. It is important that the operator of such plants
should ensure that their personnel know how the danger of explosions is likely to arise and the measures
that are to be taken to prevent it.

The employees should be regularly trained on the contents of the explosion protection document in
accordance with the Directive 1999/92/EC - in the Federal Republic of Germany implemented on the
basis of the "BetrSichV Betriebssicherheitsverordnung" (occupational safety regulations) - and informed
by means of written corporate regulations which should be regularly updated. BARTEC as a specialist
for safety technology offers such consultation and training.

Design regulations for explosion protected systems,

devices and components - equipment

Hazards arising from the handling of flammable gases, vapours and dusts are caused by uniform
chemical and physical processes. For this reason, the protection against these hazards must be carried
out in a uniform manner.
Nearly universal uniform requirements have now been formulated by the International Electrotechnical
Commission IEC, by the European Standardisation Committees CENELEC and CEN and by DKE and
DIN.
Manufacturers and operators are required to adhere to these, and where there are increased protection
requirements, they are monitored by accredited test laboratories and the authorities.

12
 Protection principles

Regulations
An overview of the regulations for the determination of the parameters, the classification of zones, the
design regulations for systems, devices and components as well as installation and operation in the
area where explosive gases, vapours and dusts are present, is shown in the table below which
corresponds to the version as of April 2004 and may be subject to subsequent changes.

Title/Content Document ident. Document ident. Document ident.

IEC CEN/CENELEC DIN
Publication date Publication date Publication date

Basics
Explosive atmospheres - Explosion prevention and protection - EN 1127-1 DIN EN 1127-1
Part 1: Basic concepts and methodology 1997-08-00 1997-10-00
Explosive atmospheres - Explosion prevention and protection - EN 1127-2 DIN EN 1127-2
Part 2: Basic concepts and methodology for mining 2002-04-00 2002-07-00
Explosive atmospheres - Explosion prevention and protection - EN 13237 DIN EN 13237
Part 1: Terms and definitions for equipment and protective systems 2003-06-00 2003-11-00
intended for use in explosive atmospheres
Characteristics of combustible gases and vapours
Determination of the maximum explosion pressure and maximum rate - EN 13673-1 DIN EN 13673-1
of pressure rise of gases and vapours - 2003-00-00 2003-09-00
Part 1: Determination of the maximum explosion pressure
Determination of the maximum explosion pressure and maximum rate - prEN 13673-2 DIN EN 13673-2
of pressure rise of gases and vapours - 2002-07-00 2002-08-00
Part 2: Determination of the maximum explosion pressure
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmosphere IEC 60079-1-1 - -
Part 1-1: Flameproof enclosures "d"; Method of test for ascertainment 2002-07-00
for maximum experimental safe gap
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmosphere IEC/TR 60079-12 - -
Part 12: Classification of mixtures of gases or vapours with air according to 1978-00-00
their maximum experimental safe gaps and minimum igniting currents
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC/TR3 60079-20 - -
Part 20: Data for flammable gases and vapours, 1996-10-00
relating to the use of electrical apparatus
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-4 - -
Part 4: Method of test for ignition temperature 1975-00-00
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmosphere IEC 60079-4 AMD1 - -
Part 4: Method of test for ignition temperature; Amendment 1 1995-06-00
Testing of mineral oil hydrocarbons - - DIN 51794
Determination of ignition temperature 2003-05-00

Characteristics of combustible dusts

Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust IEC 61241-2-1 - -
Part 2: Test methods - Section 1: Methods for determining 1994-12-00
the minimum ignition temperatures of dust
Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust - EN 50281-2-1 DIN EN 50281-2-1
Part 2-1: Test methods; Methods for determining 1998-00-00 1999-11-00
the minimum ignition temperatures of dust
Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust; IEC/TR 61241-2-2 EN 61241-2-2 DIN EN 61241-2-2
Part 2: Test methods - Section 2: method for determining the 1993-08-00 1995-08-00 1996-04-00
electrical resistivity of dust in layers
Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust IEC 61241-2-3 - -
Part 2: Test methods - Section 3: Method for determining 1994-09-00
minimum ignition energy of dust/air mixtures
Electrical apparatus for use in presence of combustible dust - prEN 61241-2-4 -
Part 2: Test methods - Section 4: Method for determining 1993-05-00
the low explosive limit of dust/air mixtures

13
 Protection principles

Title/Content Document ident. Document ident. Document ident.

IEC CEN/CENELEC DIN
Publication date Publication date Publication date

Classification of hazardous areas with combustible gases and vapours

Electrical apparatus for exlosive gas atmosphere IEC 60079-10 EN 60079-10 -
Part 10: Classification of hazardous areas 2002-06-00 (2003-04)

Classification of hazardous areas with combustible dusts

Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust IEC 61241-10 prEN 61241-10 DIN EN 61241-10
Part 3: Classification of areas where combustible dusts are or (2002-04-00) (2002-04) (2002-11)
may be present

Types of protection for explosion protected electrical apparatus - electrical apparatus -

æcombustible gases and vapours
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-0 prEN 60079-0 DIN EN 60079-0
Part 0: General requirements 2004-01-00 2003-10-00 2003-02-00
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-1 prEN 60079-1; 2002 DIN EN 60079-1
Part 1: Flameproof enclosure "d" 2003-11-00 2003-07-00 2002-07-00
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-2 prEN 60079-2 DIN EN 60079-2
Part 2: Pressurised enclosure "p" 2001-02-00 2003-02-00 2003-07-00
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-5 - -
Part 5: Powder filling "q" 2003-09-00
Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres IEC 60079-6 - -
Part 6: Oil immersion "o" 1995-05-00
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-7 EN 60079-7; 2002 DIN EN 60079-7
Part 7: Increased safety "e" 2001-11-00 2003-08-00 2004-02-00
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-11 EN 50020 DIN EN 50020
Part 11: Intrinsic safety "i" 1999-02-00 2002-06-00 2003-08-00
Explosion-proof electro-technical apparatus IEC/TR 60079-13* - -
Part 13: Construction and use of rooms or buildings 1982-00-00
protected by pressurization (report)
Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-15 prEN 60079-15 DIN EN 60079-15
Part 15: Type of protection "n" 2001-02-00 2002-10-00 2003-05-00
Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres IEC/TR 60079-16* - -
Part 16: Artificial ventilation for the protection of analyser(s) houses 1990-04-00
Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres IEC 60079-18 prEN 60079-18 DIN IEC 60079-18
Part 18: Encapsulation "m" 1992-10-00 2003-11-00 2002-09-00
Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres IEC 60079-19 prEN 60079-19 -
Part 19: Repair and overhaul of apparatus used in 1993-09-00 1992-09-00
explosive atmospheres (other than mines or explosives)
Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres IEC 60079-25 EN 60079-25 DIN EN 50039
Part 25: Intrinsically safe systems 2003-08-00 2004-01-00 2001-09-00
Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres IEC 60079-26 - DIN IEC 60079-26
Part 26: Special requirements for the construction, test and 2002-02-00
marking for electrical apparatus for use in Zone 0
Electrical apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres - - DIN IEC 60079-27
Part 27: Fieldbus intrinsically safe concept (FISCO) and 2004-03-00
fieldbus non-incendive concept (FNICO)

* Changes to the registration number can arise due to the comparison between IEC or ISO and CENELEC or CEN.

14
 Protection principles

Title/Content Document ident. Document ident. Document ident.

IEC CEN/CENELEC DIN
Publication date Publication date Publication date

æcombustible dusts
Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust IEC 61241-0 prEN 61241-0 DIN EN 61241-0
Part 0: General requirements 2002-04-00 2002-04-00 2002-10-00
Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust IEC 61241-1 prEN 61241-1 DIN EN 61241-1
Part 1: Protection by enclosures "tD" 2004-01-00 2004-01-00 2002-10-00
Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust IEC 61241-4 - -
Part 4: Type of protection "p" 2001-03-00
Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust IEC 61241-11 prEN 61241-11 -
Part 11: Protection by intrinsic safety "iD" 2004-02-00 2004-02-00
Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust IEC 61241-18 prEN 61241-18 -
Part 18: Protection by encapsulation "mD" 2002-09-00 2002-09-00

Type of protection (explosion protection) - Non-electrical equipment -

æcombustible gases, vapours as well as dusts
Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - EN 13463-1 DIN EN 13463-1
Part 1: Basic methodology and requirements 2001-11-00 2002-04-00
Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - prEN 13463-2 DIN EN 13463-2
Part 2: Protection by flow restricting enclosure "fr" 2002-11-00 2003-01-00
Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - prEN 13463-3 DIN EN 13463-3
Part 3: Protection by flameproof enclosure "d" 2002-08-00 2002-10-00
Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - - -
Part 4: Protection by inherent safety

Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - EN 13463-5 DIN EN 13463-5

Part 5: Protection by constructional safety "c" 2003-12-00 2004-03-00
Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - prEN 13463-6 DIN EN 13463-6
Part 6: Protection by control of ignition sources "b" 2002-08-00 2002-11-00
Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - - -
Part 7: Protection by ...
Non-electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres - prEN 13463-8 DIN EN 13463-8
Part 8: Protection by liquid immersion "k" 2003-09-00 2004-01-00

15
 Protection principles

Title/Content Document ident. Document ident. Document ident.

IEC CEN/CENELEC DIN
Publication date Publication date Publication date

Explosion protection in plants: Installation, maintenance and repair

Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-14 EN 60079-14 DIN EN 60079-14
Part 14: Electrical installations in hazardous areas (other than mines) 2002-10-00 2003-08-00

Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust IEC 61241-14 prEN 61241-14; 2002 DIN EN 61241-14
Part 14: Selection and installation 2002-10-00

Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-17 prEN 60079-17; 2002 DIN EN 60079-17
Part 17: Inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in 2002-07-00 2002-10-00
hazardous areas (other than mines)

Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-19 - -

Part 19: Repair and overhaul for apparatus used in explosive 1993-09-00
atmospheres (other than mines or explosives)

Note about how to use the table

The information is based on the IEC titles, in cases where there is no IEC document available, the EN titles have been used.
The format of the date has been standardised. It refers to the state on 2004-04-30 which was accessible to the author. This style seems to be becoming universally
accepted, but has not been introduced in all the documents.
The table is to provide an information overview of the standard. For concrete work with the standards and their procurement, the latest update should be requested from
the publisher or from the standardisation committee. According to our experience, it must be expected that in the years up to 2005, a number of the standards will be
modified.

With the help of this table, the following contents listed in the title/contents column can be correlated
to the regional and national equivalents. The regional and national title does not need to correspond
to the "world" title. (Please also note the footnote for the table!)

At BARTEC the design regulations are consistently applied for electrical equipment. Conformity
is - after the completion of the development at BARTEC - checked by notified bodies, test laboratories
of the IEC Ex scheme as well as test laboratories of the European Community or by national test
laboratories, and compliance is monitored and realised using a quality assurance system for every
piece of equipment produced. During the routine test, safety-relevant requirements are checked
according to the specifications and confirmed by means of a marking.

BARTEC also supports its customers with non-electrical equipment using the knowledge it has
accumulated over decades of experience.

