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IEC 60079 Series Explained: A Complete Guide to Explosion Protection Standards

Use this IEC 60079 guide as your starting point for Ex protection standards, hazardous area classification, installation, inspection, and maintenance.
Engineer reviewing IEC 60079 explosion protection standards and an explosion-protected junction box
A practical reference guide to IEC 60079 standards for explosive atmospheres, from equipment protection to installation and maintenance.

The IEC 60079 series is a family of international standards covering electrical equipment and activities associated with explosive atmospheres. It addresses hazardous area classification, explosion protection concepts, equipment requirements, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair.

This guide is the starting point for engineers, EPC contractors, manufacturers, inspectors, and procurement professionals who need to identify the IEC 60079 standards relevant to their work.

Use the sections below to find the appropriate standard, understand its general purpose, and continue to a dedicated ExProofHub technical guide.

IEC 60079 at a Glance

The applicable standard depends on the engineering task, the equipment, the hazardous atmosphere, and the stage of the equipment lifecycle.

Engineering Activity Relevant Standard
General equipment requirements IEC 60079-0
Classifying hazardous gas areas IEC 60079-10-1
Classifying combustible dust areas IEC 60079-10-2
Applying a specific protection concept Relevant equipment protection standard
Designing and installing electrical Ex equipment IEC 60079-14
Inspecting and maintaining Ex installations IEC 60079-17
Repairing or overhauling Ex equipment IEC 60079-19

A project may require several standards. This overview is a starting point, not a substitute for reviewing the scope and applicable edition of each standard.

1. General Requirements: IEC 60079-0

IEC 60079-0 establishes general requirements for equipment and Ex components intended for use in explosive atmospheres. It addresses matters such as construction, testing, marking, and other general equipment requirements.

It is normally used together with the standard for the particular protection concept. For example, relevant flameproof equipment is assessed against the applicable requirements of IEC 60079-0 and IEC 60079-1.

IEC 60079-0 does not replace the specific protection standard. Both the general requirements and the requirements for the selected protection concept must be considered.

2. Equipment Protection Concepts

Different protection concepts control ignition risks in different ways. The applicable standard depends on the equipment design and the protection method used.

Standard Protection Concept ExProofHub Guide
IEC 60079-1 Flameproof enclosure, Ex d Read guide
IEC 60079-2 Pressurized enclosure, Ex p Read guide
IEC 60079-5 Powder filling, Ex q Read guide
IEC 60079-6 Liquid immersion, Ex o Read guide
IEC 60079-7 Increased safety, Ex e Read guide
IEC 60079-11 Intrinsic safety, Ex i Read guide
IEC 60079-18 Encapsulation, Ex m Read guide
IEC 60079-31 Dust ignition protection by enclosure, Ex t Read guide

This table lists selected commonly encountered standards and protection concepts. It is not a complete catalogue, and the relevant edition should be checked before making technical or certification decisions.

3. Hazardous Area Classification: IEC 60079-10

Hazardous area classification establishes where explosive gas atmospheres or combustible dust atmospheres may occur. It provides an important basis for selecting suitable equipment.

Standard Scope Related Guide
IEC 60079-10-2 Areas where combustible dust atmospheres may occur Read guide

For gas atmospheres, classification commonly results in Zone 0, Zone 1, or Zone 2. For combustible dust atmospheres, the corresponding zones are Zone 20, Zone 21, and Zone 22.

Area classification is an input to equipment selection, not proof that a particular product is suitable. The equipment marking, protection level, gas or dust group, temperature limitations, ambient conditions, and other applicable requirements must also be checked.

Related guides:

4. Selection and Installation: IEC 60079-14

IEC 60079-14 addresses the design, selection, installation, and initial inspection of electrical installations involving Ex equipment, within the scope of the applicable edition.

In an EPC project, this standard helps translate hazardous area requirements into installation design and equipment specifications. Relevant considerations include:

  • Equipment suitability for the classified area
  • Protection concept and Ex marking
  • Cable entries, glands, and connection arrangements
  • Wiring and installation methods
  • Earthing and bonding where applicable
  • Installation documentation and initial inspection
  • Personnel competence requirements within the standard's scope

Product certification does not automatically make every installation arrangement compliant. Equipment must be installed in accordance with applicable requirements and the manufacturer's instructions.

Read: IEC 60079-14 Explained — Design, Selection and Installation

5. Inspection and Maintenance: IEC 60079-17

IEC 60079-17 addresses inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in explosive atmospheres. It helps users assess and maintain the condition of installations during service.

Inspection may identify damaged enclosures, deteriorated seals, unsuitable cable entries, missing fasteners, corrosion, unauthorised modifications, or other defects that could affect explosion protection.

The appropriate inspection approach depends on the installation, equipment, environment, and applicable requirements. Inspection does not replace equipment certification or installation requirements.

Read: IEC 60079-17 Explained — Inspection and Maintenance

6. Repair and Overhaul: IEC 60079-19

IEC 60079-19 addresses repair, overhaul, and reclamation of Ex equipment within its scope. These activities require particular care because changes to equipment construction can affect the protection characteristics on which its suitability depends.

For example, repairs to a flameproof enclosure may affect its flamepaths, dimensions, or other features relevant to protection. An ordinary mechanical repair should not be assumed acceptable simply because the equipment operates after the repair.

Repair organisations must follow applicable requirements and ensure that the work does not compromise the equipment's explosion protection.

Read: IEC 60079-19 Explained — Repair, Overhaul and Reclamation

7. Other Important Parts of the IEC 60079 Series

The series extends beyond commonly encountered equipment protection and installation standards. Depending on the application, engineers may need to consult other parts.

