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ATEX certification based on IEC 60079-31:2022

ATEX certification based on IEC 60079-31:2022

ATEX certification based on IEC 60079-31:2022

ATEX certification for Ex t enclosures based on new standard IEC 60079-31:2022

The standard IEC 60079-31:2022 (Edition 3) replaces IEC 60079-31:2013 (Edition 2) for dust ignition protection by enclosure “t” in explosive atmospheres.

Features of the 2022 edition:

  • technical revision;

  • introducing structural changes and reorganizing clauses and requirements compared with the 2013 edition ;

  • several new or modified technical requirements; 

  • affecting Ex equipment design, testing, and marking;

  • restructuring and improving the alignment with the general requirements of IEC 60079-0 and clarifies clause numbering and structure;

  • Easier cross-reference with other standards in the IEC 60079 series;

  • Some requirements moved or renumbered (important for compliance documentation).

Download conformity assessment checklist for IEC 60079-31:2022

Changes in IEC 60079-31:2022 vs. IEC 60079-31:2013

Description of changes

Type of changes

subject of change

relevant standard clause

Minor and 
editorial
change

Extension

Major technical
change

new revision of the standard (edition 3), has been restructured from the withdrawn revision (edition 2)

numerous clauses (whole standard)

×

    

Withstand of prospective short-circuit current

4.3.1

  

×

  

Fault current rating of interrupting contacts rated greater than 10 kA for mains connected circuits

4.4.1 and 6.1.1.1

    

×

Thermal protective device can include a thermal protective circuit with an appropriate sensor.

4.4.4.1

  

×

  

Cells and batteries

4.3.6 and 4.4.5

    

×

Joints employing parallel threads with an additional seal or gasket are permitted to have less than five threads.

5.1.2

  

×

  

Gasket joints that interlock (not a butt joint) and are designed such that under the intended compression no gap between the pieces exist so that an uninterrupted periphery is formed, these joints do not
need to be permanently joined.

5.1.3

  

×

  

Overload or malfunction condition for the determination of temperature class for "tb" converter fed rotating electric machines

table 2

    

×

Additional requirements for entry devices with dust ignition protection by enclosure "t"

Annex A

    

×

Thermal tests are relocated to IEC 60079-0.

Formerly (in edition 2) was addressed in 
6.1.2

×

    

end of table

changes in IEC 60079-31:2022 vs. IEC 60079-31:2013

1- Withstand of prospective short-circuit current

In the previous (2nd) edition of the standard, the requirement to assign a nominal value for the "prospective short-circuit current withstand" was limited to

  • the protection level "ta"; and

  • with a short-circuit current value of less than 10 kA,

But in the new (3rd) edition, the requirement has been changed for

  • all explosion-proof equipment and;

  • those with a short-circuit current value of less than or equal to 1.5 kA.

in addition, for "equipment marking" in accordance with clause 7 of the standard: 

  • according to the 2nd edition, it was only required for the equipment which the prospective short-circuit current is less than 10 kA; but

  • in the 3rd edition, the requirement must be met for all explosion-proof equipment.

2- Adding the requirement to perform type tests on equipment with protection levels "tb" or "tc" having fault current risk

in the previous (2nd) edition of the standard, only the requirement of "rating" (refer to the above paragraph 1 above) was defined for only equipment with level of protection “ta” with connection to a circuit having a prospective short circuit current of not greater than 10 kA (fault current), but

in the new (3rd) edition, only Ex Equipment having Level of Protection "tb" or "tc" which is intended for mains connection to a circuit with a maximum available short circuit current above 10 kA, shall:

  • be tested (in accordance with 6.1.1.1 and with below detail and order), and also

  • be marked (according to Clause 7)

Cycle of following tests based on 6.1.1.1 of IEC 60079-31:2022

  • tests for IEC 60079-0:

    • thermal endurance to heat;

    • thermal endurance to cold;

    • impact tests

    • drop test (if applicable), 

  • tests for IEC 60079-31:2022:

    • pressure test (based on 6.1.1.3); and 

    • IP test (based on 6.1.1.4)

3- possibility for inclusion a thermal protective circuit with an appropriate sensor

  • according to 4.3.5.1 of the withdrawn EN 60079-31:2014, use a protective device for all of electrical equipment with Ext protection, which are capable of exceeding the maximum surface temperature as a result of the temperature test, is requied; but

  • according to 4.4.4.1 of the new revision (EN 60079-31:2012), only for electrical equipment having "tb" protection level, the above-mentioned requirements is applicable. 

4- new limitations for the equipment containing cells or batteries

use of only a sealed type of cell or batterty is allowed in following groups of equipment having Ex t protection and contain a cell or battery:

  • Ex Equipment having Level of Protection "ta"; and

  • Ex Equipment having Level of Protection "tb" and "tc", where there are sparking contacts or hot surfaces.

but in the withdrawn EN 60079-31:2014, there is not any requirement for cells or batteries used in Ex t equipment. 

 

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