16
Protection principles

Relevance and advantage of the classification in zones

The practice has been established of dividing potentially explosive atmospheres into zones. This
classification takes the different dangers from explosive atmospheres into account and allows explosion
protection measures to be taken which reflect the situation both from the point of view of safety
engineering and of economic efficiency. For the European community, the zone definitions are uniformly
provided in Directive 1999/92/EC. It must be applied with technical understanding of the specific
situation.
IEC 60079-10 assumes an approximately similar classification for gases and vapours which will also
apply to future facilities constructed in accordance with the US standard NEC 505. IEC 61241-10
provides support for the zone classification with dusts.
Potentially explosive atmospheres are classified depending on the frequency and duration of the
explosive atmosphere.
This classification provides the scope of the measures to be taken according to Annex II section A in
the Directive 1999/92/EC in conjunction with Annex I of the Directive 94/9/EC.

Classification of hazardous places

Zone 0 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in
the form of gas, vapour or mist is present continuously or for long periods or frequently.
Zone 1 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in
the form of gas, vapour or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Zone 2 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of flammable substances in
the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will
persist for a short period only.
Zone 20 A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present
continuously, or for long periods or frequently.
Zone 21 A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely
to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Zone 22 A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not
likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.
Notes:
1. Layers, deposits and heaps of combustible must be considered as any other source which can form an explosive
atmosphere.
2. 'Normal operation' means the situation when installations are used within their design parameters.
3. The definitions comply with the EC directive. In the HSE occupational safety regulations, hazardous explosive
atmospheres are defined.
In according with EN 1127-1
Section 3.17 defines potentially explosive atmospheres as follows: Mixture of air and flammable gases, vapours,
fogs and dusts under atmospheric conditions due to a transmission of the burning process to the entire unburned
mixture after inflammation.
Section 3.19 defines hazardous potentially explosive atmospheres as follows: Potentially explosive atmosphere
which will lead to damage in case of explosion.
17
 Protection principles

In places of work the potentially explosive atmospheres are normally classified at most as zone 1 and
2 and/or 21 and 22. Zones 0 and 20 are restricted to very small inaccessible areas in work places or
are usually restricted to the inside of technical equipment.

Zone 0

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 20

Zone 21

Zone 22

Explosion parameters

In order to allow a combination of measures for explosion protection, which is optimised with respect
to the chemical-physical properties of the flammable gases, vapours or dusts, to be made, and therefore
a standardisation of the types of protection to be possible for the manufacturer, a system of explosion
parameters has been created. These are determined using an application-orientated test method.

Before flammable substances can react with the atmospheric oxygen in an explosion, energy must be
provided.

This energy may, for example, be exchanged on a surface. A heated surface increases the energy
content of the explosive mixture in contact with it. If the surface temperature is sufficiently high, this
increased energy content can lead to the explosive reaction. However, the energy may also be supplied
through a spark or a hot gas jet flowing out of a gap into the explosive mixture. Both types lead to
different explosion parameters being defined.

18
Protection principles

Ignition temperature - temperature class

Many factors such as size, shape, type and surface quality have an influence on the ignition temperature.
IEC, CENELEC and other standardisation committees have agreed on a method for gases and vapours
defined in IEC 60079-4 "Method of test ignition temperature". This method is defined in such a way,
that a value very close to the lowest practically possible, is determined.

By means of this method, gases and vapours are divided into temperature classes. According to these
temperature classes, the surface temperatures in explosion protected equipment and other technological
objects is designed in such a way that ignition by the surface is not possible. In the standard, permissible
excess values and necessary safety margins below these standard values are defined in detail.

Temperature Ignition temperature Permissible surface temperature

classes range of the mixture of the electrical equipment

T1 > 450 °C 450 °C

T2 > 300 ... < 450 °C 300 °C
T3 > 200 ... < 300 °C 200 °C
T4 > 135 ... < 200 °C 135 °C
T5 > 100 ... < 135 °C 100 °C
T6 > 85 ... < 100 °C 85 °C

For different types of dust, the method for determining the ignition temperature has also been unified
and coded in document IEC 61241-2-1. Please note that dust in its deposited form - determined using
procedure A - has a different ignition temperature than in its stirred form - determined as a cloud
using procedure B.

The permissible surface temperature for those parts of the systems, devices and components accessible
to the dust is determined by subtracting 75 K from the value determined using procedure A and by
multiplying by 2/3 the value determined using procedure B. The smaller of the 2 values determined in
this way corresponds to the lowest permissible surface temperature of the equipment. The surface is
the area accessible to the dust, temperature classes are not defined for dust, so that a concrete type of
dust must always be assumed. The parameters are made available in comprehensive tables, laboratories
determine the values on request, and a small, non-official overview is contained in the following
table.

19
 Protection principles

Examples of the ignition temperatures of different types of dust

Designation A values B values Permissible limiting temperature

of the solid ignition temperature ignition temperature lowest value of the calculation (A-75K) and 2/3*B
material IEC 50381-2-1 IEC 50381-2-1
procedure A procedure B 450... 300... 280... 260... 230... 215... 200... 180... 165... 160...
deposit (°C) cloud (°C) > 300 > 280 > 260 > 230 > 215 > 200 > 180 > 165 > 160 > 135

Dust from natural materials (examples)

Cotton 350 560 275

Brown coal 225 380 150
Cellulose 370 500 295
Cereals 290 420 215
Wood resin 290 500 215
Sawdust (wood) 300 400 225
Cocoa 460 580 385
Copra 290 470 215
Cork 300 470 225
Fodder concentrate 295 525 220
Linen 230 440 155
Milk powder 340 440 265
Paper 300 540 225
Pectin sugar 380 410 273
Soya 245 500 170
Starch 290 440 215
Hard coal 245 590 170
Tobacco 300 450 225
Tapioca 290 450 215
Tea 300 510 225
Peat 295 360 220
Wheat flour 450 480 320
Sugar beet 290 460 215

Dust of chemical technical products (examples)

Cellulose ether 275 330 200

Isosorbide dinitrate 240 220 146
Unvulcanised rubber 220 460 145
Petroleum coke 280 690 205
Polysaccharide deriv. 270 580 195
Polyvinyl acetate 340 500 265
Polyvinyl chloride 380 530 305
Soot 385 620 310
Laminated plastic 330 510 255
Sulphur 280 280 186

Metal dusts (examples)

Aluminium 280 530 205

Bronze 260 390 185
Iron 300 310 206
Copper silicon alloy 305 690 230
Magnesium 410 610 335
Manganese 285 330 210
Zinc 440 570 365

20
Protection principles

Minimum ignition current ratio - Maximum experimental

safe gap – Explosion sub-group
Ignition on a hot surface occurs in a relatively large „macroscopic“ part of the mixture. In contrast,
the ignition from a spark spreads in a relatively small „microscopic“ part of the volume. The discharge
from a capacitor or the interruption of a predefined resistive/inductive electric circuit can be used for
classifying gases and vapours or dusts according to their ease of ignition in the microscopic part of
the mixture volume.

For the assessment of the ignition of gases and vapours in a circuit using a device defined in
IEC 60079-11, a comparative value with methane as reference in a standardised circuit is used. This
comparative value is the minimum ignition current ratio, MIC. It is the means used for classifying
gases and vapours within explosion group II in the subgroups IIA, IIB and IIC.

An analogue value is found when the ease of ignition by a hot gas jet flowing through a gap is used for
the classification. In IEC 60079-1A "Determination of the experimental safe gap“ a test apparatus is
specified in which a spherical gas volume of 20 cm³ is enclosed by two hemispheres. They are
equipped with a 25 mm wide flange. This ball-shaped object is placed into a larger vessel and both
spaces are filled with the mixture for which the safe gap is to be determined. The gap between the
25 mm wide flanges for which ten ignitions inside the ball volume just fail to ignite the mixture in the
outer vessel is a value specific to the mixture and is called the maximum experimental safe gap,
MESG.

The processes involved in the prevention or spread of the explosion in the gap are very complex.
Classifying the gases and vapours by the safe gap results approximately - with a small overlap - in the
same classification as that obtained with the minimum ignition current ratio. IEC/TR 60079-12 provides
an overview of the classification using the two measuring methods MESG and MIC.

The safe gap value is of considerable importance for designs of protection type „Flameproof enclosure“.
The value for the minimum ignition current ratio is important for those of protection type „Intrinsic
safety“. For these two types of protection, the subgroups IIA, IIB and IIC for gases and vapours are
relevant. The information on gases and vapours can also be applied approximately to mists.

For the assessment of conditions concerning electrostatic discharge, the minimum ignition energy
of gases and vapours from the assignment to sub-group IIA, IIB or IIC can be assumed:
IIA approx. 300 µWs
IIB approx. 50 µWs
IIC < 50 µWs

For dust, standards for the determination of parameters are already available or are in preparation.

The minimum ignition energy, a parameter similar to the minimum ignition current, is determined in
accordance with IEC 61241-2-3 for flammable dusts.

21
 Protection principles

Examples of the classification of gases and vapours into temperature classes

and explosion subgroups are listed in the following table:

Explosion groups Classification according to MESG

Temperature class IIA IIB IIC

> 0.9 mm ≤ 0.9...³ 0.5 mm < 0.5 mm

T1 > 450 °C Acetone Town gas Hydrogen

Ammonia
Benzene - pure
Acetic acid
Ethane
Ethyl acetate
Ethyl chloride
Carbon monoxide
Methane
Methanol
Methylene chloride
Naphthalene
Phenol
Propane
Toluene

T2 > 300 ... ≤ 450 °C Ethyl alcohol, Ethylene Ethine (acetylene)

i amyl acetate Ethylene oxide
n butane
n butyl alcohol
Cyclohexane
Acetic anhydride

T3 > 200 ... ≤ 300 °C Petroleum spirit - gen. Ethylene glycol

Diesel fuel Hydrogen sulphide
Jet propulsion fuel
Heating fuel DIN 51603
n hexane

T4 > 135 ... ≤ 200 °C Acetaldehyde Ethyl ether

T5 > 100 ... ≤ 135 °C

T6 > 85 ... ≤ 100 °C Carbon bisulphide

22
Types of protection

Types of protection
It applies to all types of protection where parts that are in unhindered contact with the explosive
atmosphere are not permitted to reach unacceptably high temperatures.
Taking into account both the environmental temperature and the heating effect, the temperature may
attain maximum values which corresponds to the temperature class or the permissible temperature
specified for flammable dusts in accordance with which the explosive atmosphere has been classified.

General requirements
Principle
All generally applicable requirements for the equipment are summarised in the standards
IEC 60079-0 for gases and vapours
IEC 61241-0 for dusts and
EN 13463-1 for non-electrical devices.
Uniform protection requirements concerning several types of protection such as protection against
electrostatic charging, provision of a potential bond for metal enclosures, or mechanical strength
against impact, are summarised in these standards under general engineering requirements. In this
case, individual, more specific standards can demand either more stringent requirements or less
stringent ones.

These requirements are based partially on those for electrical equipment for gases and vapours,
deviations for dust and non-electrical equipment are contained in the individual basic standards.
Categories 1 to 3 which the equipment has to fulfil can also include different general requirements.

The general temperature range for the application of explosion protected electrical equipment is defined
as -20 °C to +40 °C. Permissible deviations extending or restricting the temperature range must be
specified.

