CompEx

Summary of Key Points

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 1 of 26

GENERAL PRINCIPLES
• The 3 elements required for the combustion of a flammable gas/air mixture
are Oxygen, Ignition Source and Fuel.

• Ignition Temperature is the temperature at which a flammable gas/air

mixture will ignite spontaneously without an external ignition source.

• Flashpoint is the temperature at which a gas/air mixture will ignite in the

presence of an eternal ignition source. Flashpoints are normally associated
with gas vapour in the liquid state.

• In the IEC system, Group I equipment is reserved for the mining industry.
Group II is for surface industries with gas hazards. Group III is for surface
industries with dust hazards.

• Equipment sub-group where Propane is the representative gas is IIA.

Equipment sub-group where Ethylene is the representative gas is IIB.
• Equipment sub-group where Hydrogen is the representative gas is IIC.
• Acetylene is also in IIC.

• Equipment marked II may be used in ALL gases

• Equipment marked IIA can only be used in IIA gases
• Equipment marked IIB can be used in IIB and IIA gases
• Equipment marked IIC can be used in all gases

• In Zone 0, a flammable gas/air mixture is present continuously or for long

periods of frequently

• In Zone 1, a flammable gas/air mixture is likely to occur in normal

operation occasionally.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 2 of 26

 • In Zone 2, a flammable gas/air mixture is unlikely to occur in normal
operation, but if it does occur, is infrequent and will persist for a short
duration only.

• Zone representation (Zone 0, 1, 2) in a hazardous area classification drawing

is as indicated by drawing key symbols.

• The property of a flammable gas that must be considered to determine the

appropriate T-class of the equipment is the ignition temperature of the gas.

• The T-class is based on the maximum temperature of any part of the

equipment which may be in contact with an explosive gas when operated
within its designed rating and maximum ambient.

• There are 6 temperature classes (T-class) for explosion protected equipment,

T1 to T6. For example, T5 means a max surface temperature of 100 deg C.

• The T-class marking on the equipment label indicates that the relevant ignition
surfaces will not exceed the T-class temperature during normal or
specified fault conditions

• Under the Ingress Protection code, the numbers after the letters IP
represent solid particles (first digit) and water (second digit).

Check True or False:

1. Equipment marked Ex e II T6 can be used with all Group II gases/vapours.

(T) (F)

2. The following methods of explosion protection is suitable for use in locations

requiring EPL Gb (Category 2G): Ex d, Ex e, Ex px, Ex py, Ex o, Ex q
(T) (F)
3. Equipment marked Ex d IIC T3 may be used in locations requiring EPL Gb
and Gc (Categories 2G and 3G), in all gases. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 3 of 26

 4. The zones for dust hazards are Zone 20, Zone 21 and Zone 22. (T) (F)

5. The process where an aluminium ladder strikes rusty steelwork called

thermite action can produce incendive sparks. (T) (F)

6. The maximum surface temperature of equipment for T3 class is 200 deg C.

(T) (F)

7. Equipment with sub-division IIC is necessary in an acetylene hazard. (T) (F)

8. Inside of the diesel tank is normally classified as Zone 0 because the air/gas
mixture may be present for long periods. (T) (F)

9. Areas at the base of the tank up to the height of the bund wall around the
tank, is designated Zone 1 because the gas-air mixture is likely to occur in
normal operation. (T) (F)

10. Areas further away around the tank, at the base level, where vapour is only
likely to appear if there is a major spillage is designated Zone 2. (T) (F)

11. Apparatus safe for hydrogen is usable in any gas because hydrogen is the
most easily ignitable gas. (T) (F)

12. The T-class is based on an ambient temperature of 40 °C. The T-class

applied to the apparatus is a temperature rise from ambient. (T) (F)

STANDARDS, CERTIFICATION AND MARKING

• IEC 60079-14 covers the selection and installation of electrical equipment

for use in potentially explosive gas atmospheres.

• IEC 60079-17 covers the inspection and maintenance of electrical

equipment for use in potentially explosive gas atmospheres.

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 • For explosion protected equipment, IEC and European (Euro-Norms)
standards are technically identical.

• Any product meeting the requirements of the EU directive for that product will

carry the CE mark.

• EU directives are concerned with the removal of technical barriers to trade

between European Union member countries.

• Explosion protected equipment meeting the requirements of ATEX Equipment

Directive will carry the symbol of a hexagon-inscribed EX .

• ATEX 95 Directive is concerned with the design of equipment in potentially

hazardous areas.

• For surface industries (non-mining), the gas group is Group II and the
Equipment Categories are Cat 1, 2 and 3.

• ATEX 137 Directive is concerned with workplace safety and health of

personnel at risk from explosive atmospheres.

• IEC Equipment Protection Level EPL a, b, and c correspond with ATEX

Equipment Categories 1, 2 and 3.

