GE Oil & Gas

Hazardous Areas Application Guide

Bently Nevada* Asset Condition Monitoring
Table of Contents
1. What is Hazardous Area?..............................................................................................................................................................................2

1.1 Division and Zone Designations.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2

1.2 Group Designation............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3

1.3 Class Designation.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3

2. The Instrumentation System........................................................................................................................................................................4

3. Methods of Preventing Ignition....................................................................................................................................................................4

3.1 Use of Nonincendive Equipment................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

3.2 Use of Intrinsically Safe Equipment........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.3 Gas Purging/Hermetic Sealing..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.4 Explosion Proof Housing................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

4. Instrument System Certification.................................................................................................................................................................5

4.1 Barrier Isolator.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

4.2 Zener Barrier vs. Galvanic Isolator............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

5. Length Consideration....................................................................................................................................................................................6

6. Relay Consideration.......................................................................................................................................................................................6

7. Product Detail and Layout.............................................................................................................................................................................7

8. Installation Diagrams for BN Monitoring Systems....................................................................................................................................7

8.1 Installation Showing Approved Transducer in Division 2 Area..................................................................................................................................................... 7

8.2 Installation Showing Nonincendive Approved Equipment in Division 2 Area........................................................................................................................ 7

8.3 Installation Showing External MTL-Type Barrier Along with Monitoring System in Safe Area....................................................................................... 7

8.4 E xample Installation Showing Air Purged and Approved Ex-proof Housings........................................................................................................................ 7

8.5 Installation Showing Monitoring System with Internal Safety Barriers in Division 2 Area.............................................................................................. 7

9. Area Designation Charts by Geographical Area.........................................................................................................................................8

9.1 North America..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

9.2 Europe..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

9.3 International......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

All drawings and diagrams contained herein were produced by GE and cannot be
reproduced or copied without GE’s express consent. application note
 application note
1 What is Hazardous Area? Terminology Used in Classification
An area classified as “hazardous” is an area in which the Gas
Groups
atmosphere contains, or may contain, flammable or explosive Groups
Class Division A, B, C, Zone
gases, dusts, or fibers. In this type of area, fire or explosion could IIA, IIB,
D, E, F, G
IIC
occur when all three basic conditions are fulfilled:
U.S. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔• ✔•
• Flammable gas, vapor, dust or fibers must be present.
Canada ✔ †
✔ †
✔ †
✔• ✔•
• The combustible material must be mixed with air in the
proportions required to produce a flammable mixture. EU ✔• ✔•

• A source of ignition must act to ignite the mixture. The source under International ✔• ✔•
consideration is any portion of the instrumentation system that ✔ • Preferred
could release sufficient energy to cause ignition. The incendiary ✔ Acceptable
energy may be released by a spark or hot surface. ✔ † Only acceptable for existing installations
Table 1 International Designations

Some examples of industry where hazardous areas would

be located: 1.1 Division and zone designations
• Oil and gas refineries The Division designation is of primary importance to the installation
of electrical equipment because it defines the probability of
• Chemical plants
hazardous material being present in ignitable concentrations. Two
• Coal mining operations division categories exist in the United States and are defined as
• Grain elevators follows:

In the U.S., the National Electrical Code, Article 500, defines a
hazardous area by applying a three-part classification. These parts
are:
• Class: the general type of hazardous material
• G
 roup: specific types of hazardous materials categorized by ease
of ignition and energy released by ignition (gas and dust)
• Division: the probability of the hazard existing
Although area classifications are usually described in order of Class,
Group, and Division, the reverse order will occasionally be used
in this discussion because the needed protective measures are
determined in relation to Division first, then Group and Class.
Table 1 shows the different area classifications for both the U.S.
(Class/Division) and most parts of the world (Zones).
The Class and Division terminology is accepted in the U.S. and
is accepted only in Canada for existing installations, but it is not
accepted in rest of the world. The Zone and Gas groups terminology
is accepted and preferred throughout the world.
Division 1
A location in which the probability of the atmosphere being
hazardous is high by underwriting standards, where:
a) h
 azardous concentrations exist continuously, intermittently, or
periodically under normal operating conditions; or
b) h
 azardous concentrations exist frequently because of
maintenance operation or leakage of equipment;
c) b
 reakdown of equipment or process failure might simultaneously
release hazardous concentrations of flammable gas, vapors, or
dust and cause failure of electrical equipment.
A conductive dust atmosphere requires a Division 1 designation
because a dual hazard exists:
1. A flammable mixture; and
2. An accumulation of conductive dust on electrical equipment
which may cause an electrical arc to ignite the dust.
Zone 0 and Zone 1
An additional classification is Zone 0.
Zone 0: an area such as the vapor space above a volatile, flammable
liquid in storage tank vented to the atmosphere and not blanketed
with inert gas.
Zone1: Flammable material present intermittently
Zone 0 and Zone 1 areas are considered to be the same as Division 1.

