IEC 60079-14 — Installation of Ex Equipment Standard

IEC 60079-14 is the standard governing the installation of Ex equipment. It covers everything from equipment selection and cable systems to earthing, IS circuit requirements, documentation, and initial inspection after installation. CompEx Ex01 and Ex02 are based primarily on IEC 60079-14.

Equipment Selection

IEC 60079-14 requires that equipment is selected to be appropriate for the zone, gas group, and temperature class of the area where it is installed. The EPL of the equipment must match the zone, the gas group rating must meet or exceed the area gas group, and the T-class must ensure the equipment surface temperature does not exceed the auto-ignition temperature of the gas present.

Cable and Wiring Systems

IEC 60079-14 specifies requirements for cables used in hazardous areas including: minimum IP rating for cable connectors, armoured cable requirements, segregation of IS and non-IS circuits, and minimum bending radius to prevent insulation damage.

Earthing Requirements

All Ex equipment must be effectively earthed. IEC 60079-14 requires: a dedicated equipment earthing terminal (EET) on motors and large equipment, armour continuity maintained through glands, IS earth bar independent from main earth, and all metallic parts effectively bonded.