The parameters determined at approximately +20 °C in the laboratory for the subgroups IIA, IIB and
IIC apply for a temperature range of ± 40 K - that is to say also from -20 °C to +60 °C.

These two temperature ranges take, on the one hand, the situation at the workplace into account and
also, on the other, a certain heating up of the equipment during operation. The explosion pressure,
permissible gap widths and permissible non-igniting currents change outside this temperature range.
This has to be considered when using the equipment, and it can require different test conditions.

Information on the use of the markings

The markings used below for non-electrical equipment and dust explosion protection are still under discussion.
For this reason they have to be treated as provisional.

23
 Types of protection

Gases/Vapours Gases/Vapours Dusts

Type of protection electrical non-electrical electrical

equipment equipment equipment
Flameproof enclosure -
Enclosed break device - -
Non-incendive component - -
Pressurized apparatus
n-pressurization - -
Powder filling - -
Oil immersion -
Increased safety - -
Non sparking apparatus - -
Encapsulation -
Hermetically sealed device - -
Encapsulated device - -
Sealed device - -
Protection by enclosure - -
Intrinsic safety
Energy limited circuit - -
Restricted breathing enclosure -
Protection by constructional safety - -
Protection by control of ignition sources - -

Flameproof enclosure
Marking "Ex d" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Marking "d" II 2 G in accordance with EN 13463-1

Principle
A type of protection in which the parts which could ignite an explosive atmosphere are located inside
an enclosure which can withstand the pressure of an explosion of the explosive mixture inside, and
prevents the transmission of the explosion to the explosive atmosphere surrounding the enclosure.
Technically unavoidable gaps are so long and narrow that hot gases jetting out will have lost their
power to cause ignition by the time they reach the outside of the enclosure, or, alternatively, if the
gaps are only required for the manufacturing process they might be sealed with adhesive.

Important design parameters

æ Mechanical strength in accordance with a defined safety factor to withstand internal explosion
pressure.
æ As an orientation value, it may be assumed that inside the sphere approx. 0.8 MPa (8 bar) can be
generated and that this sphere used as an EEx d enclosure must be able to withstand a pressure of
1.2 MPa (12 bar).
æ Any gap between two parts of the enclosure must be kept so narrow and long that hot gas flowing
out will not be able to ignite any explosive atmosphere which may be present in the potentially
explosive atmosphere.
æ The parameters for the gaps preventing the transmission of the ignition, width/length, are different
for the explosion subgroups IIA, IIB and IIC. The most stringent requirements with regard to the
gap parameters apply to enclosures in explosion subgroup IIC.

Applications
æ Equipment where, during normal operation, sparks, electric arcs and/or hot surfaces are generated
such as switchgear, slip rings, collectors, adjustable resistors, fuses or lamps, heating cartridges,
friction brakes.

24
Types of protection

Protection by enclosure
Marking "Ex tD" II 2 D in accordance with IEC 61241-0

Principle
The enclosure is sealed so tight, that no combustible dust can enter. The surface temperature of the
external enclosure is limited.
Important design parameters
æ Minimum degree of protection in accordance with IEC/EN 60529 IP 6X.
æ Consideration of dust accumulating on the surface and reduction of permissible surface temperature
with dust layer ≥ 5 mm are possible.
Applications
æ Various equipment where during normal operation sparks, electric arcs or hot surfaces occur and
complex industrial designs (controllers) which by means of this type of protection can be
utilised in the potentially explosive atmosphere.

Enclosed break device

Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0

Principle
Switchgear as a variant of the Ex n type of protection, with contacts which close and open a circuit
potentially able to trigger an explosion, where the enclosure will withstand an internal explosion of a
mixture of subgroup IIA, IIB or IIC without being damaged and without transferring the explosion to
the external mixture in the surrounding area.
Important design parameters
æ Free internal volume ≤ 20 cm³.
æ The encapsulation must permit a permanent temperature of ≥ 10 K
compared to the maximum operating temperature
æ Limited to AC 690 V and 16 A.
Applications
æ Contact systems

Non-incendive component
Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0

Principle
Variant of the Ex n type of protection with contacts which close and open a circuit potentially able to
trigger an explosion, where the contact mechanism or the enclosure into which the contacts are enclosed
is designed in such a way that the ignition of a mixture of subgroup IIA, IIB or IIC in the surrounding
environment is prevented as long as defined operating conditions apply.

Important design parameters

æ Free internal volume ≤ 20 cm³.
æ The encapsulation must permit a permanent temperature of ≥ 10 K
compared to the maximum operating temperature.
æ The combination of the parts is tightly sealed or
æ The design of the contacts will extinguish any incipient flame.
æ Limited to AC 254 V and 16 A.
æ L and C are part of the test.
æ Explosion subgroups IIA, IIB and IIC are to be treated differently.

Applications
æ Contact systems
25
 Types of protection

Pressurized apparatus
Marking "Ex p" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Marking "Ex pD" II 2 D in accordance with IEC 61241-0
Marking "p" II 2 G/D in accordance with EN 13463-1

Principle
The ingress of the surrounding atmosphere into the enclosure of electrical equipment is prevented by
maintaining an ignition shield gas (air, inert or a different suitable gas) inside it at a pressure above
atmospheric pressure. The overpressure is maintained with or without constant flushing of the protective
gas.

Important design parameters

æ Strength of the enclosure; the surrounding, flushed enclosure must withstand 1.5 times the
overpressure experienced during normal operation.
æ Flush before commissioning the electrical equipment.
æ Shut-down or alarm if the flushing gas flow or overpressure fails.

Applications
æ Equipment where during normal operation sparks, electric arcs or hot surfaces are generated and
complex industrial equipment (controls) which must be operated in a potentially explosive
atmosphere protected by this type of protection.
æ Large machines, slip ring or collector motors, switch cabinets and control cabinets and analytical
apparatus.

n-pressurization
Marking "Ex pz" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0

Principle
Use of a protective gas preventing ignition inside an enclosure to prevent the formation of an explosive
atmosphere inside the enclosure by maintaining a pressure greater than the that in the surrounding
atmosphere.

Important design parameters

æ The important difference from the pressurized enclosure is the restriction to an enclosure where no
internal sources are available and no flammable gases or vapours can be released.
æ Strength of the enclosure.
æ Flush before commissioning the electrical equipment.
æ Shut-down or alarm if the flushing gas flow or overpressure fails.

Applications
æ Equipment where during normal operation sparks, electric arcs or hot surfaces are generated and
complex industrial equipment (controls) which must be operated in a potentially explosive
atmosphere protected by this type of protection.
æ Analytical apparatus without internal sources.

26
Types of protection

Powder filling
Marking "Ex q" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0

Principle
By filling the enclosure with a finely grained powder, an arc within the enclosure is unable, with
correct use, to ignite the explosive atmosphere outside. There must be no risk of ignition by flames,
nor by increased temperatures at the surface of the enclosure.

Important design parameters

æ The filling such as sand, glass balls etc. has to fulfil specific requirements, as must the design of
the enclosure. The filling must not be able to leave the enclosure, neither during normal operation,
nor as the result of electric arcs or other processes inside the powder-filled enclosure.

Applications
æ Capacitors, electronic assembly groups or transformers which are used in a potentially explosive
atmosphere. Often components where sparks or hot surfaces occur but whose functioning is not
affected by the finely grained filling.

1)
Oil/ 2)Liquid immersion
1)
Marking "Ex o" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
2)
Marking "k" II 2 G in accordance with EN 13463-1

Principle
Parts which might ignite an explosive atmosphere are immersed in oil or other non-flammable,
insulating liquid so that gases and vapours above the oil level and outside the enclosure cannot be
ignited by electric arcs or sparks generated below the oil level, or by hot residual gases from the
switching process or by hot surfaces - e. g. on a resistor.

Important design parameters

æ Stipulated, insulating liquids, e. g. oil
Protection of the liquid from contamination and moisture.
æ Assurance and possibility of monitoring that the oil level is safe
- when heated up or cooled
- for identification of leaks
æ Restricted to non-portable devices.

Applications
æ Large transformers, switchgear, starting resistors and complete starting controllers.

27
 Types of protection

Increased safety
Marking "Ex e" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
Additional measures provide a higher level of protection. This ensures reliable prevention of
unacceptably high temperatures and sparks or electrical arcs, both on the internal and on the external
parts of electrical equipment whose normal operation does not involve unacceptably high temperature
sparks or arching.
Important design parameters
æ For uninsulated, live parts, special protective requirements apply.
æ Air and creepage gaps are made wider than is generally the case in industry. Special conditions
apply to the IP protection degree to be adhered to.
æ For windings, their design, mechanical strength and insulation, higher requirements apply and the
windings must be protected from increased temperatures.
æ Minimum cross sections are stipulated for winding wire, the impregnation and reinforcement of
coils and for thermal monitoring devices.
Applications
æ Installation material such as junction boxes, connection cabinets for heating systems, batteries,
transformers, ballasts and cage motors.

Non-sparking apparatus
Marking "Ex nA" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
The construction ensures reliable prevention of unacceptably high temperatures and sparks or electrical
arcs, both on the internal and on the external parts of electrical equipment whose normal operation
does not involve unacceptably high temperature sparks or arcing.
Important design parameters
æ For uninsulated, live parts, special protective requirements apply.
æ Air and creepage gaps are specified.
æ Special requirements must be fulfilled by certain types of equipment.
Applications
æ Installation material such as junction boxes, connection cabinets, rotating electrical machines,
special fuses, lamps, cells and batteries, transformers and low energy equipment.

Constructive safety
Marking "c" II 2 G/D in accordance with EN 13463-1
Principle
The systems, devices and components are constructed in a way which ensures that they cannot turn
into an ignition source under normal operation or in cases of faults.
Important design parameters
æ Requirements placed upon the enclosure material are applicable as with the other types of protection
(refer to, e. g., EN 60079-0).
æ The components must be selected in a way which ensures that their heating-up, e. g. by means of
friction, is excluded.
æ Furthermore, friction occurring under normal operation must not lead to electrostatic charging or
friction sparks.
æ The constructive requirements - derived from EN 1127-1 - must be verified with regard to possible
ignition sources.
Applications
æ Presently, only little experience is available as the standard is only applicable as draft yet.
28
Types of protection

Encapsulation
Marking "Ex m" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Marking "Ex mD" II 2 D in accordance with IEC 61241-0
Principle
Parts that could ignite an explosive atmosphere by means of sparks or heat are potted so as to prevent
ignition of the explosive atmosphere. This is achieved by encapsulating the components in a compound
resistant to physical - especially electrical, thermal and mechanical - and chemical influences.
Important design parameters
æ Encapsulation:
- Breakdown strength
- Low water absorption
- Resistance to various influences
- Casting compound must be of the stipulated thickness all round
- Cavities are only permitted to a limited extent
- As a rule the casting compound is only penetrated by the cable entries
æ The load on the components is limited or reduced
æ Increased clearance between live parts
Applications
æ Static coils in ballasts, solenoid valves or motors, relays and other control gear of limited power
and complete PCBs with electronic circuits.