2

Division 2 and Zone 2
A location that is normally nonhazardous except in abnormal
situations as in the result of an accident, the process equipment or
container fails.
Division 2 locations are:
a) locations where flammable liquids or gases are handled,
processed, or used but are normally confined in closed containers
or closed systems;
b) A
 reas which are normally rendered nonhazardous by forced
ventilation, but become hazardous if the ventilation equipment
fails;
c) a
 reas adjacent to Division 1 areas where hazardous
concentrations of vapors or gases could be communicated to
and ignited by electrical equipment, unless prevented by positive
ventilation;
Zone 2: Flammable material present abnormally.
application note
Group G: Atmosphere containing flour, starch, or gain dust.
Generally, the hazard presented by materials within a group
decreases with each succeeding Group designation. However,
Group B is commonly considered more hazardous than Group A.
Group A materials (containing acetylene) have a wider range of
ignitable mixtures, but Group B materials, once ignited, have a
higher heat of combustion than acetylene.
1.3 Class designation
The general type of combustible material that exists in a particular
area is denoted by specifying the location as being Class I, II, III.
The Class is always designated by a Roman numeral. Classes of
hazardous material locations are as follows:
Class I: Locations in which flammable gases or vapors are or may
be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or
ignitable mixtures.

For Europe: Zone 2 is considered the same as Division 2. Class II: Locations that are hazardous because of the presence of
combustible dust.
Class III: Locations that are hazardous because of the presence of
1.2 Group designation easily ignitable fibers or flyings but in which such fibers or flyings
Groups were created by testing various materials to determine how are not likely to be in suspension in the air in quantities sufficient to
easily they ignite and how much explosive energy is created once product ignitable mixtures.
ignited. Factors include:
Low Risk Moderate Risk High Risk
1. The air-vapor mixture range over which ignition will occur.
Present
2. The amount of energy required to ignite the flammable under failure Present under normal operation
mixture. conditions
3. The ignition temperature of the flammable mixture. 10<hazard<1000
<10 hrs/yr >1000 hrs/yr
hrs/yr
4. The pressure produced once the mixture ignites.
Gas Class I, Div 2 Class I, Div 1 Class I, Div 1
5. The temperature produced once the mixture ignites.
Zone 2 Zone 1 Zone 0
Groups are always designated alphabetically by capital letters.
Hazardous Group are defined as follows: Dust Class II, Div 2 Class II, Div 1 Class II, Div 1
Zone 22 Zone 21 Zone 20
Group A: Atmosphere containing acetylene
Fibers Class III,
Group B: Atmosphere containing hydrogen, gases, or vapors of Class III, Div 2 Class III, Div 1
Div 1
equivalent hazard such as manufactured gas containing more than
30% hydrogen (by volume) including butadiene and propylene oxide. No Zone No Zone No Zone
designation designation designation
Group C: Atmosphere containing ethyl ether vapors, ethylene,
Table 2 International Division or Zone, Class and Group designations
cyclopropane, acetaldehyde, isoprene, or unsymmetrical
dimethylhydrazine.
The classification of hazardous areas is required in determining
Group D: Atmosphere containing vapors of gasoline, hexane,
the safety measures necessary for a proposed instrument system
naptha, benzine, butane, propane, alcohol, acetone, benzol,
installation. The necessary safety measures, however, are also
lacquer solvent or natural gas. Also, includes acrylonitrile, ethylene
dependent upon characteristics of the system components that
dichloride, propylene, styrene, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride and
comprise the installation.
p-xylene.
The Tables 1 and 2 show which area classification terminology is
Group E: Atmosphere containing metal dust including aluminum,
acceptable for locations around the world.
magnesium, and their commercial alloys and other metals of similar
hazardous characteristics. The classifications will spell out how much time a certain substance
(gas, dust, or fibers), can be present within the designated area
Group F: Atmospheres containing carbon black, coal, or coke dust.
over the course of 1 year while under normal operation or under a

