ATEX & Intrinsic Safety Information - Explosive Atmospheres

(helpful information only, detailed reference should be taken from an appropriate agency)

Protection Concepts
ZONE HAZARD PROTECTION
CONCEPTS
0 In which an explosive gas/ Exia or Exs
air mixture is continuously
present for long periods
1 In which an explosive gas/ Exd. Exe, Exib, Exp, Exia,
air mixture is likely to Exs
occur in normal operation.
2 In which an explosive gas/ All concepts suitable for
air mixture is not likely to Zone 0 & 1, ExN, ExO and
occur in normal operation. Exq

Standards For Methods Of Protection

METHOD OF PERMITTED CODE LETTER
PROTECTION ZONE IEC, EX.., CENELEC,
OF USE IN UK EEX
General requirement - -
Oil immersion 2 o
Pressurisation 1 or 2 p
Powder filling 2 q
Flameproof 1 or 2 d
Increased safety 1 or 2 e
Intrinsic safety * 0, 1 or 2 ia or ib
Non-incendive 2 n#
Encapsulation 1 or 2 m
Special 1 or 2 s
* ia: Zone 0,1,2. ib: Zone 1,2. not Zone 0. # n: used locally in UK.

Gas Grouping Temperature Classification

GAS # GROUP REPRESENTATIVE T Class / Max. surface
CENELEC GAS IEC 79-7 temp ° C
EN 50 014, IEC
I * (mining) Methane T1 450 ° C
IIA Propane T2 300 ° C
IIB Ethylene T3 200 ° C
IIC Hydrogen T4 135 ° C
T5 100 ° C
T6 85 ° C

Certification Code
(CENELEC marking information - example [EEx ia] IIC T4)
[ E Ex ia ] IIC T4
Associated Certified Explosion Protection Associated Apparatus Temperature
apparatus* to the protected concept (IS) apparatus* group classification
CENELEC (gas group) (not Gp I)
standard
* (located in safe area and may be connected to hazardous area)
Device Group & Category
DEVICE GROUP DEVICE
CATEGORY
ZONE
I M = mining –

Mining M1 –
Pit gas &/or flammable dusts M2 –
II G = gas

Other areas 1G 0, 1, 2
Explosive atmosphere 2G 1, 2
3G 2
D is added after G in the certification D = dust
class number
(i.e. GD) if device is dust category 1D 20, 21, 22
approved also
2D 21, 22
3D 22
Explanation of the categories:

1 - Very high safety = device safety must be guaranteed even in case of rare device
failures, e.g. simultaneous failure of two components.

2 - High safety = device safety must be guaranteed if frequent failures can be

expected, e.g. failure of one component.

3 – Safe in normal operation = device safety must be guaranteed in normal operation.

Note: A number in brackets before device category designation signifies that the
device meets the requirements of an additional category to the main one that is
specified.

Example: II (1) 2G signifies that the device meets requirements for both
1 G and 2 G categories

Characteristics of Substances

Flashpoint

This is the lowest temperature at which a liquid generates sufficient

vapour to support ignition. This vapour can be ignited in many ways
including temperature or energy (i.e. a spark)

Ignition Temperature

This is the lowest temperature at which the vapour will be ignited.

This defines the temperature class.

Classification of maximum surface temperatures of electrical apparatus (CENELEC)

 Temp. Class Max. Surface Temp.
T1 <450ºC
T2 <300ºC
T3 <200ºC
T4 <135ºC
T5 <100ºC
T6 <85ºC

Apparatus Group (energy ignition)

All surface industry gases/vapours are classed as Group II gases.
Group II is divided into 3 sub groups:

IIA – High energy is required to ignite. Less intense explosion. (Propane)

IIB – Less energy is required to ignite. More intense explosion. (Ethylene)

IIC – Little energy is required to ignite. Most intense explosion. (Hydrogen)

Characteristics of some common flammable materials

Gas/Vapour Flashpoint Gas Group Ignition Temp. Temp. Class

Acetone 19ºC IIA 535ºC T1
Butane -60ºC IIA 365ºC T2
Heptane -4C IIA 215ºC T3
Ethyl Methyl
37ºC IIB 190ºC T4
Ether

Note: There is no connection between ignition energy and ignition temperature