Hermetically sealed device

Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
The equipment may include cavities. It is constructed in such a way that the external atmosphere
cannot enter.
Important design parameters
æ Sealed by means of a melting process e. g.:
- Soft solder
- Hard solder
- Welding
- Fusing of glass and metal
Applications
æ Spark generating equipment

29
 Types of protection

Encapsulated device
Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0

Principle
The equipment may include cavities which are fully enclosed similar to the encapsulation type of
protection e. g. in a casting compound, so that ingress of the outer atmosphere is prevented.

Important design parameters

æ It must be impossible to open the equipment during normal operation,
internal free volume ≤ 100 cm³
æ External connections, terminals or cables must be available
æ Cast seal must permit permanent operating temperature ≥ 10 K compared to the maximum
operating temperature
æ It must not be possible for elastic seals to become mechanically damaged under normal operating
conditions; they must maintain their sealing properties over the service life of the equipment

Applications
æ Contact systems, static coils in ballasts, solenoid valves or motors and complete PCBs with
electronic circuits.

Sealed device
Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0

Principle
The equipment may include cavities, which are fully enclosed similar to the encapsulation type of
protection so that ingress of the outer atmosphere is prevented.

Important design parameters

æ It must be impossible to open the equipment during normal operation,
internal free volume ≤ 100 cm³
æ External connections, terminals or cables must be available
æ It must not be possible for elastic seals to become mechanically damaged under normal operating
conditions; they must maintain their sealing properties over the service life of the equipment

Applications
æ Contact systems, static coils in ballasts, solenoid valves or motors and complete PCBs with
electronic circuits.

30
Types of protection

Intrinsic safety
Marking "Ex i" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Marking "Ex iD" II 2 D in accordance with IEC 61241-0

Principle
Intrinsically safe electrical equipment contains only circuits that meet the requirements of
intrinsically safe circuits.
Intrinsically safe circuits are circuits in which no spark or thermal effect occurring under the test
conditions laid down in the standard can ignite the explosive atmosphere of subgroups
IIA, IIB and IIC or of an air/dust mixture. The test conditions cover normal operation and certain fault
conditions stipulated in the standard.

Important design parameters

æ Use of certain components for electrical and electronic circuits.
æ Lower permitted load on the components than in ordinary industrial applications with regard to
- voltage related to electric strength
- current related to heat
æ Voltage and current, including a safety margin, are kept permanently so low that no impermissible
temperatures can occur, and, in the event of open circuit or short-circuit, sparks and electric arcs
possess so little energy that they are unable to ignite an explosive atmosphere.
æ An impression of this protection type is provided by the fact that explosive atmospheres
of subgroup IIA require only a few hundred µW and those of subgroup IIC only 10µW for ignition.

Applications
æ Measuring and monitoring instrumentation and control.
æ Sensors working on the basis of physical, chemical or mechanical principles and at limited
power.
æ Actuators working on the basis of optical, acoustic and, to a certain extent, mechanical principles.

Inherent safety
Marking "g" II 2 G/D in accordance with IEC 60079-0

Principle
The processes within the device, i.e. relative speed and the striking energy, are at such a low dynamic
level that an ignition of flammable mixtures is excluded. The standard is still in its initial draft state,
such devices may be omitted from the validity scope of the Directive 94/9/EC due to the fact that they
bear no potential ignition source.

Energy limited circuit

Marking "Ex nL" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0

Principle
These are circuits in which no spark or thermal effect occurring under the test conditions laid down in
the standard can ignite the explosive atmosphere of subgroups II A, II B and II C or of an air/dust
mixture.
The test conditions cover normal operation and certain fault conditions stipulated in the standard.
The permissible currents or voltages exceed those stipulated for the intrinsic safety type of protection.

Important design parameters

æ The requirements to be fulfilled by the circuit and the loads on the components are lower than
those for the intrinsic safety type of protection.
æ Also with regard to errors, lower requirements apply.

Applications
æ Measuring and monitoring instrumentation and control.
æ Sensors working on the basis of physical, chemical or mechanical principles and at limited power.
æ Actuators working on the basis of optical, acoustic and, to a certain extent, mechanical principles.

31
 Types of protection

Restricted breathing enclosure

Marking "Ex nR" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Marking "fr" II 3 G in accordance with EN 13463-1
Principle
The enclosures are designed in such a way that the ingress of gases is restricted.

Important design parameters

æ The powerloss in the enclosure may, if it contains sparking components, only lead to a temperature
increase compared to the surrounding of ≤ 10 K.
æ Equipment with these enclosures must allow monitoring of the vapour tightness and tightness after
installation and maintenance.
æ The allocation to the temperature class by the external surface temperature applies to all enclosures
with and without sparking components.
æ It must not be possible for elastic seals to become mechanically damaged under normal operating
conditions; they must maintain their sealing properties over the service life of the equipment.
æ Cast seals must permit a permanent operating temperature ≥ 10 K compared to the maximum
operating temperature.

Applications
æ Switchgear, measuring and monitoring instrumentation and information systems and devices.

Protection by control of ignition sources

Marking "b" II 2 G/D in accordance with EN 13463-1
Possible principle
By monitoring ignition sources during normal operation, which are not present but might develop,
such as parts heating up, reaction in critical situations is possible. Currently there is the idea to draft
such a standard.

Important design parameters

æ Under construction - must be observed.

Applications
æ None yet known on the basis of the current development of the standard.

Special protection
Devices which do not fully comply with a type of protection but assure
comparable safety
Marking "Ex s" II 1/2/3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0

32
Marking

Marking

Contents of marking
The rules for the marking of systems, devices and components are uniformly defined in the standards
relating to the general technical requirements.

Because the European Community has agreed in the future to also formulate uniform requirements
and to introduce a uniform classification for devices, systems and components, other than electrical
equipment, the marking has also been unified. Additional symbols have been introduced.

This has been defined in the Directive 94/9/EC on "Devices and protective systems for use in hazardous
areas".

This Directive includes electrical equipment, and for this reason the markings are prefixed by additional
symbols.

The marking on all devices and protective systems for hazardous areas must indicate the area of their
designated use.

Principle
The marking must indicate the following
æ The manufacturer who has put the item of equipment on the market.
æ A designation which allows it to be identified.
æ The application zone underground I
other areas II,
gases and vapours - G -, dust - D - or mines - M -
æ The categories which indicate whether the device is only suitable for specific zones.
æ The type(s) of protection the equipment fulfils.
æ The explosion group, and if required, the explosion subgroup for which it is suitable and
æ The temperature class for which the piece of equipment is suitable
æ The test laboratory where the test certificate was issued, the standard or revision of a
standard applicable to the piece of equipment including the registration number of the certificate at
the test laboratory, and, if necessary, which special conditions must be observed.

In addition, the information which is required for a similar device of industrial construction must be
available.

In accordance with Directive 94/9/EC the future marking for all equipment will be as follows:
0032 II 2 G
in accordance with Directive 94/9/EC

Conformity mark
0032 notified body who - if required - certified the QA system or the products

The following equipment groups are distinguished

Equipment group II other areas
Category/protection level 2 suitable for zone 1
Gases, vapours or mists marking with prefix G

33
 Marking

Area Classification of the Required marking

explosion hazard of the equipment applied
Equipment group Category

Underground Operation with explosion hazard I M1

Underground Shut down with explosion hazard I M 2 and M 1

other Zone 0 II 1G
other Zone 1 II 2G+1G
other Zone 2 II 3G+2G+1G
other Zone 20 II 1D
other Zone 21 II 2D+1D
other Zone 22 II 3D+2D+1D

Type of protection, explosion group/subgroup and temperature class, according to which the piece of
equipment has been produced and is suitable for, will continue to be found using the marking customary
for electrical equipment.

Example of a marking - electrical equipment

BARTEC Type 07-3353-31../.... EEx d IIC T6 PTB ATEX 1065 X

BARTEC Type 07-3353-31../....
EEx d IIC T6
PTB 97 ATEX 1065 X
Manufacturer and
Type designation
Manufactured in accordance with EN 50014 et sqq.

Flameproof enclosure
Non-mining
Subgroup "C"
Temperature class T6

Symbol of the notified body

Certified 1997

ATEX generation
Identification number of notified body
If available - observe special conditions:
e. g. "The light module must be installed in such a way that
it is mechanically protected from an impact energy in
accordance with EN 60079-0; Section 24.4.2"

Certificate of conformity: PTB 97 ATEX 1065 X

X = special conditions
PTB 97 ATEX 1064 U
U = component certificate - no temperature class

34
 Marking

-Conformity
The following route to CE conformity for electrical apparatus is prescribed
according to Directive 94/9/EC.
Depending on the conformity category, it defines which path the manufacturer has to follow towards
making the CE declaration of conformity. The overview below shows these paths for the different
conformity categories.

Conformity-Assessment-Procedure
Stages to be followed on the way to CE conformity and the CE mark

Equipment of group I & II,

Equipment of group I & II, Equipment of group II,
category M1 & 11 and
category M2 & 21 category 31
autonomous protective systems

EC type examination certificate yes Motor with internal combustion engine, no Internal
electrical equipment production control

and

Product
QA production or
inspection
Internal
EC type examination certificate
production control

and EC declaration of
and conformity
EC declaration of EC declaration of
conformity conformity
Forwarding techn.
documentation
Conformity QA product to notified bodies
or
with design CE mark without
ID number2
CE mark with CE mark with
ID number2 ID number2
EC declaration of
conformity
EC declaration of EC declaration of
conformity conformity

1
and their components if subject
to a separate certification.
CE mark without
2
ID number of the notified body, which ID number2
certified the QA system or inspected CE mark with CE mark with
the products. ID number2 ID number2

35
 Notes

36
Directive 94/9/EC
Of the European Parliament
and the Council of 23 March 1994

on the approximation of the laws

of the Member States concerning equipment
and protective systems intended for use
in potentially explosive atmospheres

Directives are subject to variations. The realtime-edition of the directives,

as well their appendices and the guideline for them, you will find under our
homepage [Link]/homepage/atexinfo/[Link]