IEC Zoning ATEX Category IEC EPL Protection Types

0 Cat 1G Ga Ex ia, Ex ma, Ex s
1 Cat 2G Gb All except Ex n, Ex ic, Ex mc, Ex pz
2 Cat 3G Gc Ex n including all others
Note: Zones 20, 21, 22 are for dust atmospheres and EPL are Da, Db, Dc

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 5 of 26

 • Based on risk assessment, the use of EPL Ga [1G] equipment has been
designated for zone 1. This is due to the higher than normal consequences
of an ignition.

• Based on risk assessment, the use of EPL Gc [3G] equipment has been
designated for zone 1. This is due to the lower than normal consequences
of an ignition.

• Apparatus marked [Ex ia] can only be installed in a non-hazardous area.

• Apparatus marked Ex d [ia] means that the enclosure is flameproof having an

associated IS equipment inside that can be installed in hazardous area.

• If not marked on the certification label, the ambient rating of equipment can be
assumed to be from -20 deg C to +40 deg C.

• If ambient rating of equipment is higher than the normal range (above), the
marking will be, as an example, -40 deg C < Tamb < +50 deg C.
Another way of marking for example is Ta +50 deg C.

• When used as a certification number suffix, the alphabet ‘U’ indicates that the
apparatus has component certification e.g. SIRA 09 ATEX 3176U.
Components are defined as “any item essential to the safe functioning of
equipment and protective systems but with no autonomous function”.
Examples include increased safety certified terminal and flameproof
pushbutton switch.
• When used as a certification number suffix, the alphabet ‘X’ indicates that
special conditions of use apply to the apparatus e.g. IECEx BAS 06.0014X.
It is necessary to refer to the actual certificate to find out the conditions and
check that they have been complied with.

Check True or False:

1. Two letters used by Notified Bodies to define specific aspects relevant to

certification are U and X. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 6 of 26

 2. For explosion protected equipment, BS EN60079-14 is identical to IEC60079-
14. (T) (F)

3. In the EU, the certification authorities are known as Notified bodies. (T) (F)

4. EPL is the international abbreviation equivalent of ATEX Categories. (T) (F)

5. The EPL ‘a’ means very high level of protection. (T) (F)

6. Equipment meeting Gc requirements provides ‘enhanced’ level of protection

and is not a source of ignition in normal operation. (T) (F)

7. Equipment with EPL Db for explosive dust atmospheres provides a high level
of protection against becoming a source of ignition. (T) (F)

8. Ex equipment marked with EPL ‘a’ or EPL ‘b’ or EPL ‘c’ may be used in Zone
0. (T) (F)

9. The purpose of EU directives is to improve trade between EU nations through

alignment of technical and legal requirements. (T) (F)

10. Equipment marked Ex n II T4 may be used in hydrogen location where the

EPL requirement is Gc. (T) (F)

FLAMEPROOF Ex d
• Flameproof is an explosion protection method in which an explosion is
permitted. An internal explosion will not ignite an external gas.

• Flameproof equipment is designed to contain an internal explosion.

• Ex d equipment can be installed in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc

(Categories 2G or 3G).

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 • Ex d flamepath joint types include flanged joint, spigot joint and screwed
joint.

• IEC standard for flameproof Ex d equipment indicates the maximum

permitted joint gaps and minimum joint width. This requirement is there to
cool the hot gases/products of an internal explosion and prevent them being
transmitted to an external flammable gas-air mixture.

• Cable glands entering flameproof enclosures are required to achieve a

minimum of 5 full thread engagement. This is to ensure non-transmission
of an internal explosion to any external surrounding flammable gas-air
mixture.

• Pressure piling in a flameproof enclosure is caused by alteration of the

internal component layout. Ignition in one part of the enclosure causes a
higher explosion pressure in another interconnected part.

• Obstruction of the flamepath openings of the flanged joints of Ex d enclosures

by solid obstructions requires minimum clearances;
• Gas sub-group IIA – 10mm
• Gas sub-group IIB – 30mm
• Gas sub-group IIC – 40mm

• To ensure safe operation, the minimum requirement for tightening the cover
bolts of flameproof enclosure is: All bolts fitted and spanner tight.

• To improve the IP rating, non-hardening grease bearing textile tape may

be applied in the gap of a flameproof flanged joint.

• Non-hardening grease may be used on machined joint surfaces of a

flameproof enclosure for corrosion protection.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 8 of 26

 • Installing metric thread cable glands to old flameproof equipment with imperial
thread forms at cable gland entries may be done by using an Ex d adaptor
with appropriate thread forms.

