Application of IEC-Cenelec-European Equipment To Hazardous L

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
Application Of IEC/Cenelec/European
Equipment To Hazardous Locations
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramco’s
employees. Any material contained in this document which is not
already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given,
or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part,
without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering
Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Electrical For additional information on this subject, contact

File Reference: EEX20804 W.A. Roussel on 874-1320
Engineering Encyclopedia Electrical
Application of IEC/Cenelec/European
Equipment to Hazardous Locations
CONTENTS PAGES
INTERNATIONAL, EUROPEAN AND NORTH AMERICAN

TERMINOLOGY FOR HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS .........................................1
Major Standards Organizations ..................................................................1
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) ..........................1
European Electrotechnical Standards Committee

(CENELEC) ....................................................................................2
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)......................................................2
Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM)...................................3
Similar Terms and Definitions....................................................................3
List of International and European Standards ............................................5
CONVERTING NORTH AMERICAN HAZARDOUS LOCATION

DESIGNATIONS TO THE EQUIVALENT INTERNATIONAL/
EUROPEAN TERMS ............................................................................................7
Class Versus Group ....................................................................................7
Division Versus Zone .................................................................................8
Group Versus Subgroup .............................................................................8
Temperature Class ......................................................................................9

DETERMINING REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF

EUROPEAN EQUIPMENT IN HAZARDOUS LOCATION
APPLICATIONS .................................................................................................10
Intrinsic Safety .........................................................................................10
Selection Of Equipment Relative To Area Classification .............10
Allowable Capacitance And Inductance In The

Intrinsically Safe Loop..................................................................11
Increased Safety .......................................................................................11
Hermetically Sealed..................................................................................12
Explosionproof (Flameproof)...................................................................12
Philosophy Regarding Completeness Of Enclosures ....................12
Selection Of Equipment Relative To Area Classification .............13
Wiring Techniques........................................................................13
Non-incendive ..........................................................................................13
Pressurization (Purging) ...........................................................................13
Philosophical Difference In Approach..........................................14
Wiring Techniques........................................................................14
Continuous Dilution......................................................................14
Oil Immersion...........................................................................................14

INTERPRETING NAMEPLATE DATA ON

IEC/CENELEC/EUROPEAN EQUIPMENT USED IN
HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS..............................................................................15
Markings Necessary for Equipment in Hazardous Locations...................15
Manufacturer's Name....................................................................16
Manufacturer's Type Identification...............................................16
Atmosphere Protection..................................................................16
Type of Protection ........................................................................17
Group Classification .....................................................................17
Subgroup Classification - Group II...............................................18
Temperature Class ........................................................................19
Serial Number ...............................................................................19
Certifying Authority......................................................................20
Special Conditions ........................................................................20
Markings for a Specific Type of Protection..................................20
General Nameplate Markings .......................................................21
Nameplate Marking and Attachment Requirements.................................21
Data Arrangement on Nameplate .............................................................22
IDENTIFYING IEC LISTED EQUIPMENT ALLOWED FOR USE

IN SAUDI ARAMCO HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS .........................................23

WORK AID 1: RESOURCES USED TO CONVERT NORTH

AMERICAN DESIGNATIONS TO THE
EQUIVALENT INTERNATIONAL/ EUROPEAN
TERMS........................................................................................24
WORK AID 2: REFERENCES USED TO DETERMINE

REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF
EUROPEAN EQUIPMENT IN HAZARDOUS
LOCATION APPLICATIONS....................................................27
WORK AID 3: REFERENCES FOR INTERPRETING NAMEPLATE

DATA ON IEC/CENELEC/EUROPEAN
EQUIPMENT USED IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS.............28
WORK AID 4: REFERENCES USED TO IDENTIFY IEC-LISTED

EQUIPMENT ALLOWED FOR USE IN SAUDI
ARAMCO HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS...................................31
Limitations on the Use of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous

Locations of Saudi Aramco Installations..................................................32
GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................33

INTERNATIONAL, EUROPEAN AND NORTH AMERICAN TERMINOLOGY FOR

HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
Because the Saudi Aramco Electrical Engineer must deal with electrical equipment that is
manufactured in many locations, he must be familiar with the terminology that is used on all
electrical equipment. This section provides information on the following topics:
• Major Standards Organization

• Similar Terms and Definitions
• List of International and European Standards
Major Standards Organizations

There are hundreds of organizations throughout the world that prepare standards concerning
the application of electrical equipment for hazardous locations. This section provides a brief
description of the following major organizations that prepare such standards:
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

• European Electrotechnical Standards Committee (CENELEC)
• Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
• Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM)
It should be noted that there is a major philosophical difference in the approach to preparing
IEC/CENELEC standards and those of North America or at least the USA. The IEC and
CENELEC standards focus on construction requirements for the various protection techniques
with tests specified as required. The US approach focuses more on performance of the design
techniques giving minimum constructions that are automatically accepted if met. Different
constructions from those recognized may be used if the performance test results for the
specific issue are satisfactory.
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

The major organization for worldwide electrical standards is the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC), based in Geneva. The IEC was founded in 1906 and has grown so that
there are now over forty member countries. The IEC is responsible for electrical
standardization activities.
The IEC committee that is directly responsible for all hazardous location equipment is
Technical Committee 31. Technical Committee 31 has the following seven subcommittees
that deal with specific types of construction or classification of areas and installation rules:
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 1

SC/ 31A - Flameproof enclosures

SC/ 31B - Sand-filled apparatus
SC/ 31C - Increased safety apparatus
SC/ 31D - Pressurization and associated techniques
SC/ 31G - Intrinsically safe apparatus
SC/ 31H - Apparatus for use in the presence of ignitable dust
SC/ 31J - Classification of hazardous locations and installation requirements
IEC standards are printed and issued through IEC headquarters in Geneva.
European Electrotechnical Standards Committee (CENELEC)

The European Electrotechnical Standards Committee (CENELEC) is the result of the
European Common Market. The Commission of the European Communities issued a
directive in the mid-1970s to harmonize standards for electrical equipment for use in
hazardous locations. The purpose of this directive was to facilitate trade within the
Community through the adoption of harmonized standards. The CENELEC Organization was
assigned this task and was directed to base their new standards on the IEC standards. In
addition to the Common Market countries, other Western European countries have adopted
CENELEC standards. Basically, all of the Western European countries follow these
standards.
The CENELEC committee structure is identical to that of the IEC, and it even uses the same
basic committee numbering system. Under the “New Directive” procedures adopted in
conjunction with the formation of the European Union (EU), an aggressive program of
standards development has been initiated. All EU countries are mandated to exclusively use
CENELEC standards for hazardous location equipment by the year 2003. Today most
companies marketing equipment in Europe use the CENELEC criteria.
CENELEC standards are similar to the IEC standards, but some differences do exist.
Engineers should obtain the applicable CENELEC standard when a particular application calls
for a CENELEC specification.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a North American organization that publishes a number of
different standards and proposed standards that provide detailed construction and
performance requirements for equipment for use in hazardous locations. Many of the UL
standards also are recognized as American National Standards. These standards are used by
UL to investigate the acceptability of equipment for use in hazardous locations and as a basis
for permitting the UL listing mark or label on the equipment.

Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM)

The Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM) is another North American organization that
publishes standards and guides, although FM also uses the requirements of other
organizations in the investigation of equipment for use in hazardous locations.
Similar Terms and Definitions

All of the major standards organizations use similar terminology to describe the different
types of protection that are available for electrical equipment in hazardous locations. The
following list is a summary of the similar terms and their definitions. The definitions are
based on "Electrical Installations in Hazardous locations," by Schram and Earley.
• Explosionproof - An enclosure that is designed for electrical equipment; that

will withstand, without damage, an explosion of a prescribed flammable gas or
vapor within the enclosure; that will prevent the transmission of flame or sparks
that would ignite the external prescribed flammable gas or vapor for which the
enclosure is designed; and that normally operates at an external temperature
that will not ignite the external, prescribed flammable gas or vapor. An
explosionproof enclosure will not necessarily be weatherproof or dustproof.
• Flameproof - An enclosure for electrical apparatus that will withstand an

internal explosion of the flammable gas or vapor that may enter it. This
enclosure will not suffer damage from the internal explosion, and it will
prevent propagation of the explosion through any joints or structural openings
in the enclosure to the external atmosphere flammable gas or vapor for which it
is designed. Flameproof is the IEC term that is comparable to the term
explosionproof.
• Pressurized - For electrical machines and equipment, an enclosure in which

the entry of flammable gases or vapors is prevented by maintaining a protective
gas within the enclosure at a specified pressure above the pressure of the
external atmosphere with flow as necessary to account for leakage.
• Purged - The North American definition states that purging is a process where
a sufficient flow of fresh air or inert gas is maintained through the electrical
equipment enclosure to prevent the entry of any flammable gas or vapor that
may be present in the ambient atmosphere in which the enclosure is installed.
The definition also includes the initial clearing out of flammable materials
before applying power to the electrical equipment.

The international definition for purging states that it is the operation of passing
a quantity of protective gas through a room or enclosure prior to the equipment
being energized such that the original atmosphere is exchanged and the
remaining atmosphere is well below the lower explosive limit.
• Oil-Immersed - Electrical equipment on which the following parts are

immersed in oil or protected by another recognized method: parts on which
arcs may occur in normal service and live parts on which arcs do not occur in
normal service. For parts that are immersed in oil, immersion is to a depth that
is sufficient to prevent ignition of an explosive gas/air mixture that may be
present above the surface of the oil.
• Sand-Filled - For electrical equipment, an enclosure in which all live parts of

the equipment are entirely embedded in a mass of powdery material that has the
consistency of sand in such a way that if, under the condition of use for which
the equipment is designed, an arc occurs within the enclosure, this arc will not
ignite the outer explosive atmosphere either by the transmission of flame or by
the overheating of the walls of the enclosure.
• Increased Safety - A method of protection in which measures additional to

those adopted in ordinary industrial practice are applied to give increased
security against the possibility of excessive temperatures and against the
occurrence of arcs or sparks in an electrical apparatus that does not produce
arcs or sparks in normal service.
• Intrinsically Safe - In reference to a circuit or part of a circuit, when any

sparking that is produced normally by breaking or making the circuit or that is
produced accidentally (e.g., by short-circuit or earthfault), is incapable of
causing ignition of a prescribed gas or vapor under prescribed test conditions.
• Special Protection - A designation that permits certification of types of

electrical apparatus that, by their nature, do not comply with the constructional
or other requirements specified for apparatus with established types of
protection but that nevertheless can be shown to be suitable for use in
prescribed zones within hazardous locations.
• Hermetically Sealed - Equipment that is permanently sealed to prevent entry

of liquids, gas, or vapor.
• Non-Sparking - Electrical equipment that is of normal industrial design and

that has no ignition-capable sparking parts during normal operation.

• Encapsulation - The intimate surrounding of electrical equipment with a

material that will, under the conditions for which the equipment has been
designed, prevent occurrence of an external condition that could ignite the
outer explosive atmosphere either by transmission of flame or by overheating
of any part.
• Restricted Breathing - Apparatus that are constructed to prevent the

combination of explosive mixtures of gas or vapor with air inside an enclosure
during a certain time limit. Such construction ensures that an explosion will
not be caused by external parts.
List of International and European Standards

The following is a list of the standards that have been developed by the IEC. Engineers
should reference these standards when a particular application calls for an IEC specification.
• 79-0 General Requirements
• 79-1 Construction and test of flameproof enclosures of electrical apparatus
• 79-1 Amendment #1
• 79-1A Method of test for ascertaining of maximum experimental safe gap
• 79-2 Electrical Apparatus, type of protection "p"
• 79-3 Spark test apparatus for intrinsically safe circuits
• 79-4 Method of test for ignition temperature
• 79-4A Method of test for ignition temperature
• 79-5 Sand-filled apparatus
• 79-6 Oil-immersed apparatus
• 79-7 Construction and test of electrical apparatus, type of protection "e"
• 79-8 Classification of maximum surface temperature
• 79-9 Marking
• 79-10 Classification of hazardous locations
• 79-11 Construction and test of intrinsically safe and associated apparatus

• 79-12 Classifications of mixtures of gases or vapors with air according to their

maximum experimental safe gaps and minimum igniting currents
• 79-13 Construction and use of rooms or buildings protected by pressurization
• 79-14 Electrical installations in explosive gas atmospheres (other than mines)
The following is a list of the standards that have been developed by CENELEC. Engineers
should reference these standards when a particular application calls for a CENELEC
specification.
• EN 50014 General Requirements
• EN 50015 Oil-Immersion
• EN 50016 Pressurized Apparatus
• EN 50017 Powder Filling
• EN 50018 Flameproof Enclosure
• EN 50019 Increased Safety
• EN 50020 Intrinsic Safety
• EN 50028 Encapsulation
• EN 50039 Intrinsic Safe Electrical Systems