37
 DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, Whereas compliance with the basic safety and health requirements is essential
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in in order to ensure the safety of protective equipment and systems; whereas
particular Article 100a thereof, those requirements have been subdivided into general and additional
requirements which must be met by protective equipment and systems;
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission 1),
whereas, in particular, the additional requirements are intended to take
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee 2),
account of existing or potential hazards; whereas protective equipment and
Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189b of the
systems will, therefore, embody at least one of those requirements where this
Treaty establishing the European Community;
is necessary for their proper functioning or is to apply to their intended use;
Whereas it is the duty of Member States to protect, on their territory, the whereas the notion of intended use is of prime importance for the explosion-
safety and health of persons and, where appropriate, domestic animals and proofing of protective equipment and systems; whereas it is essential that
property and, in particular, that of workers, especially against the hazards manufacturers supply full information; whereas specific, clear marking of
resulting from the use of equipment and systems providing protection said equipment, stating its use in a potentially explosive atmosphere, is also
against potentially explosive atmospheres; necessary;
Whereas mandatory provisions within the Member States determine the level Whereas the intention is to prepare a Directive on operations in potentially
of safety to be achieved by protective equipment and systems intended for explosive atmospheres which is based on Article 118a; whereas that additional
use in potentially explosive atmospheres; whereas these are generally Directive will, in particular, aim at explosion hazards which derive from a
electrical and non-electrical specifications having an effect on the design given use and/or types and methods of installation;
and structure of equipment which can be used in potentially explosive
Whereas compliance with essential health and safety requirements is
atmospheres;
imperative if the safety of equipment is to be ensured; whereas judgment will
Whereas the requirements to be met by such equipment differ from one
have to be exercised in the implementation of those requirements in order to
Member State to another in respect of their extent and differing inspection
take account of both the technology obtaining at the time of manufacture and
procedures; whereas these differences are, therefore, likely to raise barriers
overriding technical and economic requirements;
to trade within the Community;
Whereas, therefore, this Directive sets out essential requirements only;
Whereas harmonization of national legislation is the only way in which to
whereas, in order to facilitate the task of proving compliance with the
remove these barriers to free trade; whereas this objective cannot be
essential requirements, harmonized European standards are necessary,
satisfactorily achieved by the individual Member States; whereas this Directive
more especially with regard to the non-electrical aspects of protection
merely lays down the requirements vital to freedom of movement for the
against explosions - standards relating to the design, manufacture and
equipment to which it applies;
testing of equipment, compliance with which enables a product to be
Whereas the regulations intended to remove technical barriers to trade are presumed to meet such essential requirements; whereas harmonized European
required to follow the new approach provided for in the Council resolution standards are drawn up by private bodies and must retain their non-
of 7 May 1985 3), which requires a definition of the essential requirements mandatory status; whereas, for this purpose, the European Committee for
regarding safety and other requirements of society without reducing existing, Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical
justified levels of protection within the Member States; whereas that resolution Standardization (Cenelec) are recognized as the bodies competent to adopt
provides that a very large number of products be covered by a single harmonized standards which follow the general guidelines for cooperation
Directive in order to avoid frequent amendments and the proliferation of between the Commission and those two bodies, signed on 13 November
Directives; 1984; whereas, for the purposes of this Directive, a harmonized standard is
Whereas the existing Directives on the approximation of the laws of the a technical specification (European Standard or harmonization document)
Member States to electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive adopted by one or other of those bodies, or by both, at the prompting of the
atmospheres have made positive steps towards protection against explosions Commission pursuant to Council Directive 83/189/EEC of the 28 March
via measures linked with the structure of the equipment at issue and which 1983 providing for a procedure governing the provision of information on
have helped to remove barriers to trade in this area; whereas, in parallel, a technical standards and regulations4) and pursuant to the general guidelines
revision and expansion of the existing Directives is necessary since, more referred to above;
particularly, in an overall context, action must be taken to guard against the Whereas the legislative framework should be improved in order to ensure
potential hazards arising from such equipment. This implies in particular that employers and workers make an effective and appropriate contribution
that measures intended to guarantee effective protection of users and third towards the standardization process; whereas this should be completed by
parties must already be contemplated at the design and manufacturing the time this Directive is implemented;
states; Whereas, in view of the nature of the risks involved in the use of equipment
Whereas the form taken by the hazard, the protective measures and the test in potentially explosive atmospheres it is necessary to establish procedures
methods are often very similar, if not identical, for both mining and surface applying to the assessment of compliance with the basic requirements of the
equipment; whereas it is, therefore, absolutely necessary to cover by a single Directives; whereas these procedures must be devised in the light of the level
Directive protective equipment and systems falling within both groups; of risk which may be inherent in equipment and/or against which systems
Whereas the two groups of equipment referred to above are used in a large must protect the immediate environment; whereas, therefore, each category
number of commercial and industrial sectors and possess considerable of equipment conformity must be supplemented by an adequate procedure or
economic significance; a choice between several equivalent procedures; whereas the procedures
adopted comply fully with Council Decision 93/465/EEC of 22 July 1993
concerning the modules for the various phases of the conformity assessment
procedures which are intended to be used in the technical harmonization
Directives5);
1)
OJ No C 46, 20. 2. 1992, p. 19.
2)
OJ No C 106, 27. 4. 1992, p. 9.
3)
OJ No C 136, 4. 6. 1985, p. 1.
4)
OJ No L 109, 26. 4. 1983, p. 8. Directive as last amended
by Directive 88/182/EEC (OJ No L 81, 26. 3. 1988, p. 75).
5)
OJ No L 220, 30. 8. 1993, p. 23.

38
 DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC

Whereas the Council has provided for the affixing of the CE marking by either b) ‘Protective systems’ means design units which are intended to halt
the manufacturer or his authorized representative within the Community; incipient explosions immediately and/or to limit the effective range of
whereas that marking means that the product complies with all the basic explosion flames and explosion pressures. Protective systems may be
requirements and assessment procedures provided for by the Community integrated into equipment or separately placed on the market for use as
law applying to that product; autonomous systems.
Whereas it is appropriate that the Member States, as provided for by Article (c) ‘Components’ means any item essential to the safe functioning of
100a of the Treaty, may take temporary measures to limit or prohibit the equipment and protective systems but with no autonomous function.
placing on the market and the use of equipment and protective systems in Explosive atmospheres
cases where they present a particular risk to the safety of persons and, where
Mixture with air, under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances
appropriate, domestic animals or property, provided that the measures are
in the form of gases, vapours, mists or dusts in which, after ignition has
subject to a Community control procedure;
occurred, combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture.
Whereas the recipients of any decision taken as part of this Directive must be
Potentially explosive atmosphere
aware of the reasons behind that decision and the means of appeal open to
them; An atmosphere which could become explosive due to local and operational
Whereas, on 18 December 1985, the Council adopted a framework Directive conditions.
on electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres Equipment groups and categories
(76/117/EEC)1) and, on 15 February 1982, a Directive concerning electrical Equipment group I applies to equipment intended for use in underground
equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in mines susceptible parts of mines, and to those parts of surface installations of such mines,
to fire damp (82/130/EEC)2); whereas, from the outset of harmonization work, liable to be endangered by firedamp and/or combustible dust.
the conversion into total harmonization of the optional and partial
harmonization on which these Directives are based had been contemplated; Equipment group II applies to equipment intended for use in other places
whereas this Directive fully covers the scope of the abovementioned Directives liable to be endangered by explosive atmospheres.
and whereas, therefore, these Directives must be repealed; The categories of equipment defining the required levels of protection are
Whereas the internal market incorporates an area without internal frontiers described in Annex I.
within which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is Equipment and protective systems may be designed for a particular explosive
assured; atmosphere. In this case, they must be marked accordingly.
Whereas it is necessary to provide for a transitional arrangement enabling Intended use
equipment manufactured in compliance with the national regulations in force The use of equipment, protective systems, and devices referred to in Article
at the date of adoption of this Directive to be marketed and placed in service, 1 (2) in accordance with the equipment group and category and with all the
- have adopted this directive: information supplied by the manufacturer which is required for the safe
functioning of equipment, protective systems and devices.
Chapter I (4) The following are excluded from the scope of this Directive:
- medical devices intended for use in a medical environment,
Scope, placing on the market and freedom of movement
- equipment and protective systems where the explosion hazard results
Article 1 exclusively from the presence of explosive substances or unstable
chemical substances,
(1) This Directive applies to equipment and protective systems intended for
use in potentially explosive atmospheres. - equipment intended for use in domestic and non-commercial
environments where potentially explosive atmospheres may only
(2) Safety devices, controlling devices and regulating devices intended
rarely be created, solely as a result of the accidental leakage of
for use outside potentially explosive atmospheres but required for or
fuel gas,
contributing to the safe functioning of equipment and protective systems
with respect to the risks of explosion are also covered by the scope of - personal protective equipment covered by Directive 89/686/EEC 3),
this Directive. - seagoing vessels and mobile offshore units together with equipment
(3) For the purposes of this Directive, the following definitions shall apply: on board such vessels or units,
Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially - means of transport, i.e. vehicles and their trailers intended solely for
explosive atmospheres transporting passengers by air or by road, rail or water networks, as
a) ‘Equipment’ means machines, apparatus, fixed or mobile devices, well as means of transport in so far as such means are designed for
control components and instrumentation thereof and detection or transporting goods by air, by public road or rail networks or by water.
prevention systems which, separately or jointly, are intended for the Vehicles intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere shall
generation, transfer, storage, measurement, control and conversion of not be excluded,
energy for the processing of material and which are capable of causing - the equipment covered by Article 2234) (b) of the Treaty.
an explosion through their own potential sources of ignition.

1) 3)
OJ No L 24, 31. 1. 1976, p. 45. Directive as last amended OJ No L 399, 30. 12. 1989, p. 18.
by Directive 90/487/EEC (OJ No L 270, 2. 10. 1990, p. 23). 4)
OJ No L 43, 20. 2. 1979, p. 20. Directive as last amended
2)
OJ No L 59, 2. 3. 1982, p. 10. by Directive 90/487/EEC (OJ No L 270, 2. 10. 1990, p. 23).