Check True or False:

1. Flameproof equipment certified for use in sub-division IIB may be used in

locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc (Category 2G or 3G) with IIA or IIB gases.
(T) (F)

2. Components which arc or spark in normal operation are permitted within Ex'd'
enclosures. (T) (F)

3. Non-setting grease can be applied to a flameproof flange gap faces to

improve its ingress protection. (T) (F)

4. It is not acceptable to remove an unused component from within a flameproof

enclosure. (T) (F)

5. Components which arc or spark in normal operation are permitted with Ex ‘d’
enclosures. (T) (F)

6. In flameproof installations, only one reducer may be used with a cable gland.
(T) (F)

7. In flameproof installations, only one reducer may be used with a cable gland.
(T) (F)

8. The standards say that there must be no intentional gap, but if there is a gap,
it must not be larger than 6.3µm listed in the standards. (T) (F)

9. Non-hardening grease-bearing tape shall not be applied to Group IIC

enclosures. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 9 of 26

 10. The flameproof enclosure is not tested for its ability to withstand the effects of
an internal electrical fault. (T) (F)

11. According to IEC standards, maximum gap dimension is determined by the

gas group, internal volume of enclosure, type of joint and width of the joint.
(T) (F)

12. Only threaded entries are allowed for cable glands entering flameproof
enclosures. Clearance holes are not allowed. (T) (F)

13. Drilling and tapping suitable holes in flameproof enclosures modify the
equipment. (T) (F)

INCREASED SAFETY Ex e and TYPE n Ex n

• For Ex ‘e’ certified apparatus, there are two main criteria when specifying the
apparatus:
o Sparking equipment not permitted, and
o Heat development controlled.

• Ex e equipment can be installed in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc

(Category 2G or 3G).

• Seals at the joints of Ex e enclosures are for the purpose of preventing the
ingress of dust and moisture.

• The minimum IP rating of Ex e enclosures containing live parts is IP54. For

enclosures with no bare live parts, IP44 is sufficient.

• Important considerations for the use of Ex e terminals include:

o Specified creepage and clearance distances
o Certified de-rating of terminals
o Unless otherwise specified, only one conductor per terminal
clamp is permitted.

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 • According to IEC 60079-14, cable glands for Exe (and for Ex n) must be
certified as meeting the requirements of IEC 60079-0

• Before 2007, uncertified glands could be used if they meet the specified Ex e
impact and IP requirements.

• Cable glands, stoppers, breathers etc. must maintain the IP rating of the
enclosure (minimum IP54). Threaded holes in enclosure walls or gland
plates that are 6mm thick or greater will meet IP 54. Fit gland is
adequate.

• For a threaded hole where the thickness is less than 6mm, the gland will
require an IP washer and an internal locknut to maintain IP54.

• For clearance hole at an Ex e steel enclosure, to maintain IP54, the

following are required: Fit gland, external IP washer, internal locknut and
serrated washer.

• For clearance hole at an Ex e plastic terminal box with no internal earth

plate, the following are required: Fit gland, earth tag, external IP washer and
internal locknut.

• According to IEC 60079-14, the following restrictions apply to Ex e and Ex n

light fittings:
o Fluorescent lamps or electronic ballasts shall not be used in T5 or T6
luminaires or where the ambient exceeds 60 deg C.
o Lamps using non-conductive materials with a conductive coating
shall not be used unless tested with the equipment.

• For Ex e motors, TE time is defined as the disconnection time limit when

stalled after starting from hot. Under fault conditions, the motor must trip
within the TE time.

• Ex e motors are generally designed for continuous duty only.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 11 of 26

 • Ex n equipment can only be installed in locations requiring EPL Gc
(Category 3G).

• The 4 variations of Ex n equipment are nL (energy limited), nC (protected

sparking), nA (non-sparking) and nR (restricted breathing).

• Ex nC (protected sparking) includes devices protected by: sealing, hermetic-

sealing, enclosed-break, non-incentive methods and encapsulation.

• Ex nL equipment may be installed in an Ex ic intrinsically safe circuit

provided its parameters are appropriate.

• Ex nC (encapsulation) has been replaced by Ex mc.

• Ex nC (enclosed-break) has been replaced by Ex dc.

• Ex nA has been replaced by Ex ec.

• Gland entries on some Ex nR equipment require the use of special sealing

arrangements. If so, restricted breathing washers will be provided by the
equipment manufacturer.

Check True or False:

1. For Ex e equipment installed in 2005, an uncertified plastic gland is not

acceptable. (T) (F)

2. An Ex d motor has an Ex e terminal box installed in 2005. An uncertified gland

meeting Ex e IP and impact requirements would meet the minimum
requirement for the cable gland. (T) (F)

3. Installed in 2009, an Ex d motor has an Ex e terminal box. An Ex d or Ex e

cable gland may be used on a SWA cable. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 12 of 26

 4. An Ex e motor with rating plate specifying ‘TE 6 secs T3’ means that to
maintain T3, the control gear must disconnect the motor within 6 secs if the
motor stalls after reaching its normal operating temperature. (T) (F)

5. In 2008, cable glands installed into Ex n boxes are required to be certified as

meeting the requirements of IEC 60079-0. (T) (F)

6. Ex e IIB T4 may be installed in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc (Category

2G or 3G), IIA or IIB gases. (T) (F)

7. There is not a lot of a difference between Ex nL and Ex ic. (T) (F)

8. Ex nR II T4 is suitable for use in a location requiring EPL Gc (Category 3G)

where the hazardous gas is hydrogen. (T) (F)

9. The type of explosion protection method in a motor marked Ex nA II T3 is

called Non-sparking. (T) (F)

10. Ex ‘e’ equipment is mechanically strong to withstand damage from impact.

(T) (F)

11. Ex ‘e’ terminals are de‐rated from their standard industrial rating. (T) (F)

12. Power supply modules for intrinsically safe type ia may be installed inside an
Ex n enclosure in a location requiring EPL Gc (Category 3G). (T) (F)

PRESSURISATION Ex p
• Pressurisation is defined as a technique of guarding against the INGRESSs
of the external atmosphere into an enclosure by maintaining a protective
gas therein at a pressure ABOVE that of the external atmosphere.