CONVERTING NORTH AMERICAN HAZARDOUS LOCATION DESIGNATIONS

TO THE EQUIVALENT INTERNATIONAL/EUROPEAN TERMS
The International/European terminology for use in describing hazardous locations is different
from North American terminology. This section will provide a comparison of the key terms
and will include the following specific sections:
• Class Versus Group

• Division Versus Zone
• Group Versus Subgroup
• Temperature Class
Class Versus Group

International/European terminology uses the word "Group" to describe the general location
where electrical equipment may be installed in an area made hazardous by the presence of
flammable/ignitable materials. Two such locations are identified - one below ground (gassy
mines), and the other above the surface. To the extent that such locations exist due to the
presence of flammable/ignitable materials, it is roughly equivalent to the North American
"Class" designation. However, it differs from the "Class" designation in that the
International/European "Group" does not distinguish the type of hazard present (i.e., gas,
vapor or dust), except for "gassy mines". The two general groups addressed in
International/European standards are:
• Group I designates areas below the earth's surface (gassy mines) that require
electrical equipment suitable for use specifically in mines susceptible to fire-
damp (methane).
• Group II designates areas above the earth's surface that require electrical
equipment suitable for use in areas that contain flammable gases/vapors.
The North American term that is roughly equivalent of Group II is Class I. North American
terminology does not have a separate class that is equivalent to an International/European
Group I area that contains underground methane (e.g., gassy mines).

Division Versus Zone

International/European terminology uses the word "Zone" instead of the word "Division" to
further divide hazardous locations in accordance with the degree of the hazards that are
present. International/European Standards use the following three Zones to subdivide above
ground areas that contain flammable gases/vapors:
• Zone 0 is an area that is always hazardous or that is hazardous for long periods
of time.
• Zone 1 is an area in which an explosive mixture is likely to occur during

normal operation.
• Zone 2 is an area in which an explosive mixture is not likely to occur or in

which an explosive mixture would occur only for a short period of time.
These Zones are equivalent to the two Divisions used in North American Standards. The
North American term of Division 1 combines Zone 0 and Zone 1. Zone 2 is similar to the
North American term Division 2.
Electrical equipment that is suitable for use in Zone 2 also is suitable for use in Division 2.
However, electrical equipment suitable for use in Zone 1 may not be suitable for use in
Division 1, because a Division 1 location can be hazardous at all times. This limitation would
certainly be true for intrinsic safety; however, flameproof (explosionproof) enclosures
approved for Zone 1 are the same design as those approved for Division 1 and would be
interchangeable in their application. This limitation would also be true for purged/pressurized
enclosures. However, it should be noted that prudent users in North America will take extra
precautions when flammable materials are present for long periods, such as in sumps, where
an explosionproof motor may additionally be purged/pressurized.
Note: The 1996 edition of the National Electrical Code will include the Division 0, 1, 2
concept equivalent to the International/CENELEC Zone 0, 1, 2. When that occurs, the
differences described above will no longer exist. This will also be true in Canada where
similar revisions are in process for the Canadian Electrical Code.
Group Versus Subgroup

International/European Group II hazardous locations are further subdivided into three
subgroups: IIA, IIB, and IIC. The grouping of gases in the subgroups is primarily based on
the maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) and/or the minimum ignition current (MIC).

The International/European Subgroups (IIA, IIB, and IIC) of gases are similar to the North
American groups (A, B, C, and D) of gases. There are a few exceptions, however, since the
European tests do not consider the pressure piling or the turbulent effects on the MESG
because European wiring practice does not include the use of rigid metal conduit raceways. In
addition, carbon disulfide is not classified, and hydrogen and acetylene are in separate groups
in North America. Work Aid 1 contains a table that compares the International/European
subgroups for common flammable gases to the North American groups.
Temperature Class
All International, European, and North American Standards recognize that the maximum
surface temperature of electrical equipment is important due to the possibility of auto ignition
of a flammable gas. All countries require that electrical equipment be marked with a
temperature class or a specific temperature referenced to a 40°C (104°F) ambient temperature.
The temperature class gives the maximum surface operating temperature of the equipment.
North American Standards contain 14 separate temperature classes, while

International/European standards only contain six temperature classes. Work Aid 1 provides
a table that compares the two temperature classes.

DETERMINING REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF EUROPEAN

EQUIPMENT IN HAZARDOUS LOCATION APPLICATIONS
The hazardous location design standards of North America and Europe (CENELEC) agree
fundamentally; however, there are differences in detail that affect applications and installation
practices. Some of these differences result from the difference in the classification system,
but most of these differences are due to the different approach that is taken in developing the
standards. When planning an installation, Saudi Aramco engineers should take into account
the source of the equipment; that is, the country where the equipment was produced. This
section will provide information on the differences in each of the techniques listed below.
• Intrinsic Safety
• Increased Safety
• Hermetically Sealed
• Explosionproof (Flameproof)
• Non-incendive
• Pressurization (Purging)
• Oil Immersion
Intrinsic Safety
There are several constructional and rating differences within the design requirements for the
intrinsic safety technique, however, most of these differences are transparent to the user of the
equipment. There are two key factors that must be considered when planning an intrinsic
safety system installation as follows:
• Selection of equipment relative to area classification

• Allowable capacitance and inductance in the intrinsically safe loop
Selection Of Equipment Relative To Area Classification

Saudi Aramco installations use the area classification scheme as described in the National
Electrical Code (NEC) and API 500 as discussed earlier. This classification scheme differs
from the European (CENELEC) scheme in that the European Zone 0 and Zone 1 are included
in the NEC Division 1. The CENELEC standards for intrinsic safety recognize two levels of
protection, ‘ia’ and ‘ib’, for Zone 0 and Zone 1, respectively. In selecting equipment that has
been certified to the CENELEC standards, the engineer must assure that the equipment is
rated for ‘ia’ service in order to use the equipment in an NEC Division 1 hazardous location
and to ensure compatibility of the safety design with the conditions that could exist in the
hazardous location.

