New to Explosion Protection?
Explosion protection is a system of engineering principles used to prevent ignition
and control explosion risks in hazardous areas where flammable gases, vapours, or
combustible dust may be present. Proper equipment selection requires more than simply
looking for an "explosion-proof" label.
The process starts with hazardous area classification. Gas and vapour
areas are commonly classified as Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2, while combustible dust
areas use Zone 20, Zone 21, or Zone 22. The classification describes the likelihood
and duration of an explosive atmosphere and helps determine the level of protection
required for electrical and mechanical equipment.
Engineers must then consider the applicable protection concept,
such as Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex p, or Ex t, together with the Equipment Protection
Level (EPL), gas or dust group, temperature class, ambient temperature, ingress
protection, and certification requirements. These parameters work together when
equipment is specified for a hazardous area.
ExProofHub brings these subjects together as a technical reference
for hazardous area engineering. Explore the guides below to understand how
hazardous area classification, IEC 60079 standards, IECEx, ATEX, protection concepts,
equipment markings, and certification fit together.
Start Here
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IECEx Certification
– Learn how IECEx certification, equipment markings, certificates, ExTR, and QAR
are used for explosion-protected equipment.
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Hazardous Area Classification
– Understand Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 20, Zone 21, Zone 22, gas groups,
dust groups, and EPL.
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ATEX
– Explore the European regulatory framework for equipment intended for
potentially explosive atmospheres.
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Explosion Protection
– Compare Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex p, Ex t, and other explosion protection concepts.
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IEC 60079 Series Guide
– Follow the IEC 60079 standards covering explosion protection concepts,
equipment, installation, inspection, and hazardous area requirements.
How the Requirements Connect
Hazardous-area equipment should be selected by considering the complete set of
requirements rather than a single marking. A typical engineering process connects
the area classification with the required protection
concept, EPL, gas or dust group,
temperature class, and applicable IECEx or ATEX
certification.
For example, an equipment requirement may specify a Zone 1 gas hazardous area,
EPL Gb, gas group IIC, and temperature class T6. The selected equipment must have
a certification and marking suitable for those conditions. Understanding how each
part of the marking relates to the installation requirement is essential for
engineering, procurement, inspection, and maintenance.
Use the technical guides on ExProofHub to move from the basic concepts to detailed
equipment selection, certification, standards, and practical hazardous-area
engineering.