• Ex p is designed to prevent flammable gas entering into equipment.

• The pressurised air is drawn from a defined non-hazardous area.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 13 of 26

 • Ex p may be installed in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc (Categories 2G or
3G).

• There are 3 types of pressurisation including Ex px, Ex py and Ex pz.

• Ex px is the type of protection permitted in locations requiring EPL Gb

(Category 2G) where the enclosure contains ignition-capable equipment.

• Ex py is the type of protection permitted in locations requiring EPL Gb

(Category 2G) where the enclosure does not contain ignition-capable
equipment.

• Ex pz (including px) is the type of protection permitted in locations requiring

EPL Gc (Category 3G) where the enclosure contains ignition-capable
equipment.

• No pressurisation is required in locations requiring EPL Gc (Category 3G)

where the enclosure does not contain ignition-capable equipment.

• According to IEC 60079-14, if pressurisation fails in an enclosure with

ignition-capable equipment, not containing any internal gas releases, in a
location requiring EPL Gb (Category 2G), alarm shall operate and supply
switched off.

• If pressurisation fails in an enclosure without ignition-capable equipment,

not containing any internal gas releases, in a location requiring EPL Gb
(Category 2G), alarm shall operate and immediate action shall be taken
to restore the integrity of the system.

• If pressurisation fails in an enclosure with ignition-capable equipment, not

containing any internal gas releases, in a location requiring EPL Gc
(Category 3G), alarm shall operate and immediate action shall be taken
to restore the integrity of the system.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 14 of 26

 • If pressurisation fails in an enclosure without ignition-capable equipment,
not containing any internal gas releases, in a location requiring EPL Gc
(Category 3G), no action needed.

Check True or False:

1. The type of pressurisation to be used depends on i) required EPL for the

equipment in the location ii) any internal source of release and iii) whether
equipment inside the enclosure is ignition-capable. (T) (F)

2. For gas analyzers, there is a containment system within the enclosure which
could be an internal source of gas release. (T) (F)

3. According to IEC standards, the minimum over-pressure is 50 Pa for type Ex

px and Ex py and 25 Pa for type pz. (T) (F)

4. According to IEC standards, pressurised enclosures including ducts and pipes

must be good condition. (T) (F)

5. An inert gas, such as nitrogen, may be used to maintain overpressure.

(T) (F)

6. When an inert gas is employed as the safe gas, warning notices must be fitted
on inspection covers/doors etc. (T) (F)

7. The exhaust duct of pressurised enclosures may be located in a hazardous

area if a spark/particle arrestor is fitted. (T) (F)

8. The pressure switch normally mounted on the Ex p enclosure will need to be

Ex protected. (T) (F)

9. Associated apparatus used in the pressurisation monitoring system and

marked [Ex p] will need to be installed in a safe area. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 15 of 26

 10. If the control system is for use in the hazardous area, the marking is Ex [p]
(T) (F)

11. The standards specify that the minimum volume of the safe gas required to
achieve adequate purging is equivalent to 5 times the internal volume of the
enclosure and associated ducting. (T) (F)

12. For type px or type py pressurisation, the T-class shall be based on the higher
of the hottest external surface of the enclosure or the hottest internal
component surface. (T) (F).

INTRINSIC SAFETY Ex i

• Intrinsic Safety (IS) is a low energy signalling technique that prevents

explosion by ensuring that the energy transferred to a hazardous area is well
below the energy required to initiate ignition.

• IS circuit is controlled to reduce potential spark energy to below that would

ignite any flammable gas present.

• Compared with other protection methods, IS systems have a higher level of

documentation because Intrinsic Safety is a system concept.

• Ex ia has the highest level of safety and integrity.

• Ex ia equipment is suitable for use in locations requiring EPL Ga (Category

1G) including EPL Gb or Gc (Categories 2G or 3G).

• Ex ib equipment is suitable for use in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc

(Category 2G or 3G)

• Ex ic equipment is suitable for use only in locations requiring EPL Gc

(Category 3G).

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 16 of 26

 • Ex nL equipment may be used in an intrinsically safe Ex ic circuit.

• IS circuit with both Ex ia and Ex ib equipment installed in the same circuit is

considered as an Ex ib loop.

• Associated apparatus [Ex ia] IIC may only be installed in a non-hazardous

area.