Note: The next edition of the NEC (1996) will recognize the Division 0, Division 1,
Division 2 area classification concept in order to agree with the international classification
scheme. This change will allow compatibility with European practice and lead the way to use
of the ‘ia’ and ‘ib’ concepts in the USA.
Allowable Capacitance And Inductance In The Intrinsically Safe Loop

When planning an intrinsically safe loop, the source of supply for the loop determines how
much unprotected capacitance and inductance can be connected in the load and
interconnecting wiring. These values are based on the maximum voltage and current from the
source whether it be a Zener barrier device or other type of design that powers the loop.
These limits may be found either on the data label of the source device, or the literature for
the source device. The European values are decidedly more conservative than comparable
North American values. Using European values can result in much shorter allowable cable
lengths than when using North American values. The manufacturer's literature will discuss
this issue and provide values of typical cable parameters. If cable parameters are not
available, a capacitance of 60 pF/ft and inductance of 0.20 uH/ft may be used for all typical
cables. Although based on North American practice, ISA-RP 12.6, Wiring Practices for
Hazardous (Classified) Locations Instrumentation - Part I: Intrinsic Safety is an excellent
reference for covering installation of intrinsically safe systems which is included in this
module as a classroom reference.
Increased Safety
The increased safety technique is presently peculiar to Europe and is applied to devices such
as motors and lighting fixtures intended for use in a European Zone 1 hazardous location.
The coming change to the NEC mentioned above will lead to the acceptance of the increased
safety technique in North America including recognition in the NEC. It is unlikely that this
technique will be used in a Saudi Aramco facility unless the European classification scheme is
used for the area in question. Use of the European classification scheme may be worth
consideration since the equipment covered in this category results in a lower installed cost.
This technique was established based on the installation using the standard European cabling
techniques for hazardous locations where the cable is installed using a cable gland seal at the
terminal box of the device. Alternative wiring techniques are possible such as those permitted
in the NEC as the hole provided for the cable gland fitting can be used equally well for the
NEC acceptable wiring techniques including rigid metal conduit.

Hermetically Sealed
The major difference between a North American and an European hermetically sealed device
is the hazardous location in which it can be used. In North American practice, a hermetically
sealed device is acceptable for use only in a Division 2 hazardous location. In Europe, there
are circumstances when a hermetically sealed device may be used in a Zone 1 hazardous
location. Although it is not exactly clear under what circumstances this would be allowed, it
would be a location where a flammable material may be present in normal operation only
briefly and only occasionally. With NEC classification schemes in use at Saudi Aramco
facilities, there is no circumstance where a hermetically sealed device is acceptable for use in
a Division 1 hazardous location.
Most applications of hermetically sealed devices occurs within a primary enclosure such as
relays or other types of switches as part of a non-incendive product. There are no differences
in installation between European and North American practice when used as a Division
2/Zone 2 technique.
Explosionproof (Flameproof)
The North American explosionproof technique is equivalent to European flameproof. There
are several differences in these techniques that affect the installation as follows.
• Philosophy regarding completeness of enclosure
• Selection of equipment relative to area classification
• Wiring techniques
Philosophy Regarding Completeness Of Enclosures

North American practice provides for completing the explosionproof enclosure as part of the
installation. Wiring terminations are normally inside the explosion-proof enclosure. The
enclosure becomes complete when the approved wiring is installed including seals as
required. The normal European practice is to provide an enclosure that is complete relative to
being explosionproof (flameproof) when it leaves the factory. For such designs the
connection terminals are external to the enclosure reaching the inside of the enclosure via
explosionproof feedthroughs from the wiring compartment. The wiring compartment and
terminals are required to meet the increased safety requirements. The European standards do
allow direct entry using the North American technique so that many products, particularly in
the instrumentation field, use the latter technique. This acceptance of North American
techniques leads to items to consider when using European (CENELEC) approved equipment
in Saudi Aramco facilities.

Selection Of Equipment Relative To Area Classification

In Europe the explosionproof (flameproof) technique is designated as a Zone 1 technique.
The North American version is considered to be a Division 1 technique. This would suggest
that the European version should not be used in a Division 1 location. However, based on the
safety record of these designs in North America and the similarity of the design requirements,
the European flameproof approach is safely usable in Division 1 locations if the design of the
enclosure follows the North American practice of direct entry of the connection wiring. If the
design uses an external increased safety connection box that is not explosionproof, then the
enclosure is not suitable for use in a Division 1 hazardous location.
Wiring Techniques
The normal wiring technique intended for European installation is a cable using sealing type
cable glands. This is true whether the design is direct or indirect entry although the latter was
included mostly to accommodate the UK that uses the rigid metal conduit wiring technique in
the majority of their installations. With Saudi Aramco routinely using the NEC wiring
techniques, it is important to know that European enclosures will accommodate such wiring.
Therefore, direct entry European enclosures can be specified using NEC wiring installation
techniques.
Non-incendive
European (CENELEC) standards have not been published covering the non-incendive
technique. However, the non-incendive technique has been used extensively in some parts of
Europe, particularly in the UK. The practices, for the most part, follow those of North
America. The IEC document on this subject generally follows North American practice.
There are few European companies that market equipment for Zone 2, however, when such
equipment is available, the wiring techniques of the NEC can be applied.
Pressurization (Purging)
If pressurization is used in a given installation, the Saudi Aramco engineer should consult
with the appropriate standards including NFPA 496, ISA-RP 12.4, and EN 50016
(CENELEC) for details. The following points of difference between North American and
European practice are discussed.
• Philosophical difference in approach
• Wiring techniques
• Continuous dilution

Philosophical Difference In Approach

The European approach to the technique is strictly from the construction requirements point
of view defining likely conditions and building a set of requirements around each condition.
The North American approach is based on reducing the classification inside the enclosure and
what requirements must be in place to maintain the classification. The end result is essentially
the same, especially since the North American standard was the basis for developing both the
IEC standard and the CENELEC standard.
Wiring Techniques
Wiring techniques for European installations are normally based on the use of cable
acceptable for hazardous locations. Wiring techniques allowed per the NEC are equally
acceptable and can be used in conjunction with any European electrical equipment certified as
meeting the pressurization requirements.
Continuous Dilution
The term "continuous dilution" is not used in the international community. Continuous
dilution usually refers to an enclosure that has a release of flammable material inside the
enclosure. An example of continuous dilution is an analyzer type device where flammable
materials are intentionally introduced to the enclosure. The NFPA-496 standard addressing
purged and pressurized enclosures addresses the requirements associated with this technique.
It is a form of pressurization, especially if there is a hazardous atmosphere external to the
equipment enclosure. However, the fundamental objective is to clear the internal atmosphere
of flammable gases and vapors prior to startup, and then flood the internals of the enclosure
with either fresh air or an inert gas such as nitrogen to keep the internal atmosphere of the
enclosure well below the lower explosive limit of the gas(es) involved. In all cases the
requirements are similar; the fundamental difference is the European approach describes
construction requirements while the North American approach is based on reducing the
classification of the atmosphere within the enclosure.
Oil Immersion
There are no known differences in the application of the oil immersion technique.