39
 DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC

Article 2 (2) Where a national standard transposing a harmonized standard, the

(1) Member States shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the reference for which has been published in the Official Journal of the
equipment, protective systems and devices referred to in Article 1 (2) to European Communities, covers one or more of the essential health and
which this Directive applies may be placed on the market and put into safety requirements, the equipment, protective system, device referred
service only if, when properly installed and maintained and used for to in Article 1 (2), or the component referred to in Article 4 (2),
their intended purpose, they do not endanger the health and safety of constructed in accordance with that standard shall be presumed to
persons and, where appropriate, domestic animals or property. comply with the relevant essential health and safety requirements.
Member States shall publish the references of national standards
(2) The provisions of this Directive shall not affect Member States’
transposing harmonized standards.
entitlement to lay down, in due observance of the provisions of
the Treaty, such requirements as they may deem necessary to ensure (3) Member States shall ensure that appropriate measures are taken to
that persons and, in particular, workers are protected when using the enable the social partners to influence the process of preparing and
equipment, protective systems, and devices referred to in Article 1 (2) monitoring the harmonized standards at national level.
in question provided that this does not mean that such equipment, Article 6
protective systems, or devices are modified in a way not specified in the
Directive. (1) Where a Member State or the Commission considers that the harmonized
standards referred to in Article 5 (2) do not entirely satisfy the relevant
(3) At trade fairs, exhibitions, demonstrations, etc., Member States shall essential health and safety requirements referred to in Article 3, the
not prevent the showing of equipment, protective systems, or the Commission or the Member State concerned shall bring the matter
devices referred to in Article 1 (2) which do not conform to the before the Committee set up under Directive 83/189/EEC, hereinafter
provisions of this Directive, provided that a visible sign clearly indicates referred to as ‘the Committee’, giving reasons therefor. The Committee
that such equipment, protective systems, and devices referred to in shall deliver an opinion without delay.
Article 1 (2) do not conform and that they are not for sale until they have
been brought into conformity by the manufacturer or his authorized Upon receipt of the Committee’s opinion, the Commission shall inform
representative established in the Community. During demonstrations, the Member States whether or not it is necessary to withdraw those
adequate safety measures shall be taken to ensure the protection of standards from the published information referred to in Article 5 (2).
persons. (2) The Commission may adopt any appropriate measure with a view to
ensuring the practical application in a uniform manner of this Directive
Article 3 in accordance with the procedure laid down in paragraph 3.
Equipment, protective systems, and the devices referred to in Article 1 (2) to (3) The Commission shall be assisted by a Standing Committee, consisting
which this Directive applies must meet the essential health and safety of representatives appointed by the Member States and chaired by a
requirements set out in Annex II which apply to them, account being taken of representative of the Commission.
their intended use.
The Standing Committee shall draw up its own rules of procedure.
Article 4 The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft
(1) Member States shall not prohibit, restrict or impede the placing on the of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the
market and putting into service in their territory of equipment, protective draft, within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the
systems, or devices referred to in Article 1 (2) which comply with this urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.
Directive. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State
(2) Member States shall not prohibit, restrict or impede the placing on the shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes.
market of components which, accompanied by a certificate of conformity The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by
as referred to in Article 8 (3), are intended to be incorporated into the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its
equipment or protective systems within the meaning of this Directive. opinion has been taken into account.
Article 5 (4) The Standing Committee may furthermore examine any question relating
(1) Member States shall regard as conforming to all the provisions of this to the application of this Directive and raised by its chairman either on
Directive, including the relevant conformity assessment procedures the latter’s initiative, or at the request of a Member State.
laid down in chapter II: Article 7
- equipment, protective systems, and devices referred to in Article 1 (2) (1) Whee a Member State ascertains that equipment, protective systems or
accompanied by the EC declaration of conformity referred to in devices referred to in Article 1 (2) bearing the CE conformity marking
Annex X and bearing the CE marking provided for in Article 10, and used in accordance with their intended use are liable to endanger
- the components referred to in Article 4 (2), accompanied by the the safety of persons and, where appropriate, domestic animals or
certificate of conformity referred to in Article 8 (3). property, it shall take all appropriate meaures to withdraw such equipment
In the absence of harmonized standards, Member States shall take any steps or protective systems from the market, to prohibit the placing on the
which they deem necessary to bring to the attention of the parties concerned market, putting into service or use thereof, or to restrict free movement
the existing national technical standards and specifications regarded as there of. The Member State shall immediately inform the Commission
important or relevant to the proper implementation of the essential health and of any such measure, indicating the reasons for its decision and, in
safety requirements in Annex II. particular, whether non-conformity is due to:
(a) failure to satisfy the essential requirements referred to in Article 3;
(b) incorrect application of the standards referred to in Article 5 (2);
(c) shortcomings in the standards referred to in Article 5 (2).

40
 DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC

(2) The Commission shall enter into consultation with the parties concerned c) equipment-group II, equipment-category 3
without delay. Where the Commission considers, after this Consultation, The manufacturer or his authorized representative established in the
that the measure is justified, it shall immediately so inform the Member Community must, in order to affix the CE marking, follow the procedure
State which took the initiative and the other Member States. Where the relating to internal control of production referred to n Annex VIII;
Commission considers, after this consultation, that the action is
d) equipment-groups I and II
unjustified, it shall immediately so inform the Member State which took
the initiative and the manufacturer or his authorized representative In addition to the procedures referred to in paragraph 1(a), (b) and (c),
established within the Community. Where the decision referred to in the manufacturer or his authorized representative established in the
paragraph 1 is based on a shortcoming in the standards and where the Community may also, in order to affix the CE marking, follow the
Member State at the origin of the decision maintains its position, the procedure relating to CE unit verification (referred to in Annex IX).
Commission shall immediately inform the Committee in order to (2) The provisions of 1(a) or 1(d) above shall be used for conformity
initiate the procedures referred to in Article 6 (1). assessment of autonomous protective systems.
(3) Where equipment or a protective system which does not comply bears (3) The procedures referred to in paragraph 1 shall be applied in respect of
the CE conformity marking, the competent Member State shall take components as referred to in Article 4 (2), with the exception of the
appropriate action against the person(s) having affixed the marking and affixing of the CE marking. A certificate shall be issued by the
shall so inform the Commission and the other Member States. manufacturer or his authorized representative established in the
(4) The Commission shall ensure that the Member States are kept informed Community, declaring the conformity of the components with the
of the progress and outcome of this procedure. provisions of this Directive which apply to them and stating their
characteristics and how they must be incorporated into equipment or
Chapter II protective systems to assist compliance with the essential requirements
applicable to finished equipment or protective systems.
Conformity assessment procedures
(4) In addition, the manufacturer or his authorized representative established
Article 8 in the Community may, in order to affix the CE marking, follow the
(1) The procedures for assessing the conformity of equipment, including procedure relating to internal control of production (referred to in
where necessary the devices referred to in Article 1 (2), shall be as Annex VIII) with regard to the safety aspects referred to in point 1.2.7 of
follows: Annex II.
a) equipment-group I and II, equipment-category M 1 and 1. (5) Notwithstanding the previous paragraphs, the competent authorities
The manufacturer or his authorized representative established in the may, on a duly justified request, authorize the placing on the market and
Community must, in order to affix the CE marking, follow the CE type- putting into service on the territory of the Member State concerned of
examination procedure (referred to in Annex III), in conjunction with: the equipment, protective systems and individual devices referred to in
- the procedure relating to production quality assurance (referred Article 1 (2) in respect of which the procedures referred to in the
to in Annex IV), previous paragraphs have not been applied and the use of which is in
the interests of protection.
or
(6) Documents and correspondence relating to the procedures referred to
- the procedure relating to product verification (referred to in Annex V);
in the abovementioned paragraphs shall be drawn up in one of the
b) Equipment-group I and II, equipment-category M 2 and 2 official languages of the Member States in which those procedures are
i) In the case of internal combustion engines and electrical equipment in being applied or in a language accepted by the notified body.
these groups and categories, the manufacturer or his authorized (7) (a) Where the equipment and protective systems are subject to other
representative established in the Community shall, in order to affix the Community Directives covering other aspects which also provide
CE mark, follow the EC-type examination procedure (referred for the affixing of the CE marking referred to in Article 10, that
to in Annex III), in conjunction with: marking shall indicate that the equipment and protective systems
- the procedure relating to conformity to type referred to in Annex VI, are also presumed to conform with the provisions of those other
or Directives.
- the procedure relating to product quality assurance referred to in (b) However, where one or more of those Directives allow the
Annex VII; manufacturer, during a transitional period, to choose which
ii) In the case of other equipment in these groups and categories, the arrangements to apply, the CE marking shall indicate conformity
manufacturer or his authorized representative established in the only with the Directives applied by the manufacturer. In this case,
Community must, in order to affix the CE mark, follow the procedure particulars of the said Directives, as published in the Official Journal
relating to internal control of production (referred to in Annex VIII) and of the European Communities, must be given in the documents,
communicate the dossier provided for in Annex VIII, paragraph 3, to a notices or instructions required by the Directives and accompanying
notified body, which shall acknowledge receipt of it as soon as possible the equipment and protective systems.
and shall retain it.

41
 DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC

Article 9 Article 13
(1) Member States shall notify the Commission and the other Member Member States shall ensure that all the parties involved in the application of
States of the bodies which they have appointed to carry out the the Directive are bound to observe confidentiality in respect of all information
procedures referred to in Article 8, together with the specific tasks obtained in the performance of carrying out their tasks. This does not affect
which these bodies have been appointed to carry out and the identification the obligations of the Member States and of the notified bodies regarding
numbers assigned to them beforehand by the Commission. The reciprocal information and the dissemination of warnings.
Commission shall publish in the Official Journal of the European Article 14
Communities a list of the notified bodies, with their identification
(1) Directive 76/117/EEC, Directive 79/196/EEC (1) and Directive 82/130/
numbers and the tasks for which they have been notified. The Commission
EEC shall be repealed as from 1 July 2003.
shall ensure that this list is kept up to date.
(2) Member States shall apply the criteria laid down in Annex XI in (2) EC certificates of conformity to the harmonized standards obtained in
assessing the bodies to be indicated in such notification. Bodies accordance with the procedures laid down in the Directives referred to
meeting the assessment criteria laid down in the relative harmonized in paragraph 1 shall continue to be valid until 30 June 2003 unless they
standards shall be presumed to fulfil those criteria. expire before that date. Their validity shall continue to be limited to the
harmonized standards indicated in the aforementioned Directives.
(3) A Member State which has approved a body must withdraw its notification
if it finds that the body no longer meets the criteria referred to in (3) Member States shall take the necessary action to ensure that the notified
Annex XI. It shall immediately inform the Commission and the other bodies which are responsible pursuant to Article 8 (1) to (4) for the
Member States accordingly. assessment of the conformity of electrical equipment placed on the
market before 1 July 2003 take account of the results of tests and
Chapter III CE verifications already carried out under the Directives referred to in
paragraph 1.
conformity marking
Article 15
Article 10
(1) Member States shall adopt and publish the laws, regulations and
(1) The CE conformity marking shall consist of the initials ‘CE’. The form administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive
of the marking to be used is shown in Annex X. The CE marking shall before 1 September 1995. They shall forthwith inform the Commission
be followed by the identification number of the notified body where such thereof. The Member States shall apply these measures with effect from
body is involved in the production control stage. 1 March 1996. When Member States adopt the measures referred to in
(2) The CE marking shall be affixed distinctly, visibly, legibly and indelibly the first subparagraph, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or
to equipment and protective systems, supplementary to the provisions shall be accompanied by such reference at the time of their official
of point 1.0.5. of Annex II. publication. The methods of making such reference shall be laid down
(3) The affixing of markings on the equipment or protective systems which by Member States.
are likely to deceive third parties as to the meaning and form of the CE (2) However, Member States shall allow the placing on the market and the
marking shall be prohibited. Any other marking may be affixed to the putting into service of equipment and protective systems conforming
equipment or protective systems, provided that the visibility and legibility with the national regulations in force in their territory at the date of
of the CE marking is not thereby reduced. adoption of this Directive for the period until 30 June 2003.
Article 16
Article 11
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
Without prejudice to Article 7:
Done at Brussels, 23 March 1994.
a) where a Member State establishes that the CE marking has been
incorrectly affixed, the manufacturer or his authorized representative For the European Parliament
established within the Community shall be obliged to make the product
conform as regards the provisions concerning the CE marking and to The President
end the infringement under the conditions imposed by the Member E. KLEPSCH
State;
b) in the event of continuing non-conformity, the Member State must take For the Council
all appropriate measures to restrict or prohibit the placing on the market The President
of the product in question or to ensure that it is withdrawn from the TH. PANGALOS
market in accordance with the procedures laid down in Article 7.