Standard General Subject
IEC 60079-13 Equipment protection by pressurized rooms and artificially ventilated rooms
IEC 60079-15 Equipment protection by type of protection "n"
IEC 60079-25 Intrinsically safe electrical systems
IEC 60079-26 Equipment with Equipment Protection Level (EPL) Ga
IEC 60079-28 Protection of equipment and transmission systems using optical radiation
IEC 60079-29 series Gas detection and related topics covered by the relevant part
IEC 60079-30 series Electrical resistance trace heating for explosive atmospheres
IEC 60079-32 series Electrostatic hazards

The precise scope varies by part. Check the title, scope, and edition of the individual standard rather than assuming that every part applies to all Ex equipment.

How the IEC 60079 Standards Connect in a Project

Consider a project involving new electrical equipment in an area where flammable gas may be released. Several standards may apply at different stages.

  1. Classify the area. IEC 60079-10-1 may be used to classify the hazardous gas area.
  2. Define equipment requirements. Establish the applicable zone, gas group, temperature requirements, EPL, ambient conditions, and project specifications.
  3. Select suitable equipment. Identify the protection concept and review applicable equipment standards, such as IEC 60079-0 and IEC 60079-1 for relevant flameproof equipment.
  4. Review certification and product information. Check the equipment marking, certificate scope, model designation, limitations, and installation instructions.
  5. Design and install the equipment. Apply IEC 60079-14 and other applicable installation requirements.
  6. Inspect and maintain the installation. Apply IEC 60079-17 within its scope.
  7. Repair when necessary. Apply IEC 60079-19 where the equipment and work fall within its scope.

This sequence is illustrative, not a mandatory workflow for every project. The required standards depend on the equipment, installation, applicable regulations, and project requirements.

Which IEC 60079 Standard Should You Start With?

Your Task Starting Point
Classifying a hazardous gas area IEC 60079-10-1
Classifying a combustible dust area IEC 60079-10-2
Reviewing general Ex equipment requirements IEC 60079-0
Reviewing flameproof equipment IEC 60079-1
Reviewing pressurized equipment IEC 60079-2
Reviewing increased safety equipment IEC 60079-7
Reviewing intrinsic safety equipment IEC 60079-11
Designing or installing an Ex electrical installation IEC 60079-14
Inspecting and maintaining an Ex installation IEC 60079-17
Repairing or overhauling Ex equipment IEC 60079-19
Reviewing dust ignition protection by enclosure IEC 60079-31

This table is a practical starting point, not a substitute for reviewing the standard's scope. More than one standard may be needed for the same task.

Common Mistakes When Using IEC 60079

Assuming One Standard Covers Everything

The IEC 60079 series contains separate standards for different activities and protection concepts. Identify the relevant standard for the specific task instead of relying on a single part for the entire project.

Selecting Equipment Before Defining Hazardous Area Requirements

Equipment selection should be based on the classified area and applicable technical requirements. An Ex certificate alone does not prove that a product is suitable for every hazardous area.

Confusing Equipment Certification with Installation Compliance

Equipment certification addresses the product within its certified scope. Installation requirements address how it is selected and installed. Both must be considered.

Ignoring Inspection and Repair Requirements

Explosion protection must be maintained throughout the equipment lifecycle. Inspection, maintenance, and repair activities are distinct from the original product assessment.

Assuming the Latest Edition Automatically Applies

The relevant edition depends on the certification basis, contract, project specification, national adoption, and applicable regulatory framework. Check which edition is required for the specific application.

IEC 60079, IECEx, and ATEX: What Is the Difference?

Term Meaning
IEC 60079 A family of technical standards for explosive atmospheres.
IECEx An international conformity assessment and certification system for equipment and related activities in explosive atmospheres.
ATEX European legislation governing equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

IEC 60079 standards provide technical requirements. IECEx uses applicable IEC standards within its certification framework. Under ATEX, relevant harmonised European standards can be used to support conformity assessment.

These terms are related but not interchangeable. Compliance with a technical standard, an IECEx certificate, and conformity with ATEX legislation are different claims and should be evaluated accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IEC 60079 series?

IEC 60079 is a family of standards covering equipment and activities associated with explosive atmospheres, including area classification, protection methods, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair.

How many standards are in the IEC 60079 series?

The series includes numerous individual standards and technical specifications. Its catalogue changes over time as documents are revised, added, or withdrawn. Check the official IEC catalogue for the current list.

Which IEC 60079 standards are commonly used in industrial projects?

Commonly encountered parts include IEC 60079-0, IEC 60079-1, IEC 60079-7, IEC 60079-10-1, IEC 60079-11, IEC 60079-14, IEC 60079-17, IEC 60079-19, and IEC 60079-31. The applicable standards depend on the task and equipment.

Is IEC 60079 itself a law?

No. IEC 60079 is a technical standards series. Whether a particular standard or edition is required depends on applicable legislation, the certification framework, national adoption, contract, and project specification.

What is the relationship between IEC 60079 and IECEx?

IEC 60079 provides technical requirements for explosive atmospheres. IECEx is a conformity assessment and certification system that uses applicable IEC standards as part of its technical basis.

What is the relationship between IEC 60079 and ATEX?

IEC 60079 consists of international technical standards. ATEX refers to European legislation for equipment and protective systems intended for potentially explosive atmospheres. Relevant harmonised European standards can be used to support conformity with the legislation.

Conclusion

The IEC 60079 series provides a structured set of technical standards for equipment and activities associated with explosive atmospheres. Its scope extends from hazardous area classification and equipment protection methods to electrical installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair.

For engineers and procurement teams, the practical approach is to identify the task, select the relevant parts of the series, and verify the applicable edition and requirements. Equipment certification, installation compliance, and ongoing inspection address different aspects of explosion protection and should not be treated as interchangeable.

References