3
 application note
failure condition. Class 1 Div 2, or Zone 2, is the least risky area, and
generally wouldn’t require the use of barriers.
3 Methods of Preventing Ignition
Three basic approaches are used individually or in combination
Deg C Deg F to prevent ignition of hazardous atmospheres by Bently Nevada
T1 450 852 Monitoring Systems:
T2 300 572 1. Intrinsically Safe/Nonincendive Equipment: Eliminate the ignition
T3 200 392 source by designing equipment that cannot cause ignition when
in contact with flammable or explosive atmospheres. Elimination
T4 135 275
of the ignition source within electrical systems may be attained:
T5 100 212 a) by designing nonincendive equipment, or b) by limiting
T6 85 185 electrical energy to levels that cannot cause ignition (intrinsic
Table 3 Temperature Designations safety).
2. Gas Purge/Hermetic Sealing: Controls the atmosphere
Table 3 shows the temperature codes for both the area surrounding the potential ignition source so that components are
classifications and equipment temperature codes are used to enveloped within a non-hazardous atmosphere.
determine what temperatures are acceptable. If the ambient 3. Explosion-proof Housing: Contains the explosion within the
temperature around a piece of equipment would exceed the housing, preventing the ignition of the surrounding atmosphere.
temperate code that it is certified for, then the application will need
to change to meet the temperature requirements otherwise it will
not meet the area classification. 3.1 Use of nonincendive equipment
Note: that T1 is a higher temperature rating than T6. Note: Nonincendive has been removed from IEC and ATEX
protection concepts. Nonincendive protection may still be used
in the United States and is acceptable for existing installations in
2 The Instrumentation System Canada, however, nonincendive may also soon be phased out of
An electrical system generally contains potential sources of ignition all North American standards. Bently Nevada no longer supports
that are of concern in a hazardous area installation. Therefore, the nonincendive (nL) certification. Direct questions regarding
types of ignition sources and applicable methods of preventing installation following the nA “Zone 2” methodologies to GE Bently
ignition must be considered by an instrument manufacturer and Nevada Technical Support in Minden.
user. Systems that are designed to meet certain safety criteria Nonincendive equipment is designed to prevent ignition (during
may receive certification from a safety standards approval agency normal operation) of a hazardous atmosphere at its most easily
such as Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or British Approval ignited mixture. Equipment certified as nonincendive may
Service for Electrical Equipment in Flammable Atmospheres be used in Division 2 areas without requiring purging or
(BASEEFA) or others. explosion proof housings. However, a weatherproof housing is
A potential source of ignition from an electrical system is any recommended for certain equipment (such as Proximitor sensors or
spark or hot component that releases energy sufficient to ignite a monitors) for general mechanical protection.
combustible mixture surrounding it. The ignition source may occur Nonincendive equipment must meet the following requirements:
in any of the four mechanisms: exposed relay contacts or other exposed contacts should have a
a) discharge of capacitive circuits maximum non-ignition value for a specific hazardous atmosphere.
b) interrupting (opening) of inductive circuits The current/ voltage values established are specific to the type of
circuit (inductive, resistive or capacitive). The non-ignition values
c) o
 pening or closing of resistive circuits with slow intermittent
vary for different combustible materials. Contacts that carry
interruption increasing the ignition capability (hazard)
greater current/voltage levels must be hermetically-sealed, purged,
d) high temperature sources or oil immersed.
The ignition mechanisms may occur in relay contacts, switch Contacts and connectors used only during maintenance while
contact, fuses, short circuits (from damage or component failure) the atmosphere is nonhazardous are not included in the above
and arc-over between components or conductors. The components requirements.
or circuits that present a potential ignition source may be designed
The surface temperature of any part of the equipment must not
in a variety of ways in order to prevent ignition of a hazardous
exceed 80 percent of the ignition temperature of the specific
atmosphere.
hazardous atmosphere. High temperature surfaces having small
surface areas (eg. Fine wire or small components) that are not
configured to concentrate heat by coiling or grouping in close
proximity may exceed the 80 percent temperature limit if testing
proves ignition will not occur.