INTERPRETING NAMEPLATE DATA ON IEC/CENELEC/EUROPEAN

EQUIPMENT USED IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
Electrical equipment that is suitable for use in hazardous locations will have a nameplate with
the appropriate North American or IEC designations. Electrical Engineers must be able to
interpret both North American and IEC designations because Saudi Aramco uses electrical
equipment that is manufactured according to both North American and International
Standards. The information that is pertinent to North American Standards was presented in
Module EEX 208.03. This section will provide the necessary information to interpret
nameplates with IEC designations and will include the following topics:
• Markings Necessary for Equipment in Hazardous locations

• Nameplate Marking and Attachment Requirements
• Data Arrangement on Nameplate
Markings Necessary for Equipment in Hazardous Locations

The IEC requires that twelve areas of information listed below be included on the nameplate
of all electrical equipment approved by the IEC for use in hazardous locations. The ability of
an Electrical Engineer to understand and interpret this nameplate information is critical to the
proper application of electrical equipment. For small sized equipment that does not have
enough room on the nameplate to provide all the required marking, abbreviated marking
information is permitted if full information is provided in the accompanying documentation.
• Manufacturer's Name
• Manufacturer's Type Identification
• Atmosphere Protection
• Type of Protection
• Group Classification
• Subgroup Classification
• Serial Number
• Certifying Authority
• Special Conditions
• Markings for a Specific Type of Protection Used
• General Nameplate Markings

Manufacturer's Name
The equipment manufacturer's name must be prominently displayed on the equipment
nameplate. The name on the nameplate must be the full, correct name of the manufacturer.
An example of a full, correct name is Asea Brown Boveri.
IEC Publication 79 allows the manufacturer's name to be replaced with a registered

trademark. Figure 1 shows an example of a manufacturer's registered trademark that is
acceptable for replacement of the manufacturer's name. The trademark example is for Asea
Brown Boveri.
ABB Figure 1. Manufacturer Registered Trademarks
Manufacturer's Type Identification

The manufacturer's type identification is used to differentiate between similar pieces of
equipment (e.g., to differentiate between two 25 HP motors of different design). A more
common name for the manufacturer's type identification would be the model number. The
manufacturer's type identification is unique to each manufacturer. The Electrical Engineer
must have a list from the appropriate manufacturer to understand the codes that are used in
this area of the nameplate.
Atmosphere Protection
IEC 79 requires that all equipment for hazardous locations be marked with Ex. The Ex
designation indicates that the electrical equipment has been constructed and tested for use in
an explosive atmosphere. The type of atmosphere for which the equipment is approved is not
covered by the Ex designation.
The Ex designation does not have a direct counterpart in North American Standards. North
American Standards combine the Ex designation with the type of protection designation that
is discussed in the next section.

Type of Protection
Many types of protection are available for use in electrical equipment. The type of protection
that is used determines the areas in which the equipment can be used. The IEC uses a series
of symbols to represent the type of protection that is provided. The various types of
protection have been described earlier in this Module. The exact area in which each type of
protection is appropriate is presented in Work Aid 3. The following is a list of the IEC
symbols that are used on electrical equipment nameplates and the associated type of
protection:
• o - oil-immersed apparatus (not allowed at Saudi Aramco)

• p - pressurized enclosures
• q - sand-filled apparatus
• d - flameproof enclosures
• e - increased safety
• ia - intrinsic safety category a
• ib - intrinsic safety category b
• n - non-incendive
• m - encapsulation
• h - sealed
Group Classification
The group classification is the IEC method of showing the general location and atmospheric
hazards for which the equipment is rated. The IEC specifies two group classifications: Group
I and Group II. The following is a description of the general atmosphere hazards that are
designated by the IEC group classifications:
• Group I - Electrical equipment for use in mines that are susceptible to fire-
damp (methane).
• Group II - Electrical equipment for use in explosive gas atmospheres other than
mines that are susceptible to fire-damp (methane).

Subgroup Classification - Group II

Group II classifications are further divided into subgroups. The designation of subgroups that
are found on equipment nameplates can be general and refer to a variety of gases, or can be
very specific and refer to a certain gas. The following general subgroups are designated by a
letter that follows the group number II, as follows:
• IIA
• IIB
• IIC
Figure 5 in Work Aid 1 lists the various gases that comprise each subgroup.
The basis for the general group classification is to identify a variety of gases and vapors
having similar chemical and ignition characteristics as described in Module EEX 208.01. The
general subgroup is determined by the maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) or the ratio
of the minimum ignition current (MIC) of the gas with the MIC of laboratory methane. The
equipment must meet these distance or current ratios to be used in a specific area.
The subgroup codes and the associated MESG and MIC ratios are shown in Figure 2. The
requirements become more strict for each successive subgroup.
Group/Subgroup MESG MIC Ratio
IIA >.9 mm >.8

IIB >.5 mm but <.9 mm between .45 and .8
IIC <.5 mm <.45
Figure 2. Subgroup Codes and Associated MESG and MIC
Ratios
The stricter requirements for successive subgroups means that an apparatus that is marked IIB
is suitable for applications that require Group IIA apparatus. Similarly, an apparatus that is
marked IIC is suitable for applications that require Group IIA or Group IIB apparatus.
When electrical equipment is certified for use in an atmosphere that contains a particular gas,
the general subgroup classification will not be on the nameplate. The nameplate will show
the particular gas for which the equipment is approved. The equipment nameplate
designation will be the symbol II followed by the chemical formula or name of the gas.