• For associated apparatus suitable for installation in a hazardous area, and

where the energy limitation is provided inside Ex d equipment in the
hazardous area, the marking will be Ex d [ia] IIC T5.

• Simple apparatus is not required to be certified. Marking is not required.

Simple apparatus includes passive devices, sources of stored energy and
generated energy components provided they generate not more than 1.5V,
100mA and 25mW.

• Light emitting diode (L.E.D) is a simple apparatus.

• The function of the interface (associated apparatus) is to limit the energy into
the hazardous area and is called IS Safety Barrier. Zener Barrier and
Galvanic Isolator are two types of IS barriers.

• Only equipment specified in the system documentation may be

connected to the output of the Zener Barrier.

• The maximum permitted r.m.s supply voltage (Um) at the non-IS terminals of
an IS installation is as specified in the documentation.

• Zener Barriers require dedicated high-integrity earthing to maintain the

security of IS circuits.

• The maximum resistance of the cables connecting a Zener barrier earth bar
and the main earth should not exceed 1 ohm.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 17 of 26

 • The minimum cross-sectional area of IS earth conductor is:
o At least one 4mm2 copper conductor, or
o At least two separate 1.5mm2 copper conductors.

• In Zener barrier, the earth cable must be insulated and the insulation
undamaged along its entire length. IS earth must never be connected to
plant or enclosure earth.

• The IS circuit in the hazardous area must be able to withstand a 500Vac or

750Vdc insulation resistance test to earth. Minimum IR is 1 M-ohm.

• The major advantage of galvanic isolator barrier is that a dedicated

intrinsically safe earth is NOT required.

• When choosing cables for an IS circuit, the cable inductance and

capacitance are relevant.

• Enclosures containing IS circuits should be labelled that all circuits are

intrinsically safe.

• Light blue colour is recommended for the identification of IS cables.

• Separation of the individual strands of cables must be prevented by the use

of core-end ferrules or cable lugs.

• IS and non-IS terminals/wires in the same enclosure should be separated by

a minimum clearance distance of 50mm.

• IS CABLES can be run with non-IS CABLES provided the IS CABLE or the
non-IS CABLE is armoured, metal-sheathed or screened.

• The minimum clearance between bare conducting parts of conductors

connected to a terminal and earthed metal on IS equipment is 3mm.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 18 of 26

 • The minimum clearance between adjacent terminals of different IS circuits
is 6mm.

• Where multi-core cables have one or more unused cores, the unused cores
should be adequately insulated from earth.

• The screen of a cable in an IS circuit must be connected to points as

shown in the hook-up or loop diagram.

• The screens on IS cables should be insulated throughout their cable and be

earthed at one point only to avoid the possibility of stray currents having
incendive capability.

• On hand-over of a newly installed IS system, NO faults are permissible.

• When using test instruments in IS circuits, the test instrument should be

approved for use in an IS circuit.

• Live work (under PTW) on IS installations in the hazardous area which has
not been declared gas-free, is permitted.

• A Zener barrier may be tested to check if the fuse has blown by measuring
between the IS and non-IS terminals after the barrier has been
disconnected from the IS circuit.

Check True or False:

1. Um 250V marked on the label of an item of intrinsically safe apparatus

indicates that the barrier has been designed for a 250V ac supply. (T) (F)

2. In IS circuits, low voltage screened cables will have an outer sheath capable
of withstanding a minimum test voltage of 500Vac or 750Vdc. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 19 of 26

 3. When terminating non-IS multi-core cables, the unused cores should be
terminated in unearthed terminals. (T) (F)

4. The unused cable cores in a multi-core cable carrying IS circuits should be

connected to separate terminals at field end and to IS earth at the barrier end.
(T) (F)

5. If only multi-pair cable were available to connect to a sensor requiring 3

conductors, 2 cores should be used from 1 pair and the 3rd core from another
pair. The remaining core should be treated as an unused core. (T) (F).

6. An I S system has an Ex ia IIC field device and an associated barrier marked

[Ex ib] IIC. The overall system is Ex ib IIC. (T) (F)

7. Ex 'ia' equipment permits two countable faults to occur, yet the circuit will still
remain safe. (T) (F)

8. The IS circuit must consider all the electrical devices and connecting cables
which are part of the instrument loop in the hazardous area, and the part or
parts directly connected to these devices, even though they may be located
and operated in the safe area. (T) (F)

9. In the Zener barrier, the fuse and the resistor are infallible components.
(T) (F)

10. The highest current that can be sourced from the circuit into the hazardous
area is limited by the resistor. (T) (F)

11. The Zener diode is connected reverse-bias and limits the voltage going into
the hazardous area. (T) (F)

12. The safety fuse, generally ceramic powder-filled, blows when short-circuit
occurs in the Zener diode. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 20 of 26

WIRING SYSTEMS & INSTALLATIONS

• According to IEC 60079-14 standard, technicians/operatives are required to

be familiar with the particular techniques to be used for the selection
and erection of equipment.