4
 application note
3.2 Use of intrinsically safe equipment
The National Electrical Code defines intrinsically safe equipment
and wiring as “equipment and wiring which is incapable of releasing
sufficient energy under normal or abnormal conditions to cause
ignition of a specific hazardous atmospheric mixture in its most
easily ignited concentration”. This is accomplished through the
use of Zener barriers or galvanic isolators. (see further discussion
below)

3.3 Gas purging/hermetic sealing Figure 2 Example of explosion proof housings

The atmosphere enclosing the monitoring equipment may be
controlled by purging with air or an inert gas.
4 Instrument System Certification
Safety enforcement authorities worldwide are faced with the
problem of evaluating the safety of electrical equipment proposed
for installation in hazardous areas. The testing agency subjects
the equipment to rigorous electrical tests varying in difficulty
depending on the Division, Group and Class of hazard for which the
equipment is being certified. A partial listing, by country, of several
major testing agencies includes the following:

Certifying
Sr No World Area Standard
Figure 1 Example of purged equipment Agency
01 North America CSA/UL CSA
The use of purging for safe operation in potentially hazardous areas BASEEFA, SIRA,
has stringent requirements for monitoring the condition of the 02 Europe ATEX, CENELEC
TUV and others
purge to assure that safe operation is not compromised by purge
SIMTARS and
equipment failure or inadvertent opening of the purged enclosure. 03 Aus/Nz IEC
others
04 Korea IEC KTL and others
3.4 Explosion proof housing Singapore/
05 Malaysia/ CSA CSA
Sealing ignition source components in explosion proof containers is
Thailand
a another approach to controlling the atmosphere surrounding the
electrical equipment. 06 India IEC PESO

In this approach, all potential ignition sources are housed within
strong, explosion proof housings. These housings are not normally
sealed gastight and usually allow leakage. In the event that a
combustible concentration of flammable material leaks into the
explosion-proof housing and the instrument ignites the mixture,
the housing will contain the explosion. The explosion proof housing
is designed so that the energy of the exploding gases is safely
released into the hazardous atmosphere outside the housing at
a temperature low enough to prevent ignition of the surrounding
hazardous atmosphere. Although the housing is not perfectly
sealed, its openings are small enough to quench flame and cool
escaping gases.
07 Brazil IEC, CSA
Certification by one of these agencies is generally accepted
by safety enforcement authorities within that country. Safety
enforcement authorities in other countries may also accept this
certification as valid for their own applications.
4.1 Barrier and isolator
Since Bently Nevada monitors are powered by voltages up to 230
Vac or 120 Vdc, the possibility exists that sufficient energy to
cause ignition could be released from the monitor under abnormal
conditions. In extreme conditions, a Proximitor (without safety
barriers) could be affected. Because of this, the Proximitor power
outputs from Bently Nevada monitors cannot be economically
rendered intrinsically safe due to the stringent approvals required.
However, the monitors are designed to be nonincendive, a factor
that has permitted Division 2 certification of monitors. (See non-
incendive note above)

