Equipment Certification Guide for Hazardous Areas

Comparison

ATEX and IEC Ex

North America
Division 2

Classification of Zones and Divisions

Zone 2
Type of Area

Zone 0
Zone 1

NEC

Continuous
hazard

Zone 0

CENELEC Classification
IEC Classification
ATEX Classification
US Classification

EN 6007910
IEC 60 07910
ATEX Directive 94/9/EC
ANSI/INFPA70 NEC Article 505

Division 1

ATEX and IEC

Definition

Zone 0 / Zone 20

explosive
atmosphere is
continually
present

Division 1

Division 1
Intermittent
hazard

Zone 1 / Zone 21

Division 1

nA
ia
ib
ic
ma
mb
mc
nC
nR
o
px
py
pz
q
OP sh
Op is
Op pr

Intrinsic Safety

Encapsulation
Sealed/Hermetic Sealing
Restricted Breathing
Oil Filled
Pressurised
Sand Filled
Optical Radiation

1, 2

II

2
0, 1, 2
1, 2
2
0, 1, 2
1, 2
2
2
2
1, 2
1, 2
1, 2
2
1, 2
0, 1, 2
0, 1, 2
1, 2

limit circuit energy

and hot surfaces

Exclude fuel

Quench the flame

Inherently safe

II

Gc

600797

Gb

6007915

Gc
Ga
Gb
Gc
Ga
Gb
Gc
Gc
Gc
Gb
Gb
Gb
Gc
Gb
Ga
Ga
Gb

6007911

6007918

II

6007915
600796
600792

II
II

600795
6007928

Protection of Electrical Equipment for Combustible Dusts D

ta
tb
tc
iaD
ibD
icD
ma
mb
mc

Enclosure

Intrinsic Safety

Encapsulation

General requirements

Exclude dusts by
use of enclosure
Use of enclosure
and energy
limitation
Exclude dust

20, 21, 22
21, 22
21, 22
20, 21, 22
21, 22
21, 22
20, 21, 22
21, 22
21, 22

III

III

Da
Db
Dc
Da
Db
Dc
Da
Db
Dc

6007931

6124111

6007918

Covers application and testing related to above protection methods

Equipment intended for use in zone 1 areas cannot be used in Division 1 areas as this
covers zone 0 rated areas also.

Comparison of IP and NEMA Enclosure Ratings

Enclosure
Type

IP23

IP30

IP32

IP55

II

Ex

IIC

T4

4X

IP66

IP67

12

13
This comparison is for guidance only. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure the
enclosure rating is suitable for the given application.

Temperature Classification
Max Surface
Temperature

ATEX/IEC*

NEC 505

NEC 500

Max Surface
Temperature

450C

T1

T1

T1

450C

300C

T2

T2

T2

300C

T2A

280 C

T2B

260 C

T2C

230 C

T2D

215 C

T3

200C

T3A

180 C

T3B

165 C

T3C

160 C

T4

135C

Gb

Equipment Protection
Level

Temperature Class

Gas Group

Type of Protection

Explosion Protection

Environment*

Equipment Category*

Equipment Group*

Specific marking for

explosion protection*

Intrinsic Safety

200C

T3

AEx d
XP
AEx nC
AEx e
AEx nA
NI
AEx q
AEx ia
AEx ib
IS
AEx nC
AEx m
AEx ma
AEx mb
AEx o
Type X
Type Y
Type Z
AEx px
AEx px
AEx px

Limited Energy

Oil Filled

Typical ATEX and IEC Ex Equipment Marking

Ex

IP65

Flameproof
Explosion proof
Enclosed Break
Increased Safety
Non Sparking
Non Incendive
Sand Filled

Encapsulation

IP64

Protection of Electrical Equipment for Gases and Vapours Class I

T3

135C

T4

T4

T4A

120 C

100C

T5

T5

T5

100C

85

T6

T6

T6

85

*For ATEX/IEC applications applies to Group II gases only. Group 1 applications have different classifications

For ATEX certified equipment, the CE mark should be shown, along with the relevant Notified Body number, where applicable.
*Required for ATEX only

Pressurised

Restricted
Breathing

Contain the
explosion
No arcs, sparks or
hot surfaces
Quench the flame
Limit circuit
energy and hot
surfaces

Exclude fuel

AEx nR

Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1
Class 1

Zone 1, 2
Division 1
Zone 2
Zone 1, 2
Zone 2
Division 2
Zone 1, 2
Zone 0, 1, 2
Zone 1, 2
Division 1
Zone 2
Zone 1, 2
Zone 0, 1, 2
Zone 1, 2
Zone 1, 2
Division 1
Division 1
Division 2
Zone 1
Zone 1
Zone 2