• IEC 60079-14 specifies the assessment requirements of technicians or

operatives. They are required to provide evidence of having the necessary
skills for the scope of work, competence across range of activities and
of relevant knowledge and understanding underpinning competency.

• The installation of equipment in hazardous locations essentially requires an

understanding of the Protection types.

• IEC 60079-14 specifies the cable requirements for fixed equipment in Zone 1
& 2. Fixed cables, sheathed in thermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomeric
material, for non-IS circuits installed in hazardous areas, must be circular,
compact, with extruded bedding and non-hygroscopic fillers (if any).

• E1FW is a flameproof gland for single wire armoured (SWA) cable while
E1FX is a flameproof gland for braided wire armour.

• Copper conductors may be used for all sizes of cables, but aluminium
conductors of cables (except IS cables) in hazardous areas must have a
cross-sectional area not less than 16mm2.

• It is normally a condition of safe use (‘X’ suffix on certificate) for glands for
used on braided armoured cable that the gland shall only be used for fixed
equipment and the cable must be effectively clamped (preferably within
300mm from gland) to prevent pulling and twisting.

• The limitation for installation materials, such as cable trays, in an area

requiring EPL Ga rated equipment is that the total content of aluminium,
magnesium, titanium and zirconium does not exceed 10%.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 21 of 26

 • The limitation for installation materials, such as cable trays, in an area
requiring EPL Gb rated equipment is that the total content of magnesium,
titanium and zirconium does not exceed 7.5%.

• There is no limitations for installation materials, such as cable trays, in

locations requiring EPL Gc rated equipment.

• According to IEC 60079-14 standard, the limit for the insulation resistance
of plastic cable tray in order to avoid static electricity is not exceeding 1 G-
ohm.

• According to IEC 60079-14 standard, reduction of static electricity on new

plastic covered cable trays may be achieved by limiting the surface area of
the tray.

• In association with a PTW, a gas-free certificate is required for work

involving testing or fault finding using electrical test instruments and/or tools in
a hazardous area.

• The minimum isolation requirements prior to working on the interior of a

single-phase electrical equipment located in a hazardous area is this, to
operate the double-pole (phase and neutral) isolator and padlock it in the OFF
position.

Check True or False:

1. An uncertified plastic gland was not permitted for terminating SWA cable into
an Ex e terminal box before the year 2007. (T) (F).

2. Before work is carried out in a hazardous location, it is necessary to

understand the basic requirements for working in the zones of the hazardous
areas. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 22 of 26

 3. An Ex de flameproof machine is cabled with SWA cable. Ex d/Ex e E1FW
gland type should be used for the cabling to the indirect entry Ex e terminal
box. (T) (F)

4. Equipment marked Ex o and Ex q may be installed in locations requiring EPL

Gb or Gc (Category 2G or 3G). (T) (F)

5. Glands used on an Ex de flameproof machine, installed in 2009, fitted with an

Ex e terminal box would be Ex d or Ex e type. (T) (F)

6. Glands suitable for use on a flameproof enclosure that contains apparatus

with IS output would be a flameproof gland suitable for both cable and
enclosure. (T) (F)

7. The minimum gland requirement for an Ex de flameproof machine, installed in

2005, fitted with an Ex e terminal box would be an uncertified gland meeting
the impact and IP requirements for Ex e. (T) (F)

8. Using circular, compact cables with extruded bedding and SWA, the minimum
gland requirement permitted on a direct entry Ex d IIC enclosure with a
volume of 1 litre, in a group IIB location requiring EPL Gb (Category 2G)
would be a certified E1FW Ex d IIC gad. (T) (F)

9. In type IT system where the earth and neutral conductors are not connected,
the use of insulation monitoring devices to detect earth fault as a warning to
failure is recommended. (T) (F)

10. If intrinsically safe or all non-intrinsically safe cables are armoured, metal
sheathed or screened, then marking of intrinsically safe cables is not required.
(T) (F)

11. IS barrier and cabling may be installed in a hazardous location requiring EPL
Gc (Category 3) if they are installed inside Type n enclosure. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 23 of 26

INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

• New equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres should be

inspected and maintained in accordance with IEC60079-17 standard.

• According to IEC 60079-17 standard, technicians/operatives are required to

be familiar with the particular techniques to be employed in the
inspection and maintenance of equipment referred in this standard.

• For each type of Ex equipment, three grades of inspection are specified.

These are visual, close and detailed inspections.

• Visual inspection is an inspection which identifies, without the use of tools or

access equipment, those defects apparent to the eye.

• Close inspection is an inspection, including aspects covered by visual

inspection, which identifies defects only apparent using access equipment
and tools.

• Detailed inspection is an inspection, including aspects covered by close

inspection, which identifies those defects which will only be apparent by
opening the enclosure using, where necessary, tools and test
equipment. Power must be isolated under PTW for non-IS apparatus.

• Three types of inspection are specified in IEC60079-14. These are initial,

periodic and sample inspections.