5

4.2 Zener barrier vs. galvanic isolator
Figure 3 Example of Zener barriers
The Zener Barrier is located in the safe area and uses energy
limiting devices, i.e. resistors, zener diodes and fuses, to prevent
ignition energy from entering the hazardous area. A Zener barrier
must be certified by a qualified agency and installed per the
certificate wiring diagram and instructions.
• Requires an intrinsic safety earth which must meet certain
specifications. This can be impractical in some cases (ex:
offshore platforms)
• 3500 internal barriers are Zener barriers
• The barrier must be certified
• Specific Zener barriers are needed for specific sensor types.
• External Zener barriers usually are DIN mount in or near to
monitors
• Zener barriers are passive – no power needed
Figure 4 Example of galvanic isolators
The Galvanic Isolator is located in the safe area and prevents
sufficient energy for ignition from reaching the hazardous area
through optical or transformer isolation. Galvanic isolators must
be certified by a qualified agency and installed per the certificate
wiring diagram and instructions.
• Does not require the safety earth to meet requirements as in a
Zener barrier
• BN has galvanic isolators from MTL for use with 3500
• Galvanic isolators mount separately
• Galvanic isolators (vendor dependent) can have more signal
noise than Zener Barriers
• Require external power, +24VDC
• The isolator must be certified
application note
• May have less operational temperature range than monitor
Please refer to product 3500 product data sheets for the selection
of Zener barriers and galvanic isolators for different types of
measurements.
5 Length Consideration
For intrinsic safety barrier and isolator installations, the maximum
allowable device-to-Proximitor cable length will vary depending
upon the type of cable and its inherent capacitance and inductance
values. For this reason, the design of all the proposed intrinsically
safe systems must be studied to assure that energy stored in the
cables does not exceed the intrinsic safety limits as outlined in the
approval certificate.
Refer to Bently Nevada Applications Note 178454
Figure 5 Safe area and Hazardous Area Separation Illustration
6 Relay Consideration
APPLICATION ADVISORY
Due to the potential for varying voltage levels, please review the
following:
1. 3
 500 monitors ordered with the multiple approvals option (-02)
are certified to Zone 2 standards (including ATEX and North
American Zones). The Zone 2 standards specify increased
spacing requiprements at higher voltages, and the 3500/32M
relays do not meet these spacing requirements. For this reason,
3500/32M relays ordered with the multiple approvals option
have historically been limited to a lower voltage than those
ordered with the other approvals options. Using higher voltages
would wiolate the hazardous area certificates associated with
the multiple approvals option. (The North American Division
2 standards associated with the CSA-only approvals option
(-01) do not require the same spacing, so that certificate is NOT
violated by the increased voltage. It is acceptable with respect to
hazardous area requirements to use voltages up to 300 Vdc when
the CSA-only approvals option (-01) is ordered.)
2. If the 3500/32M is part of a functional safety (SIL) system, the
funtional safety certificate requires the restricted voltage. Higher
voltages are not allowed for functional safety (SIL) systems.
3. I t is possible to connect field wiring to the 3500/32M relays such
that conductors are exposed to potential human contact. This
could present a shock hazard at high voltages. Customers who
wish to use the 3500/32M relays at higher voltages up to 300
Vdc should be advised that the hardware is perfectly capable
6
 application note
of handling this voltage but that appropriate safety precautions 8.4 Example Installation showing air
should be taken with respect to the shock hazard.
Note: maximum allowable power (P) is restricted to 120W. Voltage
purged and approved ex-proof
(V) and/or current (I) must not exceed this limit. (P=VI) housings.

7 Product Detail and Layout

Contact your local FAE or the GE Bently Nevada Technical Support
in Minden for detailed installation information.

8 Installation Diagrams for BN Figure 9 Example of purged and explosion proof installation
Monitoring Systems
8.5 Installation showing monitoring
8.1 Installation showing approved system with internal safety barriers
transducer in Division 2 Area in Division 2 Area.