ISA 600791
UL1203
ISA 6007915
ISA 600797
ISA 6007915
ISA 12.12.01 / FM3611
ISA 600795

Class 1

Zone 2

ISA 6007915

ISA 6007911
UL913 / FM3610
ISA 6007915
ISA 6007918
ISA 600796
NFPA 496 / FM3620

ISA 600792

Protection of Electrical Equipment for Combustible Dust Class II & III

Dust Ignition
Proof
Dust Protected
Protection by
Enclosure

DIP
NI
AEx tD

Encapsulation

Exclude
combustible dust

Division 1 & 2

UL1203

Class II
Class II

Division 2
Zone 2

ISA 12.12.01 / FM3611

ISA 6007931

AEx maD

Zone 20, 21, 22

AEx mbD
AEx iaD

Zone 21, 22
Zone 20, 21, 22

Limit circuit
energy and hot
surfaces

AEX ibD
IS
IS

Intrinsic Safety

Class II

Class II
Class III

Zone 21, 22
Division 1
Division 1

ISA 6124118
ISA 6124111
UL 913 / FM3610

Typical NEC Equipment Marking

NEC 505

NEC 500
Class 1

Division 1

Group
A,B,C

T3

Class 1

Zone 1

AEx

IIC

T3

Temperature Class

Non Sparking

No arcs, sparks or
hotsurfaces.
Enclosure IP54

6007915

Applicable
Standard

Gas Group

Gb

Typical
Division / Zone

Class

Protection Concept

Increased Safety

II

600791

Basic concept of
protection

American Standard

nC

1,2

Code

Permitted Zone

Enclosed Break

Contain the
explosion

Zone 2 / Zone 22

Division 2

Type of
Protection

Permitted Class

Hazard under
abnormal
conditions

explosive
atmosphere is
unlikely to occur
but if it does, will
exist only for a
short period

Temperature Class

Typical
IEC EPL

Gas Group

IEC/EN
Standard

Permitted Division

Gas
Group

Permitted Class

Typical
Zone(s)

Protection of Electrical Equipment for Gases and Vapours G

Flameproof

ANSI/INFPA70 NEC Article 500

Explosion Protection Concepts

Basic Concept of
Protection

Symbol

US Classification

explosive
atmosphere is
likely to occur in
normal operation

Explosion Protection Concepts

Type of Protection

Division 1

Ingress Protection Ratings (EN60529/IEC529)

First Numeral
Protection from Solid Bodies
0

No special protection

Second Numeral
Protection from Liquids
0

No special protection

Large foreign bodies, diam.

>50mm

No special protection

Water dripping/falling
vertically

Protected against 0.225J

impact

Mediumsized foreign
bodies, diam. >12mm

Water dripping/falling at an
angle (up to 15 degrees from
the vertical)

Protected against 0.375J

impact

Small foreign bodies, diam.

>2.5mm

Spray water (any direction up

to 60 degrees from the
vertical)

Granular foreign bodies,

diam. >1mm

Spray/splashing water from all

directions, (limited ingress
permitted)

Dust protected; dust

deposits are permitted, but
their volume must not affect
the function of the unit.

Low pressure water jets from

all directions, (limited ingress
permitted)

Complete protection

7
8

About Abtech

Third Numeral*
Protection from Impact

High pressure jets from all

directions
Temporary immersion, 1m for
30 minutes
Permanent Immersion or
defined pressure**

Protected against 0.5J impact

Protected against 2.0J impact

Protected against 6.0J impact

Abtech is a leading manufacturer of enclosures, electrical

connection products, lighting and associated equipment.
Our product range consists of;
x Hazardous Area enclosures and junction boxes
manufactured from stainless and mild Steel, GRP and
diecast aluminium.
x High voltage junction boxes up to 35kV.
x Cable glands and adaptors.
x The Ablux range of hazardous area lighting.
Contact us for further details

NEMA Enclosure Type Ratings

Type
1
2
3
3R
3S
4
4X
5
6
6P

Protected against 20.0J

impact

www.abtech.eu
sales@abtech.eu

* Third numeral impact is optional and need not be shown.

