⚡ Free Knowledge Base

The UK's Most Comprehensive
Hazardous Area Resource

Free guides on CompEx preparation, IEC 60079 standards, Ex equipment inspection, equipment selection, gas groups, zones, cable glands and more. Written for electricians, engineers, and technicians working in hazardous areas.

🔍
🎓
CompEx Preparation
Everything you need to prepare for CompEx Ex01–Ex04 assessments. Exam tips, unit guides, practical assessment advice, and renewal information.
+10 more articles →
📋
IEC 60079 Standards
The IEC 60079 series explained in plain English. Every part of the standard from general requirements to inspection, installation, and certification.
+8 more articles →
🛡️
Protection Types
Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex p, Ex t, Ex n — every protection type explained with technical detail, applications, and inspection requirements.
+6 more articles →
⚠️
Zone Classification
Gas zones and dust zones explained. Zone 0, 1, 2 for gas and Zone 20, 21, 22 for dust — equipment requirements, EPL ratings, and area classification.
+6 more articles →
🧪
Gas Groups & Temperature
IIA, IIB, IIC gas groups and T1–T6 temperature classes. MESG values, MIC ratios, auto-ignition temperatures, and dust group classification.
+5 more articles →
🔍
Ex Equipment Inspection
IEC 60079-17 inspection grades, deficiency classification, inspection checklists for every protection type, and common defects with their correct classification.
+14 more articles →
🔩
Cable Glands & Accessories
Barrier vs non-barrier gland selection, the IEC 60079-1 volume rule, IP washers, locknuts, serrated washers, banjo earth tags, and stopping plug requirements.
+7 more articles →
⚙️
Ex Equipment Guides
Selection, inspection, and maintenance guides for every type of Ex equipment — motors, junction boxes, isolators, luminaires, instruments, control stations, and more.
+10 more articles →
🏭
Industry Guides
Hazardous area electrical training guides for specific industries — oil and gas, offshore, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, hydrogen, distilleries, food manufacturing, and more.
+11 more articles →
📍
Location Guides
CompEx preparation guides for electricians in Aberdeen, Teesside, Grangemouth, the Humber, and other major UK industrial areas. Online preparation that works wherever you are.
+9 more articles →
🛠️
Free Tools
Free interactive tools for hazardous area electrical engineers — gas group lookup, temperature class calculator, zone equipment checker, ATEX marking decoder, and free practice questions.
+3 more articles →
📖
Practical Guides
Step-by-step practical guides for working safely in hazardous areas — permit to work, safe isolation, reading Ex certificates, equipment maintenance, and risk assessment.
+5 more articles →
Ready to Go Beyond the Theory?

The knowledge base explains the concepts. EX Academy puts you in the scenario — interactive inspection simulations, equipment selection decisions, and 1,185+ practice questions referenced to IEC 60079.

Try the Platform Free → See Pricing