Figure 6 Div 2 transducer installation example Figure 10 Example with internal safety barriers

8.2 Installation showing nonincendive

approved equipment in Division 2
Area

Figure 7 Nonincendive installation example

8.3 Installation showing external MTL-

Type barrier along with monitoring
system in safe area

Figure 8 Barrier installation example

7
 application note
9 Area Designation Charts by
Geographical Area

9.1 North America

CSA (Canadian Standards Association) Group is a not-for-profit
membership-based association serving business, industry,
government and consumers in Canada and the global marketplace.
CSA works in Canada and around the world to develop standards
that address real needs, such as enhancing public safety and health.
• Advancing the quality of life
• Helping to preserve the environment
• Facilitating trade
CSA can test and certify products for U.S.A. and Canada, eliminating
the need for duplicate testing. CSA tests products to Canadian and
U.S. standards and issue the CSA Mark for qualified products. CSA
International can also test products to European and other national
standards.
Standards: C22.2 No 157-92: Intrinsically Safe and Nonincendive
Equipment for Hazardous Location The following three CSA
Standards are based on IEC (International Electrotechnical
Commission) standards:
• CAN/CSA-E60079-0 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas
Atmospheres -Part 0 General Requirement
• CAN/CSA-E60079-11 Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas
Atmospheres -Part 11 Intrinsic Safety i
• CAN/CSA-E60079-15:02: Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas
Atmospheres Electrical Apparatus with Type of Protection "n"
-Part 15 General Requirement
Note: The ‘n’ scheme may be replaced with ‘e’ and ‘d’ in future
on some standards.

Class Division Group

I Gas I Always A Acetylene
II 10 Hrs/year B Hydrogen
C Ethylene
D Propane

II Dust I Always E Metal, conductive

dust
II 10 Hrs/year F Coal Dust
G Grain Dust
III Fibre I Always
II 10 Hrs/year

Explosion Type of Intrinsic Safety for Gas

Protected Protection associated apparatus Group
Type 'n' (non
AEx nA ic Zone 2 IIA Propane
sparking)
IIB Hydrogen
IIC Acetylene
Type 'n' (enclosed
nC ic Zone 2 IIA Propane
break)
IIB Hydrogen
IIC Acetylene

8

9.2 Europe
The ATEX (Atmosphere Explosible) directive consists of two EU
directives (one for the manufacturer and one for the user of the
equipment) describing what equipment and work environment is
allowed in an environment with an explosive atmosphere. ATEX
derives its name from the French title of the 94/9/EC directive:
Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosives.
application note
The regulations apply to all equipment intended for use in explosive
atmospheres, whether electrical or mechanical, including protective
systems. There are two categories of equipment:
• “ I “ for mining and
• “ II “ for surface industries.

CE Conformity Marking
CE 0000
CE Conformity Marking Identification Number of Notified Body Involved in Production Control Stage
ATEX CODING
Type of
Explosion Equipment Equipment
Explosive
Protected Group Category
Atmosphere
gas, vapour
Ex I Mining MI G/D
and mist
M2 Dust
Other than gas, vapour
II I Zone 0 or 20 G/D
Mining and mist
2 Zone 1 or 21 Dust
3 Zone 2 or 22
Equipment Category
1 Equipment must be safe under normal operation, expected and rare malfunction
2 Equipment must be safe under normal operation, expected malfunction
3 Equipment must be safe under normal operation
M1 If explosive atmosphere present , equipment remains energized
M2 If explosive atmosphere present , equipment de-energized
Zone (Gas)
0 Explosive atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently
1 Explosive atmosphere is likely to occur under normal operation, occasionally
2 Explosive atmosphere may occur under abnormal operation, and persist for a short period
Zone (Dust)
20 Explosive atmosphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently
21 Explosive atmosphere is likely to occur under normal operation, occasionally
22 Explosive atmosphere may occur under abnormal operation, and persist for a short period

9
 application note
CENELEC (European Committee for Electotechnical
Standardization) Standards:
EN 60079-0:Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres -
Part 0: General requirements
EN 60079-1:Explosive atmospheres - Part 1: Equipment protection
by flameproof enclosures "d"
EN 60079-11:Explosive atmospheres - Part 11: Equipment
protection by intrinsic safety "i"
EN 60079-15:Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres
- Part 15: Construction, test and marking of type of protection "n"
electrical apparatus