** Second numeral 8 is defined as submersion at a depth and length of time to be agreed between manufacturer and user

12
12K
13

Area of Use

Description

Indoor
Indoor
Indoor/Outdoor

General Purpose
Drip Proof Protection against falling water and dirt
Dust & Rain Tight Protection against windblown dust, rain, and sleet &
damage from formation of ice
Rain Proof & Ice/Sleet Proof protection against falling rain & damage from
formation of ice
Dust Tight, Rain Tight, & Ice/Sleet Proof Protection against sleet and
damage from formation of ice
Water Tight & Dust Tight
Water Tight, Dust Tight, & Corrosion Resistant Protection from corrosion,
hose directed water and damage from formation of ice

Outdoor
Outdoor
Indoors/Outdoors
Indoors/Outdoors
Indoor
Indoors/Outdoors
Indoors/Outdoors
Indoor

Dust Tight & Drip Tight protection against dust, fibres, falling dirt, and
dripping noncorrosive liquids
Temporary Submersion protection against falling dirt, dust, fibres, hose
directed water and temporary submersion in water.
Prolonged Submersion protection against falling dirt, dust, fibres, hose
directed water and prolonged submersion in water.
Dust Tight & Drip Tight protection against dust, fibres, falling dirt, and
dripping noncorrosive liquids (enclosure without knockouts)

Indoor

Dust Tight & Drip Tight protection against dust, fibres, falling dirt, and
dripping noncorrosive liquids (enclosure with knockouts)

Indoor

Dust Tight & Oil Tight protection against dust, spraying of water, oil, and
noncorrosive coolant.

Gas/Atmosphere Groups IEC Ex and ATEX

Group

Environment

Typical Location
Underground Mining

IIA

Gases
And
Vapours

IIB

Typical Gas/Substance
Underground Methane (Firedamp)

Above Ground

Ethylene, Hydrogen Sulphide

IIC

Hydrogen, Acetylene, Carbon Disulphide

IIIA

Combustible fibres & flyings

IIIB

Combustible
Dusts

Worldwide Sales and Service Network

Acetone, Methane, propane

Above Ground

IIIC

Combustible dusts non conductive

Combustible dusts conductive

Equipment
ATEX &
Ex
Equipment Categories/Levels
Categories/Levels of
of Protection
Protection ATEX
& IEC
IEC Ex
Equipment
Equipment
Category ATEX
Category ATEX
94/9/EC
94/9/EC
Category 1
Category 1
Category 2
Category 2
Category 3
Category 3

ABTHX2011

Category
Category

Equipment Protection
Equipment Protection
Level
Level

1G
1G
1D
1D
2G
2G
2D
2D
3G
3G
3D
3D

Ga
Ga
Da
Da
Gb
Gb
Db
Db
Gc
Gc
Dc
Dc

North America

Europe

Asia

A.B Controls & Technology Inc.

1813 Rotary Drive
Humble
Texas
USA
TX77338
Tel:
+001 281 5483424
Fax:
+001 281 5483624
Email:
sales@abtechinc.net

Abtech Limited
Sanderson Street
Lower Don Valley
Sheffield,
South Yorkshire
S9 2UA
United Kingdom
Tel:
+44 (0) 114 244 2424
Fax:
+44 (0) 114 243 4312
Email:
sales@abtech.eu

Abtech S.E Asia Pte Ltd

7 International Business Park
#0408
TechQuest Building
Singapore
609919
Tel:
+65 656 79020
Fax:
+65 656 70446
Email:
sales@abtechasia.com

Worldwide Agents

Abtech Scotland
46 Telford Road
Lenziemill
Cumbernauld
G67 2AX

Abtech Korea
Astar Apt #1012801
DongRae Gu
OnChen Dong, Busan
South Korea
Tel:
+82 708807 2137
Fax:
+82 51553 2137
Email:
sales@abtechkorea.com

Located in the following countries;

Zone of Use
Zone of Use
Suitable for use in Zone 0, 1, 2
Suitable for use in Zone 0, 1, 2
Suitable for use in Zone 20, 21, 22
Suitable for use in Zone 20, 21, 22
Suitable for use in Zone 1, 2
Suitable for use in Zone 1, 2
Suitable for use in Zone 21, 22
Suitable for use in Zone 21, 22
Suitable for use in Zone 2
Suitable for use in Zone 2
Suitable for use in Zone 22
Suitable for use in Zone 22

Approvals

Belgium
Denmark
Finland
France
Italy
Russia
Sweden
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia

UAE
Australia
China
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Malaysia
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam

Abtech GmBH
Dnner Kirchweg 11
32257, Bnde, Germany
Tel:
+49 (0) 522 375016
Fax:
+49 (0) 522 375019
Email:
sales@abtech.de
Abtech Nederland BV
Glasblazerstraat 1 2984 BL Ridderkerk,
Nederland
Tel:
+31 (0) 180 428417
Fax:
+31 (0) 180 431668
Email:
sales@abtech.nl