• The type of inspection required on the equipment in an installation when

handed over from the installer is initial inspection.

• The grade of inspection required prior to an installation brought into service is

detailed inspection.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 24 of 26

 • The maximum interval between the periodic inspection of portable and
transportable equipment is 1 year.

• For fixed equipment, the recommended interval between periodic

inspections is not exceeding 3 years.

• Fault-finding or testing in a hazardous location is permitted when a gas-free

certificate has been obtained.

• Minimum isolation requirement before opening electrical equipment in a

hazardous location is lock an on-load double-pole (phase and neutral)
isolator in the off position, and tagged with appropriate caution notice.

Check True or False:

1. In the inspection of Ex d, e or n equipment, checking that motor fans have

sufficient clearance to enclosure and/or covers would be a detailed inspection.
(T) (F)

2. In the inspection of intrinsically safe apparatus, a close inspection would

include checking that the installation is clearly labelled. (T) (F)

3. In a visual inspection of an Ex e equipment, a requirement would include

checking that there have been no visible unauthorised modifications. (T) (F)

4. In a visual inspection on Ex d, e or n equipment, a requirement would include

checking that apparatus circuit identification is available. (T) (F)

5. In the inspection of Ex d equipment, checking that apparatus circuit

identification is correct would be a detailed inspection. (T) (F)

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 25 of 26

 6. Dismantling an Ex d cable gland to inspect would be a detailed inspection.
(T) (F)

7. The tightness of electrical connections should be checked at a detailed

inspection. (T) (F)

Answer for all the “True” or “False” questions is “True”.

CP5001 2017 V 1.1 Page 26 of 26

Taken from table 1 from IEC 60079-17: 2013 - Types of protection Ex d, e, n
X = check required against VISUAL grade of inspection.
d e n

A GENERAL (ALL EQUIPMENT)

1 Equipment is appropriate to the EPL/Zone requirements of the location X X X
Degree of protection (IP grade) of equipment is appropriate for the level of protection/ group/
5 X
conductivity X X
7 Equipment circuit identification is available X X X
8 Enclosure, glass parts and glass-to-metal sealing gaskets and/or compounds are satisfactory X X X
10 There is no evidence of unauthorized modifications X X X
Bolts, cable entry devices (direct and indirect) and blanking elements are of the correct type and
11 are complete and tight X X X
– visual check
Threaded covers on enclosures are of the correct type, are tight and secured
12 X
– visual check
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC (LIGHTING)
26 Fluorescent lamps are not indicating EOL effects X X
B INSTALLATION - GENERAL
2 There is no obvious damage to cables X X X
3 Sealing of trunking, ducts, pipes and/or conduits is satisfactory X X X
Earthing connections, including any supplementary earthing bonding connections are satisfactory X X
6 (for example connections are tight and conductors are of sufficient cross-section. X
- Visual check
12 Obstructions adjacent to flameproof flanged joints are in accordance with IEC 60079-14 X
C ENVIRONMENT
Equipment is adequately protected against corrosion, weather, vibration and other adverse X X
1 X
factors
2 No undue accumulation of dust and dirt X X X

Page 1 of 1
Taken from table 1 from IEC 60079-17: 2013 - Types of protection Ex d, e, n
X = check required against CLOSE grade of inspection.
d e n
A GENERAL (ALL EQUIPMENT)
1 Equipment is appropriate to the EPL/Zone requirements of the location X X X
2 Equipment group is correct X X X
3 Equipment temperature class is correct (only for gas) X X X
Degree of protection (IP grade) of equipment is appropriate for the level of protection/ group/ X X
5 X
conductivity
7 Equipment circuit identification is available X X X
8 Enclosure, glass parts and glass-to-metal sealing gaskets and/or compounds are satisfactory X
10 There is no evidence of unauthorized modifications X X X
Bolts, cable entry devices (direct and indirect) and blanking elements are of the correct type and X X
11 are complete and tight X
– physical check
Threaded covers on enclosures are of the correct type, are tight and secured
12 X
– physical check
25 Breathing and draining devices are satisfactory X X X
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC (LIGHTING)
26 Fluorescent lamps are not indicating EOL effects X X
B INSTALLATION - GENERAL
2 There is no obvious damage to cables X X X
3 Sealing of trunking, ducts, pipes and/or conduits is satisfactory X X X
Earthing connections, including any supplementary earthing bonding connections are satisfactory X X
6 (for example connections are tight and conductors are of sufficient cross-section X
- Visual check
12 Obstructions adjacent to flameproof flanged joints are in accordance with IEC 60079-14. X
C ENVIRONMENT
Equipment is adequately protected against corrosion, weather, vibration and other adverse X X
1 X
factors
2 No undue accumulation of dust and dirt X X X