Temperature Class
The nameplates for Group II electrical equipment will have one of the following types of
temperature designations:
• IEC temperature class symbol
• The actual maximum surface operating temperature in degrees Celsius
• The IEC temperature class symbol and the actual maximum surface operating
temperature in degrees Celsius
Figure 3 shows the IEC temperature class symbols and the maximum surface operating
temperature ranges that are associated with each symbol. Electrical Engineers should note
that nameplates for electrical equipment that operates in excess 450°C will indicate the actual
maximum surface operating temperature in degrees Celsius. Such equipment will not have an
IEC temperature class symbol.
IEC Temperature Class Maximum Surface

Symbols Temperature (°C)
T1 ²450
T2 ²300
T3 ²200
T4 ²135
T5 ²100
T6 ² 85
Figure 3. IEC Temperature Class Symbols
and Associated Temperature Ranges
Work Aid 1 contains a table that compares IEC temperature classes and North American
temperature classes.
Serial Number
Each piece of electrical equipment must have a unique serial number for purposes of
identification. The serial number always should be used in communications with the
manufacturer. Serial numbers are unique to each manufacturer and do not follow any
prescribed rules.

Certifying Authority
The organization that certifies a piece of electrical equipment for use in a hazardous location
must place its name or symbol on the nameplate. The year of certification and the serial
number of the certificate also must be marked on the nameplate.
Work Aid 4 contains a list of the authorities that can certify electrical equipment for use in
hazardous locations of Saudi Aramco facilities. Electrical Engineers can only specify
electrical equipment that has been labeled, listed, approved or certified by these authorities.
Special Conditions
A piece of electrical equipment that is acceptable for use in hazardous locations only under
special conditions must have the special condition designation "/X" placed on the nameplate
after the reference to the certifying authority's certificate. Electrical engineers must consult
either the certificate of the appropriate authority or the accompanying documentation
provided by the equipment manufacturer to determine the special conditions under which the
equipment can be used.
Markings for a Specific Type of Protection

Certain types of protection require that additional information be included on the equipment
nameplate. The required information is different for different types of protection. Some
types of protection do not require additional information. The following types of protection
require additional nameplate information:
• Sand-filled
• Oil-immersed
• Pressurized
Sand-Filled - The following additional information is required on the nameplates of sand-

filled electrical equipment
:
• Maximum permissible arcing current and duration
• Test gas description
Oil-Immersed - The following additional information is required on the nameplates of oil-

immersed electrical equipment:
• Rated making and breaking capacity of the equipment

• Rated short time current

Electrical engineers should note that oil-immersion is not allowed as a method of protection at
Saudi Aramco facilities.
Pressurized - The following additional information is required on the nameplates of

pressurized electrical equipment:
• Minimum and maximum operating pressure
• Minimum flow rate of protective gas
• Type of protective gas
• Minimum volume of protective gas
• Purge time required to initially clear enclosure
• Warnings regarding opening of doors.
General Nameplate Markings

All electrical equipment must have certain information on the nameplate to identify the
operating parameters of the equipment. The general nameplate markings will vary with the
manufacturer and type of equipment. The following are examples of the general markings
that can be included on electrical equipment nameplates:
• kilowatts
• kVA
• amps
• volts
• operating time (duty cycle)
Nameplate Marking and Attachment Requirements

The IEC has specific guidelines on how electrical equipment nameplates are to be marked and
mounted. The nameplate markings must remain legible over the entire life of the equipment.
To ensure that the characters are always legible, the characters may be recessed or raised as
part of the equipment casting or molding. Also, the characters may be directly engraved onto
the enclosure of the electrical apparatus or may be on a plate that is securely fixed to the
enclosure.

The label must be fixed to the principal part of the enclosure by one the following methods:
• By soldering or brazing, either directly or by means of a frame.
• By screws with sunken heads that are locked in place by punching or soldering.
• By riveting throughout the wall of the enclosure, if permitted, by the type of

protection concerned.
• By bonding into a recess in the case of plastic enclosures.
• By drive screws not intended to be removed.
• Other means acceptable to the certifying/approving agency.
Data Arrangement on Nameplate

Most of the information on the nameplate can be arranged in any order as long as the
information is presented in a clear, logical manner. The only parts of the nameplate that must
be placed in a certain order are the codes that pertain to the type and level of protection for
which the equipment is approved. The information will be given in the following order:
• Atmosphere Protection
• Type of Protection
• Group Classification
• Subgroup Classification
The following are examples of the order of information on equipment nameplates:
• Ex d I - Electrical apparatus in flameproof enclosure for Group I.
• Ex d I/IIB T3 - Electrical apparatus in flameproof enclosure for Group I and

for Group IIB, temperature class T3.
• Ex ep II 125°C (T4), Ex ep II 125°C, or Ex ep II T4 - Increased safety

electrical apparatus and a pressurized enclosure for Group II (e.g., increased
safety motor fitted with slip rings in a pressurized enclosure) with a maximum
surface temperature of 125°C.

IDENTIFYING IEC LISTED EQUIPMENT ALLOWED FOR USE IN SAUDI

ARAMCO HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
Electrical equipment for use in hazardous locations is produced in many countries throughout
the world. Most countries that produce electrical equipment have a set of rules and guidelines
that must be followed in order for a piece of equipment to be used in a hazardous location.
The actual requirements will vary slightly from country to country due to opinions and testing
methods, but the goal will remain the same. The objective of setting standards is to ensure
safe installation and operation of the equipment.
Many countries also have testing organizations to ensure that equipment that is produced in
that country meets the requirements for installation in hazardous locations. The different
agencies will use slightly different methods of testing and possibly different codes for
indicating the level of protection for which the equipment is approved. Saudi Aramco does
not recognize all of these testing organizations as acceptable for certifying electrical
equipment for use in Saudi Aramco facilities. Work Aid 4 contains an excerpt from Saudi
Aramco Standard SAES-P-100 that lists the equipment that is built to IEC/European
Standards that is acceptable for use in Saudi Aramco installations. Work Aid 4 also contains
a list of limitations on the use of electrical equipment in hazardous locations of Saudi Aramco
installations.