Explosion Protected Type of Protection Gas Group Temperature Equipment Protection Level
Ex e I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Mb
d I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Mb
ia I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Ma
ib I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Mb
ic I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Mc
e IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
d IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ia IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Ga
ib IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ic IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gc
e IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
d IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ia IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Ga
ib IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ic IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gc
e IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ia IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ib IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Ga
ic IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
id IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gc

10
 application note
Max Ext
Max Ext Equipment
Explosion Type of Dust Surface Temp Ambient Temp
Temp Surface Protection
Protected Protection Group under 250 Range
Temp Level
mm of Dust
-20 to 40°C
Ex ta IIIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 T T250 Da
unless stated
-20 to 40°C
tb IIIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 T T250 Db
unless stated
-20 to 40°C
tc IIIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 T T250 Dc
unless stated
-20 to 40°C
ta IIIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 T T250 Da
unless stated
-20 to 40°C
tb IIIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 T T250 Db
unless stated
-20 to 40°C
tc IIIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 T T250 Dc
unless stated
-20 to 40°C
ta IIIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 T T250 Da
unless stated
-20 to 40°C
tb IIIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 T T250 Db
unless stated
-20 to 40°C
tc IIIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 T T250 Dc
unless stated

11
 application note
Type of
EPL Typical Zone
Protection
e Gb 1,2 Increased Saftey
d Gb 1,2 Flameproof
ia Ga 0,1,2 Intrinsic Safety
ib Gb 1,2 Intrinsic Safety
ic Gc 2 Intrinsic Safety
ta Da 20,21,22 Enclosure
tb Db 21,22 Enclosure
tc Dc 22 Enclosure
Intrinsic Safety
Explosion protection maintained with up to two component or other faults. IS apparatus may be located in, and
ia associated apparatus may be connected into Zone 0, 1 and 2 hazardous areas (Germany prefers galvanic isolation
for Zone 0)
Explosion protection maintained with up to one component or other fault. IS apparatus may be located in, and
ib
associated apparatus may be connected into Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas.
Explosion protection maintained with a unity factor of safety IS apparatus may be located in, and associated
ic
apparatus may be connected into Zone 2.
Gas Group
I Methane (Mining Only)
IIA Propane
IIB Ethylene
IIC Hydrogen
Dust Group
IIIA Combustible flyings
IIIB Non Conductive Dust
IIIC Conductive Dust
Zone
0 Explosive atmossphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently
1 Explosive atmosphere is likely to occur under normal operation, occassionally
2 Explosive atmostphere may occur under abnormal operation, and persist for a short period
Temp Code
T1 450°C, 852°F
T2 300°C, 572°F
T3 200°C, 392°F
T4 135°C, 275°F
T5 100°C, 212°F
T6 85°C, 185°F

12
 application note
9.3 International
Founded in 1906, the IEC (International Electrotechnical IECEx Standards:
Commission) is the world’s leading organization for the preparation INT'L 60079-0: Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres -
and publication of International Standards for all electrical, Part 0: General requirements INT'L 60079-1: Explosive atmospheres
electronic and related technologies. These are known collectively - Part 1: Equipment protection by flameproof enclosures "d"
as “electrotechnology”. The IEC is one of three global sister
INT'L 60079-11: Explosive atmospheres - Part 11: Equipment
organizations (IEC, ISO, ITU) that develop International Standards
protection by intrinsic safety "i"
for the world.
INT'L 60079-15: Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres
The objective of the IECEx System is to facilitate international trade
- Part 15: Construction, test and marking of type of protection "n"
in equipment and services for use in explosive atmospheres, while
electrical apparatus
maintaining the required level of safety:
• Reduced testing and certification costs to manufacturer
• Reduced time to market
• International confidence in the product assessment process
• One international database listing
• Maintaining International Confidence in equipment and
services covered by IECEx Certification