Page 1 of 1
Taken from table 1 from IEC 60079-17: 2013 - Types of protection Ex d, e, n
X = check required against DETAILED grade of inspection.
d e n
A GENERAL (ALL EQUIPMENT)
1 Equipment is appropriate to the EPL/Zone requirements of the location X X X
2 Equipment group is correct X X X
3 Equipment temperature class is correct (only for gas) X X X
Degree of protection (IP grade) of equipment is appropriate for the level of protection/ group/ X X
5 X
conductivity
6 Equipment circuit identification is correct X X X
7 Equipment circuit identification is available X X X
8 Enclosure, glass parts and glass-to-metal sealing gaskets and/or compounds are satisfactory X X X
9 There is no damage or unauthorized modifications X X X
Bolts, cable entry devices (direct and indirect) and blanking elements are of the correct type and X X
11 are complete and tight X
– physical check
Threaded covers on enclosures are of the correct type, are tight and secured
12 X
– physical check
Joint surfaces are clean and undamaged and gaskets, if any, are satisfactory and positioned
13 X
correctly
14 Condition of enclosure gaskets is satisfactory X X X
15 There is no evidence of ingress of water or dust in the enclosure in accordance with the IP rating X X X
17 Electrical connections are tight X X
18 Unused terminals are tightened X X
19 Enclosed-break and hermetically sealed devices are undamaged X
20 Encapsulated components are undamaged X X
21 Flameproof components are undamaged X X
22 Restricted breathing enclosure is satisfactory – ( type “nR” only) X
23 Test port, if fitted, is functional– ( type “nR” only) X
24 Breathing operation is satisfactory– ( type “nR” only) X
25 Breathing and draining devices are satisfactory X X X
EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC (LIGHTING)
26 Fluorescent lamps are not indicating EOL effects X X
27 HID lamps are not indicating EOL effects X X X
28 Lamp type, rating, pin configuration and position are correct X X X
B INSTALLATION - GENERAL
1 Type of cable is appropriate X X X
2 There is no obvious damage to cables X X X
3 Sealing of trunking, ducts, pipes and/or conduits is satisfactory X X X
4 Stopping boxes and cable boxes are correctly filled X
Earthing connections, including any supplementary earthing bonding connections are satisfactory X X
6 (for example connections are tight and conductors are of sufficient cross-section) X
– physical check
10 Specific conditions of use (if applicable) are complied with X X X
11 Cables not in use are correctly terminated X X X
12 Obstructions adjacent to flameproof flanged joints are in accordance with IEC 60079-14 X
C ENVIRONMENT
Equipment is adequately protected against corrosion, weather, vibration and other adverse X X
1 X
factors
2 No undue accumulation of dust and dirt X X X
3 Electrical insulation is clean and dry X X

Page 1 of 1
Taken from table 2 from IEC 60079-17: 2013 - Type of protection Ex”i”
X = check required against specific grade of inspection. Grade of
inspection
D = DETAILED, C =CLOSE, V = VISUAL D C V
A EQUIPMENT
1 Circuit and/or equipment documentation is appropriate to the EPL/Zone X X X
2 Equipment installed is that specified in the documentation X X
3 Circuit and/or equipment category and group correct X X
4 IP rating of equipment is appropriate to the Group III material present X X
5 Equipment temperature class is correct X X
6 Ambient temperature range of the apparatus is correct for the installation X X
7 Service temperature range of the apparatus is correct for the installation X X
8 Installation is clearly labelled X X
9 Enclosure, glass parts and glass-to-metal sealing gaskets and/or compounds are satisfactory X
10 Cable glands and blanking elements are the correct type, complete and tight
– physical check X X
– visual check X
11 There are no unauthorized modifications X
12 There is no evidence of unauthorized modifications X X
Diode safety barriers, galvanic isolators, relays and other energy limiting devices are of the
13 approved type, installed in accordance with the certification requirements and securely earthed X X X
where required
14 Condition of enclosure gaskets is satisfactory X
15 Electrical connections are tight X
16 Printed circuit boards are clean and undamaged X
17 The maximum voltage Um of the associated apparatus is not exceeded X X
B INSTALLATION
1 Cables are installed in accordance with the documentation X
2 Cable screens are earthed in accordance with the documentation X
3 There is no obvious damage to cables X X X
4 Sealing of trunking, ducts, pipes and/or conduits is satisfactory X X X
5 Point-to-point connections are all correct (initial inspection only) X
Earth continuity is satisfactory (e.g. connections are tight, conductors are of sufficient cross-
6 X
section) for non-galvanically isolated circuits
7 Earth connections maintain the integrity of the type of protection X
8 Intrinsically safe circuit earthing is satisfactory X
9 Insulation resistance is satisfactory X
Separation is maintained between intrinsically safe and non-intrinsically safe circuits in common
10 X
distribution boxes or relay cubicles
11 Short-circuit protection of the power supply is in accordance with the documentation X
12 Specific conditions of use (if applicable) are complied with X
13 Cables not in use are correctly terminated X
C ENVIRONMENT
1 Equipment is adequately protected against corrosion, weather, vibration and other adverse factors X X X
2 No undue external accumulation of dust and dirt X X X

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