CHAPTER IV
Final provisions
Article 12
Any decision taken pursuant to this Directive which restricts or prohibits the
placing on the market and/or the putting into service or requires the
withdrawal from the market of equipment, a protective system, or a device
referred to in Article 1 (2) shall state the exact grounds on which it is based.
Such a decision shall be notified forthwith to the party concerned, who shall
at the same time be informed of the legal remedies available to him under the
laws in force in the Member State concerned and of the time limits to which The appendices you will find under
such remedies are subject. [Link]/homepage/atexinfo/[Link]

42
Directive1999/92/EC
Of the European Parliament
and the Council of 16 December 1999

on minimum requirements for improving

the safety and health protection of workers
potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres
(15th individual Directive within the meaning of
Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)

Directives are subject to variations. The realtime-edition of the directives,

as well their appendices and the guideline for them, you will find under our
homepage [Link]/homepage/atexinfo/[Link]

43
 DIRECTIVE 1999/92/EC

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, (8) Explosion protection is of particular importance to safety; whereas
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in explosions endanger the lives and health of workers as a result of the
particular Article 137 thereof, uncontrolled effects of flame and pressure, the presence of noxious
reactin products and consumption of the oxygen in the ambient air
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1), submitted after
which workers need to breathe;
consultation with the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health
Protection at Work and the Safety and Health Commission for the Mining and (9) The establishment of a coherent strategy for the prevention of explosions
Other Extractive Industries, Having regard to the opinion of the Economic requires that organisational measures complement the technical
and Social Committee2), After consulting the Committee of the Regions, measures taken at the workplace; Directive 89/391/EEC requires the
Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the employer to be in possession of an assessment of the risks to workers’
Treaty, in the light of the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee health and safety at work; this requirement is to be regarded as being
on 21 October 1999 3), Whereas: specified by this Directive in that it provides that the employer is to draw
up an explosion protection document, or set of documents, which
(1) Article 137 of the Treaty provides that the Council may adopt, by means
satisfies the minimum requirements laid down in this Directive and is
of Directives, minimum requirements for encouraging improvements,
to keep it up to date; the explosion protection document includes the
especially in the working environment, to guarantee a better level of
identification of the hazards, the evaluation of risks and the definition
protection of the health and safety of workers;
o f
(2) Under the terms of that Article, those Directives are to avoid imposing the specific measures to be taken to safeguard the health and safety of
administrative, financial and legal constraints in a way which would workers at risk from explosive atmospheres, in accordance with Article
hold back the creation and development of small and medium-sized 9 of Directive 89/391/EEC; the explosion protection document may be
undertakings; part of the assessment of the risks to health and safety at work required
(3) The improvement of occupational safety, hygiene and health is an by Article 9 of Directive 89/391/EEC;
objective which should not be subordinated to purely economic (10) An assessment of explosion risks may be required under other
considerations; Community acts; whereas, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of
(4) Compliance with the minimum requirements for improving the safety work, the employer should be allowed, in accordance with national
and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive practice, to combine documents, parts of documents or other equivalent
atmospheres is essential if workers’ safety and health protection is to be reports produced under other Community acts to form a single
ensured; „safety report“;
(5) This Directive is an individual Directive within the meaning of Article (11) The prevention of the formation of explosive atmospheres also includes
16(1) of Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the the application of the substitution principle;
introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and
(12) Coordination should take place when workers from several undertakings
health of workers at work 4); therefore, the provisions of the said
are present at the same workplace;
Directive, in particular those relating to worker information, to the
consultation and participation of workers and to the training of workers, (13) Preventive measures must be supplemented if necessary by additional
are also fully applicable to cases in which workers are potentially at risk measures which become effective when ignition has taken place;
from explosive atmospheres, without prejudice to more restrictive or maximum safety can be achieved by combining preventive measures
specific provisions contained in this Directive; with other additional measures limiting the detrimental effects of
explosions on workers;
(6) This Directive constitutes a practical step towards the achievement of
the social dimension of the internal market; (14) Council Directive 92/58/EEC of 24 June 1992 on the minimum
requirements for the provision of safety and/or health signs at work
(7) Directive 94/9/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23
(ninth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of
March 1994 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
Directive 89/391/EEC) 6) is fully applicable, in particular to places
concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in
immediately contiguous to hazardous areas, where smoking,
potentially explosive atmospheres 5) states that it is intended to prepare
crosscutting, welding and other activities introducing flames or sparks
an additional Directive based on Article 137 of the Treaty covering, in
may interact with the hazardous area;
particular, explosion hazards which derive from a given use and/or
types and methods of installation of equipment; (15) Directive 94/9/EC divides the equipment and protective systems which
it covers into equipment groups and categories; this Directive provides
for a classification by the employer of the places where explosive
atmospheres may occur in terms of zones and determines which
equipment and protective systems groups and categories should be
used in each zone,

1)
OJ C 332, 9.12.1995, p. 10 and OJ C 184, 17.6.1997, p. 1.
2)
OJ C 153, 28.5.1996, p. 35.
3)
Opinion of the European Parliament of 20 June 1996
(OJ C 198, 8.7.1996, p. 160) confirmed on 4 May 1999
(OJ C 279, 1.10.1999, p 55), Council Common Position of 22 December 1998
(OJ C 55, 25.2.1999, p. 45), Decision of the European Parliament of 6 May 1999
(OJ C 279, 1.10.1999, p. 386). Decision of the European Parliament
of 2 December 1999 and Council Decision of 6 December 1999.
4)
OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1.
5)
OJ L 100, 19.4.1994, p. 1.
6)
OJ L 245, 26.8.1992, p. 23

44
 DIRECTIVE 1999/92/EC

- have adopted this Directive: Article 4

Section I Assessment of explosion risks
GENERAL PROVISIONS (1) In carrying out the obligations laid down in Articles 6(3) and 9(1) of
Directive 89/391/EEC the employer shall assess the specific risks
Article 1 arising from explosive atmospheres, taking account at least of:
Object and scope - the likelihood that explosive atmospheres will occur and their
(1) This Directive, which is the 15th individual Directive within the meaning persistence,
of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC, lays down minimum - the likelihood that ignition sources, including electrostatic discharges,
requirements for the safety and health protection of workers potentially will be present and become active and effective,
at risk from explosive atmospheres as defined in Article 2.
- the installations, substances used, processes, and their possible
(2) This Directive shall not apply to: interactions,
a) areas used directly for and during the medical treatment of patients; - the scale of the anticipated effects.
b) the use of appliances burning gaseous fuels in accordance with Explosion risks shall be assessed overall.
Directive 90/396/EEC 1);
(2) Places which are or can be connected via openings to places in which
c) the manufacture, handling, use, storage and transport of explosives or explosive atmospheres may occur shall be taken into account in
chemically unstable substances; assessing explosion risks.
d) mineral-extracting industries covered by Directive 92/91/EEC2) or
Directive 92/104/EEC 3); Article 5
e) the use of means of transport by land, water and air, to which the General obligations
pertinent provisions of the international agreements (e.g. ADNR, ADR, To ensure the safety and health of workers, and in accordance with the basic
ICAO, IMO, RID), and the Community Directives giving effect to those principles of risk assessment and those laid down in Article 3, the employer
agreements, apply. Means of transport intended for use in a potentially shall take the necessary measures so that:
explosive atmosphere shall not be excluded. - where explosive atmospheres may arise in such quantities as to
(3) The provisions of Directive 89/391/EEC and the relevant individual endanger the health and safety of workers or others, the working
Directives are fully applicable to the domain referred to in paragraph 1, environment is such that work can be performed safely,
without prejudice to more restrictive and/or specific provisions contained - in working environments where explosive atmospheres may arise in
in this Directive. such quantities as to endanger the safety and health of workers,
Article 2 appropriate supervision during the presence of workers is ensured in
accordance with the risk assessment by the use of appropriate technical
Definition means.
For the purposes of this Directive, „explosive atmosphere“ means a mixture
with air, under atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the form Article 6
of gases, vapours, mists or dusts in which, after ignition has occurred, Duty of coordination
combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture.
Where workers from several undertakings are present at the same workplace,
each employer shall be responsible for all matters coming under his control.
Section II
Without prejudice to the individual responsibility of each employer as
Obligations of the employer provided for in Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer responsible for the
Article 3 workplace in accordance with national law and/or practice shall coordinate
the implementation of all the measures concerning workers’ health and safety
Prevention of and protection against explosions and shall state, in the explosion protection document referred to in Article 8,
With a view to preventing, within the meaning of Article 6(2) of Directive 89/ the aim of that coordination and the measures and procedures for implementing
391/EEC, and providing protection against explosions, the employer shall it.
take technical and/or organisational measures appropriate to the nature of
the operation, in order of priority and in accordance with the following basic Article 7
principles: Places where explosive atmospheres may occur
- the prevention of the formation of explosive atmospheres, or where (1) The employer shall classify places where explosive atmospheres may
the nature of the activity does not allow that, occur into zones in accordance with Annex I.
- the avoidance of the ignition of explosive atmospheres, and (2) The employer shall ensure that the minimum requirements laid down in
- the mitigation of the detrimental effects of an explosion so as to Annex II are applied to places covered by paragraph 1.
ensure the health and safety of workers. (3) Where necessary, places where explosive atmospheres may occur in
These measures shall where necessary be combined and/or supplemented such quantities as to endanger the health and safety of workers shall be
with measures against the propagation of explosions and shall be reviewed marked with signs at their points of entry in accordance with Annex III.
regularly and, in any event, whenever significant changes occur.

1)
OJ L 196, 26.7.1990, p. 15. Directive as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC
(OJ L 220, 30.8.1993, p. 1).
2)
OJ L 348, 28.11.1992, p. 9.
3)
OJ L 404, 31.12.1992, p. 10.