WORK AID 1: RESOURCES USED TO CONVERT NORTH AMERICAN

DESIGNATIONS TO THE EQUIVALENT INTERNATIONAL/
EUROPEAN TERMS
This Work Aid is designed to assist the Participant in performing Exercise 1.
1. Use the following table to compare International/European terminology to North

American terminology.
International & Definition North American

European Terminology Equivalent
Group I Area designation for equipment in Class I

gassy mines.
Group II Above ground area containing Class I

hazardous gases & vapors.
Subgroup A, B, or C A grouping of gases/vapors according Group A, B, C or D

to MESG and/or minimum ignition
current (MIC).
Temperature Class The maximum allowable surface Temperature Class

temperature for electrical equipment
in hazardous locations.
Zone 0 An area that always has flammable Division 1

gases/vapors present or that has
flammable gases/vapors present for
long periods of time.
Zone 1 An area that is likely to have Division 1

flammable gases/vapors present
during normal operation.
Zone 2 An area in which an explosive Division 2

mixture of flammable gases/vapors is
not likely to occur or occurs only for
short periods.
Figure 6. IEC/North American Terminology Comparison

2. Use the following table to compare International/European grouping of gases to North

American grouping of gases.
North American Equivalent

International/European
Grouping of Gases Group Ignition Temperature
(°C) (°F)
Subgroup A (IIA)
Acetaldehyde C 175 347
Acetic Acid D 464 867
Acetone D 465 869
Jet Fuel D 230 446
Ammonia D 498 928
Benzene D 498 928
Carbon Monoxide C 607 1128
Diesel Fuel D 210 410
Ethane D 472 882
Ethyl Acetate D 427 800
Methanol D 385 725
n-Butane D 288 550
n-Hexane D 225 437
Propane D 450 842
Subgroup B (IIB)
Diethyl Ether C 472 882
Ethylene C 450 842
Subgroup C (IIC)
Acetylene A 305 581
Carbon Disulfide N/A 90 194
Hydrogen A 520 968
Figure 7. IEC/North American Gas Subgroups

3. Use the following table to compare International/European Temperature classes to

North American Temperature Classes.
International/ North American Maximum Surface

European Temperature (°C)
T1 T1 450
T2 T2 300
T2A 280
T2B 260
T2C 230
T2D 215
T3 T3 200
T3A 180
T3B 165
T3C 160
T4 T4 135
T4A 120
T5 T5 100
T6 T6 85
Figure 8. IEC/North American Temperature Classes

WORK AID 2: REFERENCES USED TO DETERMINE REQUIREMENTS FOR

INSTALLATION OF EUROPEAN EQUIPMENT IN
HAZARDOUS LOCATION APPLICATIONS
The Participant should refer to ISA RP 12.6 Wiring Practices for Hazardous (Classified)
Locations, Instrumentation - Part 1: Intrinsic Safety. Follow the steps outlined in this
reference to determine the cable length requirements.

WORK AID 3: REFERENCES FOR INTERPRETING NAMEPLATE DATA ON

IEC/CENELEC/EUROPEAN EQUIPMENT USED IN HAZARDOUS
LOCATIONS
This Work Aid is designed to assist the Participants in performing Exercise 3.
1. Use the following table to compare IEC designations to North American designations
and allowable areas of usage.
IEC North American Where it

Symbol Equivalent Can Be Used
d flameproof Zone 1, 2, Division 1, 2*
p pressurized Zone 1, 2, Division 1, 2
o oil-immersed Zone 1, 2, Division 1, 2
q sand filled Zone 1, 2, Division 1, 2
e increased safety Zone 1, Division 2
ia intrinsic safety category a Zone 0, 1, 2, Division 1, 2
ib intrinsic safety category b Zone 1, 2, Division 2
n non-incendive Zone 2, Division 2
m encapsulation Zone 1, Division 1
h hermetically sealed Zone 2, Division 2
* With direct wiring connections only.
Figure 9. IEC/North American Protection Types
Use the following table to compare IEC Group designation.
IEC Designations Group Explanation
I Electrical equipment for use in mines that are

susceptible to fire-damp (methane).
II Electrical equipment for use in above ground areas that

contain flammable gases/vapors.
Figure 10. IEC Group Designations

2. Use the following table to compare International/European grouping of gases to North

American grouping of gases.
International/European North American

Grouping of Gases Equivalent
Subgroup A (IIA) Group
Acetaldehyde C
Acetic Acid D
Acetone D
Jet Fuel D
Ammonia D
Benzene D
Carbon Monoxide C
Diesel Fuel D
Ethane D
Ethyl Acetate D
Ethyl Alcohol D
i-Amylacetate D
Methanol D
n-Butane D
n-Butylalcohol D
n-Hexane D
Petrol D
Propane D
Figure 11. IEC/North American Gas Groupings

3. Use the following table to compare IEC Temperature Classes to North American
Temperature Classes.
IEC North American

Temperature Maximum Surface Temperature Maximum Surface
Class Temperature (°C) Class Temperature (°C)
T1 450 T1 450
T2 300 T2 300
T2A 280
T2B 260
T2C 230
T2D 215
T3 200 T3 200
T3A 180
T3B 165
T3C 160
T4 135 T4 135
T4A 120
T5 100 T5 100
T6 85 T6 85
Figure 12. IEC/North American Temperature Classes

WORK AID 4: REFERENCES USED TO IDENTIFY IEC-LISTED EQUIPMENT

ALLOWED FOR USE IN SAUDI ARAMCO HAZARDOUS
LOCATIONS
International/European Electrical Equipment Suitable for Use in Hazardous Locations
of Saudi Aramco Installations
International/European equipment that the NEC requires to be approved for use in hazardous
locations must be labeled, or listed, or certified by any of the following authorities:
UK British Approvals Services for Electrical Certified

Equipment in Flammable Atmospheres (BASEEFA)
France Centre d'Etudes et Recherches de Charbonnages Certified
de France (CHERCHAR)
Belgium Institute National des Industries Extractives Certified
(INIEX)
France Laboratoire Central de Industries Electriques Certified
(LCIE)
Germany Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) Certified
Switzerland Schweizerischer Elektrotechnischer Verein (SEV) Certified
Italy Centro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Italiano Certified
(CESI)
Netherlands Keuring van Electrotechnische Materialen (KEMA) Certified
North American Electrical Equipment Suitable for Use in Hazardous Locations of Saudi
Aramco Installations
North American equipment that the NEC requires to be approved must be labeled, or listed, or
approved, or certified by any of the following authorities:
USA Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) Labeled or Listed

USA Factory Mutual Research Corp. (FM) Approved
Canada Canadian Standards Assn. (CSA) Certified

Limitations on the Use of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Locations of Saudi

Aramco Installations
Conduit sealing fittings must be labeled, listed, approved, or certified by Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. (UL), Factory Mutual Research Corp. (FM), or Canadian Standards
Association (CSA).
Flameproof enclosures EEx d II and increased safety apparatus EEx e II are permitted in Class
I, Division 2 locations.
Flameproof enclosures EEx d II are permitted in Class I, Division 1 locations, provided: (i)
all cables enter the enclosure through rigid steel conduit, with approved sealing fittings, and
(ii) the entire enclosure - not only its components - is flameproof EEx d II (explosionproof).