CE Conformity Marking
CE 0000
CE Conformity Marking Identification Number of Notified Body Involved in Production Control Stage
ATEX CODING
Type of
Explosion Equipment Equipment
Explosive
Protected Group Category
Atmosphere
gas, vapour
Ex I Mining MI G
and mist
M2 D Dust
Other than gas, vapour
II I Zone 0 or 20 G
mining and mist
2 Zone 1 or 21 D Dust
3 Zone 2 or 22
Equipment Category
1 Explosive atmosphere present continuously or long periods or frequently (>1000 hours/year)
2 Explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally (>10<1000 hours/year)
3 Explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation or infrequently and for short periods (<10 hours/year)
M1 If explosive atmosphere present, equipment remains energized
M2 If explosive atmosphere present, equipment de-energized
Zone (Gas)
0 Flammable material present continuously
1 Flammable material present intermittently
2 Explosive atmosphere may occur under abnormal operation, and persist for a short period
Zone (Dust)
20 Flammable material present continuously
21 Flammable material present intermittently
22 Flammable material present abnormally

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Equipment Protection
Explosion Protected Type of Protection Gas Group Temperature
Level
Ex e I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Mb
d I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Mb
ia I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Ma
ib I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Mb
ic I T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Mc
e IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
d IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ia IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Ga
ib IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ic IIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gc
e IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
d IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ia IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Ga
ib IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ic IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gc
e IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ia IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
ib IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Ga
ic IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gb
id IIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Gc

Explosion Type of Equipment Protection

Dust Group Temperature Ingress Protection
Protected Protection Level
IP5X/IP6X/IPX4/IPX5/
Ex ta IIIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Da
IPX6/IPX7/IPX8
IP5X/IP6X/IPX4/IPX5/
tb IIIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Db
IPX6/IPX7/IPX8
IP5X/IP6X/IPX4/IPX5/
tc IIIA T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Dc
IPX6/IPX7/IPX8
IP5X/IP6X/IPX4/IPX5/
ta IIIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Da
IPX6/IPX7/IPX8
IP5X/IP6X/IPX4/IPX5/
tb IIIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Db
IPX6/IPX7/IPX8
IP5X/IP6X/IPX4/IPX5/
tc IIB T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Dc
IPX6/IPX7/IPX8
IP5X/IP6X/IPX4/IPX5/
ta IIIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Da
IPX6/IPX7/IPX8
IP5X/IP6X/IPX4/IPX5/
tb IIIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Db
IPX6/IPX7/IPX8
IP5X/IP6X/IPX4/IPX5/
tc IIIC T1/T2/T3/T4/T5/T6 Dc
IPX6/IPX7/IPX8

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 application note
Type of
EPL Typical Zone
Protection
e Gb 1,2 Increased Safety
d Gb 1,2 Flameproof
ia Ga 0,1,2 Intrinsic Safety
ib Gb 1,2 Intrinsic Safety
ic Gc 2 Intrinsic Safety
ta Da 20,21,22 Enclosure
tb Db 21,22 Enclosure
tc Dc 22 Enclosure
Intrinsic Safety
Explosion protection maintained with up to two component or other faults. IS apparatus may be located in, and
ia associated apparatus may be connected into Zone 0, 1 and 2 hazardous areas (Germany prefers galvanic isolation
for Zone 0)
Explosion protection maintained with up to one component or other fault.
ib
IS apparatus may be located in, and associated apparatus may be connected into Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas.
Explosion protection maintained with a unity factor of safety IS apparatus may be located in, and associated
ic
apparatus may be connected into Zone 2.
Gas Group
I Methane (Mining Only)
IIA Propane
IIB Ethylene
IIC Hydrogen
Dust Group
IIIA Combustible flyings
IIIB Non conductive dust
IIIC Conductive dust
Zone
0 Explosive atmossphere is present continuously, for long periods or frequently
1 Explosive atmosphere is likely to occur under normal operation, occassionally
2 Explosive atmostphere may occur under abnormal operation, and persist for a short period
Temp Code
T1 450°C, 852°F
T2 300°C, 572°F
T3 200°C, 392°F
T4 135°C, 275°F
T5 100°C, 212°F
T6 85°C, 185°F
Ingress Protection
IP 5X Dust protected
IP 6X Dust tight
IP X4 Splashing water
IP X5 Water jet
IP X6 Powered water jets
IP X7 Temporary immersion
IP X8 Continuous immersion

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