45
 DIRECTIVE 1999/92/EC

Article 8 Section III

Explosion protection document Miscellaneous privisions
In carrying out the obligations laid down in Article 4, the employer shall Article 10
ensure that a document, hereinafter referred to as the „explosion protection
document“, is drawn up and kept up to date. Adjustments to the annexes
The explosion protection document shall demonstrate in particular: Purely technical adjustments to the annexes made necessary by:
- the adoption of Directives on technical harmonisation and
- that the explosion risks have been determined and assessed, standardisation in the field of explosion protection, and/or
- that adequate measures will be taken to attain the aims of this - technical progress, changes in international regulations or
Directive, specifications, and new findings on the prevention of and protection
- those places which have been classified into zones in accordance with against explosions, shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure
Annex I, laid down in Article 17 of Directive 89/391/EEC.
- those places where the minimum requirements set out in Annex II will Article 11
apply, Guide of good practice
- that the workplace and work equipment, including warning devices, The Commission shall draw up practical guidelines in a guide of good
are designed, operated and maintained with due regard for safety, practice of a non-binding nature. This guide shall address the topics referred
- that in accordance with Council Directive 89/655/EEC 1) , to in Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, Annex I and Annex II, Part A.
arrangements have been made for the safe use of work equipment. The Commission shall first consult the Advisory Committee on Safety,
The explosion protection document shall be drawn up prior to the Hygiene and Health Protection at Work in accordance with Council Decision
commencement of work and be revised when the workplace, work equipment 74/325/EEC2).
or organisation of the work undergoes significant changes, extensions or In the context of the application of this Directive, Member States shall take
conversions. the greatest possible account of the abovementioned guide in drawing up
The employer may combine existing explosion risk assessments, documents their national policies for the protection of the health and safety of workers
or other equivalent reports produced under other Community acts. Article 12
Article 9 Information to undertakings
Special requirements for work equipment and workplaces Member States shall, on request, endeavour to make relevant information
(1) Work equipment for use in places where explosive atmospheres may available to employers in accordance with Article 11, with particular reference
occur which is already in use or is made available in the undertaking or to the guide of good practice
establishment for the first time before 30 June 2003 shall comply from Article 13
that date with the minimum requirements laid down in Annex II, Part A,
Final provisions
if no other Community Directive is applicable or is so only partially.
(1) Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and
(2) Work equipment for use in places where explosive atmospheres may
administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive not
occur which is made available in the undertaking or establishment for
later than 30 June 2003. They shall forthwith inform the Commission
the first time after 30 June 2003 shall comply with the minimum
there of.
requirements laid down in Annex II, Parts A and B.
When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a
(3) Workplaces which contain places where explosive atmospheres may reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference on
occur and which are used for the first time after 30 June 2003 shall the occasion of their official publication. The methods of making such
comply with minimum requirements set out in this Directive. reference shall be laid down by the Member States.
(4) Where workplaces which contain places where explosive atmospheres (2) Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the
may occur are already in use before 30 June 2003, they shall comply provisions of domestic law which they have already adopted or adopt in
with the minimum requirements set out in this Directive no later than the field governed by this Directive.
three years after that date.
(3) Member States shall report to the Commission every five years on the
(5) If, after 30 June 2003, any modification, extension or restructuring is practical implementation of the provisions of this Directive, indicating
undertaken in workplaces containing places where explosive the points of view of employers and workers. The Commission shall
atmospheres may occur, the employer shall take the necessary steps to inform thereof the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and
ensure that these comply with the minimum requirements set out in this Social Committee and the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and
Directive. Health Protection at Work.
Article 14
This Directive shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official
Journal of the European Communities.
Article 15
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 16 December 1999.
For the European Parliament For the Council
The President The President
N. FONTAINE K. HEMILÄ
1)
OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 13. Directive as amended by Directive 95/63/EC
(OJ L 335, 30.12.1995, p. 28). The appendices you will find under
2)
OJ L 185, 9.7.1974, p. 15. Decision as last amended by the 1994 Act of Accession. [Link]/homepage/atexinfo/[Link]

46
System solutions

UL
® ATEX certified

We create system solutions for constructors and operators

of plants in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical,
energy and environmental sectors.

Our business is planning and supplying complete systems: Basic and detailed engineering,
procurement, delivery, implementation, documentation, acceptance, service/training. And
for very special cases we create very special solutions.

æ Electro technology
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æ Heating technology
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protection. Typical areas of application are vessels, silos, pipelines, instruments, units,
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Software and hardware for integration into automated processes; visualisation,
identification, communication and control systems.
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Explosion protection

Sales offices
Europe Norway, Sweden Great Britain/Rochdale Netherlands/Ridderkerk Belgium/Tessenderlo
BARTEC AB North Europe BARTEC (UK) Ltd. BARTEC Nederland b.v. BARTEC Belgium N. V.
S-371 93 Karlskrona Station Road, Facit Whitworth Keurmeesterstraat 17b H. Hartlaan 26
Phone +46 455 22-800 Nr. Rochdale NL-2984 BA Ridderkerk Industriepark Schoonhees-West
Fax +46 455 22-808 GB-Lancashire, OL12 8LN Phone +31 180 41 05 88 B-3980 Tessenderlo
e-mail info@[Link] Phone +44 17 06 85 22 24 Fax +31 180 41 41 34 Phone +32-13-67 23 08
web [Link] Fax +44 17 06 85 25 21 e-mail info@[Link] Fax +32-13-67 23 09
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BARTEC s.à.r.l. BARTEC Engineering + Services AG BACAB SA BARTEC POLSKA [Link].o.
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BP 80420 Fegersheim CH-6330 Cham CH-1450 Sainte-Croix PL 43-100 Tychy
F-67412 Illkirch Cedex Phone +41 41 747 27-27 Phone +41 24 454 40 80 Phone +48 32 326 44 00
Phone +33 388 59 03 05 Fax +41 41 747 27-28 Fax +41 24 454 40 88 Fax +48 32 327 14 59
Fax +33 388 64 34 11 e-mail info@[Link] e-mail info@[Link] e-mail bartecpolska@[Link]
e-mail info@[Link] web [Link] web [Link] web [Link]
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Czech Republic/Prague Austria/Vienna Slovenia/Zagorje ob Savi Spain/Barcelona

BARTEC s.r.o. BARTEC Elektrotechnik GmbH BARTEC d.o.o. BARTEC S.A.
Pacovská 869/31 Jochen-Rindt-Straße 41 Cesta 9, avgusta 59 Pasaje del Congost 19,Entlo.
CZ-140 00 Praha 4 A-1230 Wien SLO-1410 Zagorje ob Savi E-08903 L’Hospitalet del Llobregat,
Phone +420 2417 34033 Phone +43 1 6163520-0 Phone +386 356 643-66 Barcelona
Fax +420 2417 34026 Fax +43 1 6163520-33 Fax +386 356 642-34 Phone +34-93-3 31 42 58
e-mail bartec@[Link] e-mail office@[Link] e-mail info@[Link] Fax +34-93-3 31 44 63
web [Link] web [Link] web [Link] e-mail ventas@[Link]
web [Link]

Italy/Melegnano Hungary/Budapest Representative offices:

Bulgaria/Sofia, Estonia/Tallinn, Greece/Athens, Ireland/Cork,
BARTEC s.r.l. BARTEC HUNGARY Kft.
Lithuania/Vilnius, Poland/Warschau, Portugal/Cacém, Romania/Bukarest,
Via per Carpiano, 8/10 Mezõkövesd u. 1-3
Russian Federation/Moscow, Slovenia/Bratislava
I-20077 Melegnano (Mi) H-1116 Budapest
Phone +39 0298 23 19 91 Phone +36 1 204 0864
Fax +39 0298 23 19 96 Fax +36 1 204 0917
e-mail info@[Link] e-mail info@[Link]
web [Link] web [Link]

48
Germany Hamburg/Reinbek Cologne Menden Hamburg/Reinbek
BARTEC GmbH BARTEC GmbH BARTEC Region Nord
Technisches Büro Hamburg Technisches Büro Köln Sicherheits-Schaltanlagen GmbH BARTEC BENKE GmbH
Borsigstraße 10 Industriestraße 155 Holzener Straße 35-37 Borsigstraße 10
D-21465 Reinbek/Hamburg D-50999 Köln (Rodenkirchen) D-58708 Menden D-21465 Reinbek/Hamburg
Phone +49 40 80 99 41-0 Phone +49 2236 9 66 78-0 Phone +49 2373 684-0 Phone +49 40 72703-0
Fax +49 40 80 99 41-79 Fax +49 2236 9 66 78-23 Fax +49 2373 684-209 Fax +49 40 72703-228
e-mail [Link]@[Link] e-mail [Link]@[Link] e-mail info@[Link] e-mail BueroNord@[Link]

Frankfurt/Main Bad Mergentheim Frankfurt Gotteszell

BARTEC GmbH BARTEC GmbH Region Mitte BARTEC GmbH
Technisches Büro Frankfurt Technisches Büro Süd-West BARTEC BENKE GmbH Schulstraße 30
Berner Straße 53 Max-Eyth-Straße 16 Berner Straße 53 D-94239 Gotteszell
D-60437 Frankfurt D-97980 Bad Mergentheim D-60437 Frankfurt Phone +49 9929 301-0
Phone +49 69 500 04-0 Phone +49 7931 597-218 Phone +49 69 500 04-0 Fax +49 9929 301-112
Fax +49 69 500 04-199 Fax +49 7931 597-445 Fax +49 69 500 04-199 e-mail info@[Link]
e-mail [Link]@[Link] e-mail info@[Link] e-mail BueroMitte@[Link]

Leipzig/Böhlen Cologne/Marl
Region Ost Region West
BARTEC BENKE GmbH BARTEC BENKE GmbH
Werkstraße Chemiepark Marl
Postfach 24 im Fremdfirmenbaufeld (Tor 6)
D-04564 Böhlen Paul-Baumann-Straße 1
Phone +49 34206 605-0 D-45764 Marl
Fax +49 34206 605-60 Phone +49 2365 495-559
e-mail BueroBoehlen@bartec- Fax +49 2365 495-265
[Link] e-mail BueroWest@[Link]

USA/Tulsa Representative offices:

America
Argentina/Bahia Blanca, Brazil/São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro,
BARTEC US Corp. Chile/Santiago, Canada/Calgary, Canada/Toronto, Mexico/Mexico City,
9902 - E East 43 rd St. Venezuela/Caracas
USA-Tulsa, OK 74146
Phone +1 918 627 1889
Fax +1 918 627 1890
e-mail info@[Link]
web [Link]

South Africa/Johannesburg Representative offices:

Africa
Nigeria/Lagos
BARTEC Barlian S.A. (PTY), Ltd.
Box 58071
NEWVILLE
ZA 2114
Phone +27-11-673 40 84
Fax +27-11-673 17 72
e-mail info@[Link]
web [Link]

Asia Singapore/Singapore China/Shanghai China/Shanxi Malaysia/Ampang

BARTEC Pte. Ltd. BARTEC Electric (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. BARTEC Electric (Shanxi) Co. Ltd. BARTEC Services & Engineering
No.63 Hillview Avenue Rm 12F, West Tower No. 1 chengbeijie Sdn. Bhd.
# 07-20/21 Lam Soon Ind. Bldg. Shanghai Hi-Tech King City CN - 046011 changzhi, Shanxi 12th Floor, MUI Plaza
SGP-Singapore 669569 No. 666 Beijing East Road Phone +86 355 2613592 Jalan P. Ramlee
Phone +65 6762 5030 CN - 200001Shanghai Fax +86 355 2613592 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Fax +65 6762 5031 Phone +86 21 5356 0100 e-mail Malaysia
e-mail info@[Link] Fax +86 21 5308 5900 bartecshanxi@[Link] Phone +60 (3) 2145 2488
web [Link] e-mail info@[Link] Fax +60 (3) 2145 6299
web [Link] e-mail malaysia@[Link]

Representative offices:
Brunei/Darussalam, China/Beijing, China/Guangzhou, India/Mumbai, Indonesia/Jakarta, Iran/Teheran, Iran/Isfahan, Israel/Petach Tikva, Japan/Tokyo,
South Korea/Seoul, Kowloon/Hong Kong, Kuwait/Safat, Macau/Macau, Malaysia/Kuala Lumpur, Philippines/Manila, Qatar/Doha, Saudi Arabia/Damman,
Sultanat Oman/Ruwi, Taiwan/Kaohsiung, Thailand/Bangkok, Turkey/Istanbul, United Arab Emirates/Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Viet Nam/Ho-Chi-Min town

Australia/ Representative office: Australia/Melbourne, New Zealand/Auckland

New Zealand

1200 BARTECians worldwide are committed to safety technology: [Link]

 BARTEC protects

people and

the environment

by the safety

of components,

s y s t e m s

and plants.

UK-D-EXC700197-08/05-BARTEC WerbeAgentur-126172

BARTEC GmbH Max-Eyth-Straße 16 Phone: +49 7931 597-0 E-mail: info@[Link]

97980 Bad Mergentheim Fax: +49 7931 597-119 Internet: [Link]