GLOSSARY
CENELEC European Electrotechnical Standards Committee
encapsulation The intimate surrounding of electrical equipment with material that will,
under the conditions for which the equipment has been designed,
prevent occurrence of an external condition that could ignite the outer
explosive atmosphere either by transmission of flame or by overheating
of any part within the encapsulation.
explosionproof An enclosure that is designed for electrical equipment; that will

withstand, without damage, an explosion of a prescribed flammable gas
or vapor within the enclosure; that will prevent the transmission of
flame or sparks that would ignite the external prescribed flammable gas
or vapor for which the enclosure is designed; and that normally
operates at an external temperature that will not ignite the external
prescribed flammable gas or vapor. An explosionproof enclosure will
not necessarily be weatherproof or dustproof.
FM Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Inc.
group I Area designation for equipment in mines susceptible to fire-damp

(methane).
group II An above-ground area containing hazardous gases and vapors or the

designation of equipment that are acceptable for use in such above
ground areas.
hermetically Equipment that is permanently sealed to prevent entry of liquids, gas,

sealed or vapor.
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
increased safety A method of protection in which measures additional to those adopted

in ordinary industrial practice are applied to give increased security
against the possibility of excessive temperatures and against the
occurrence of arcs or sparks in electrical apparatus which does not
produce arcs or sparks in normal service.
intrinsically safe In reference to a circuit or part of a circuit, when any sparking that is
produced normally by breaking or making the circuit or that is
produced accidentally, e.g., by short circuit or earth fault or by any
temperature rise associated therewith, is incapable of causing ignition of
a prescribed gas or vapor under prescribed test conditions.

MESG Maximum experimental safe gap.
MIC Minimum ignition current.
non-sparking Electrical equipment that is of normal industrial design and that has no
sparking parts during normal operation.
oil-immersed Electrical equipment on which the following parts are immersed in oil
or protected by another recognized method: parts on which arcs may
occur in normal service and live parts on which arcs do not occur in
normal service. For parts that are immersed in oil, immersion is to a
depth that is sufficient to prevent ignition of an explosive gas/air
mixture that may be present above the surface of the oil.
pressurized For electrical machines and equipment, an enclosure in which the entry
of flammable gases or vapors is prevented by maintaining the air (or
other non-flammable gas) within the enclosure at a specified pressure
above the pressure of the external atmosphere.
purged For electrical equipment an enclosure through which a sufficient flow

of fresh air or inert gas is maintained to prevent the entry of any
flammable gas or vapor that may be present in the ambient atmosphere
in which the enclosure is installed. Also, the initial flow of protective
gas through an enclosure to clear out flammable gases or vapors
initially present before applying power to the equipment.
restricted Apparatus that are constructed to prevent the breathing combination of

breathing explosive mixtures of gas or vapor with air inside an enclosure during a
certain time limit. Such construction ensures that no ignition that
would propagate to the external atmosphere will occur inside the
enclosure.
sand-filled For electrical equipment, an enclosure in which all live parts of the
equipment are entirely embedded in a mass of powdery material that
has the consistency of sand in such a way that if, under the condition of
use for which the equipment is designed, an arc occurs within the
enclosure, this arc will not ignite the outer explosive atmosphere either
by the transmission of flame or by the overheating of the walls of the
enclosure.
special protection A designation that permits the certification of types of electrical
apparatus that, by their nature, do not comply with the constructional or
other requirements specified for apparatus with established types of
protection but that nevertheless can be shown to be suitable for use in

prescribed zones within hazardous locations.

subgroup A grouping of gases/vapors according to MESG and/or MIC.
temperature class The maximum allowable surface temperature for electrical equipment
in hazardous locations.
UL Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.
Zone 0 An area in which an explosive gas-air mixture is continuously present

or present for long periods of time.
Zone 1 An area in which explosive gas-air mixture is likely to occur during

normal operation.
Zone 2 An area in which an explosive gas-air mixture is not likely to occur or

in which such a mixture would exist only for a short time.

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Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Chapter : Electrical For additional information on this subject, contact

INTERNATIONAL, EUROPEAN AND NORTH AMERICAN

Major Standards Organizations ..................................................................1

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) ..........................1

European Electrotechnical Standards Committee

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)......................................................2

Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM)...................................3

Similar Terms and Definitions....................................................................3

List of International and European Standards ............................................5

CONVERTING NORTH AMERICAN HAZARDOUS LOCATION

Class Versus Group ....................................................................................7

Division Versus Zone .................................................................................8

Group Versus Subgroup .............................................................................8

Temperature Class ......................................................................................9

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

DETERMINING REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION OF

Intrinsic Safety .........................................................................................10

Selection Of Equipment Relative To Area Classification .............10

Allowable Capacitance And Inductance In The

Increased Safety .......................................................................................11

Philosophy Regarding Completeness Of Enclosures ....................12

Selection Of Equipment Relative To Area Classification .............13

Pressurization (Purging) ...........................................................................13

Philosophical Difference In Approach..........................................14

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

INTERPRETING NAMEPLATE DATA ON

Markings Necessary for Equipment in Hazardous Locations...................15

Manufacturer's Type Identification...............................................16

Type of Protection ........................................................................17

Group Classification .....................................................................17

Subgroup Classification - Group II...............................................18

Temperature Class ........................................................................19

Serial Number ...............................................................................19

Special Conditions ........................................................................20

Markings for a Specific Type of Protection..................................20

General Nameplate Markings .......................................................21

Nameplate Marking and Attachment Requirements.................................21

Data Arrangement on Nameplate .............................................................22

IDENTIFYING IEC LISTED EQUIPMENT ALLOWED FOR USE

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

WORK AID 1: RESOURCES USED TO CONVERT NORTH

WORK AID 2: REFERENCES USED TO DETERMINE

WORK AID 3: REFERENCES FOR INTERPRETING NAMEPLATE

WORK AID 4: REFERENCES USED TO IDENTIFY IEC-LISTED

Limitations on the Use of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

INTERNATIONAL, EUROPEAN AND NORTH AMERICAN TERMINOLOGY FOR

• Major Standards Organization

Major Standards Organizations

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 1

SC/ 31A - Flameproof enclosures

European Electrotechnical Standards Committee (CENELEC)

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 2

Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM)

Similar Terms and Definitions

• Explosionproof - An enclosure that is designed for electrical equipment; that

• Flameproof - An enclosure for electrical apparatus that will withstand an