The European standard IEC/EN 60079-0 is familiar to many companies who require certification to ensure their products are safe for use in potentially explosive (Ex) environments.
Some may be less familiar with the that this foundational international standard (and its European equivalent) has recently changed.
The IEC released Edition 8 of the standard last month, bringing several technical changes that affect how Ex equipment is designed, certified and documented.
As specialists in hazardous area certification and testing, we closely monitor any changes to legislation which may impact our clients ability to demonstrate compliance and bring products to market with confidence.
Here is a breakdown of the changes and how they might impact your existing or future products:
What’s changed?
IEC/EN 60079-0 sets the general requirements for the construction, testing and marking of equipment certified as safe to use in Ex environments.
It establishes baseline requirements for electrical and mechanical apparatus operating safely in standard atmospheric conditions.
It is a ‘foundational’ international standard, forming the basis for a number of ‘harmonised’ standards in key territories – including the European EN 60079-0.
There have been seven significant changes:
1. Ambient temperature range has expanded
Edition 8 updates the definition of standard operational ambient temperatures from −20°C to +40°C, to −20°C to +60°C.
As a consequence, ambient temperature marking is now mandatory on all equipment.
2. Stricter electrostatic controls
To counter the risk of ignition from electrostatic discharge, Edition 8 tightens the requirements to include structural plastics, paints, coatings, labels and composite materials within equipment used in Zone 0 (continuous explosive risks) and Group IIC (high-risk industrial gas) environments.
3. End to “X” markings for portable devices
Portable or personal devices can no longer classify electrostatic risks with the “X” suffix and notes in their operation instructions. All items must now be individually tested and certified to demonstrate that no external conductive parts present an electrostatic risk.
4. New thermal protection requirements
Edition 8 introduces additional thermal protection rules, especially for rotating equipment (such as motors) that feature auxiliary cooling.
5. Activation of Clause 19
The standard previously reserved Clause 19 for future use but it is now activated.
In essence, external wiring between multiple enclosures (including skid-mounted systems and control panels etc) must now be designed, tested and documented as an intrinsic part of the certified equipment.
6. IP rating of connections must be maintained whether mated or unmated
IP ratings previously applied only to mated connections at interfaces such as socket-outlets or appliance inlets.
Now, the connectors must demonstrate the same IP rating even when unmated.
7. General removal of advisory markings
Advisory markings used as an alternative to “X” conditions are no longer permitted.
Where equipment relies on specific installation or operation to maintain its protection, this must be highlighted as a ‘Specific Condition of Use’, marked with the “X” suffix and detailed in supporting documentation. This includes digital markings such as QR codes if the surface area for marking is limited.
What does this mean for your product compliance?
Under grandfathering, existing products in use will retain their certification against the previous requirements of IEC 60079-0 Edition 7.
However, for new installations, expansions or modifications, newly certified versions of the equipment must meet the Edition 8 requirements.
Depending on the characteristics of your product, understanding these requirements early can help minimise certification delays and support continued market access.
Ongoing conformity may require:
- Updates to test reporting to detail higher thresholds were met
- Additional testing against the new criteria
- New marking and supporting documentation
How can ExVeritas help?
If you’re unsure of the implications of this change to your products, we’d love to help.
ExVeritas helps manufacturers navigate regulatory change with confidence through specialist hazardous area certification, testing and engineering expertise.
Our expert team can offer a gap analysis to assess any differences between your existing certification and the requirements of the latest version of the IEC/EN 60079-0 standard.
As part of the assessment, we can identify the most efficient way to maintain or update your product’s compliance through additional testing or amendments to documentation.
To speak to an ExVeritas expert about maintaining your product’s certification, get in touch here: