IEC 60079-15 — Ex n Non-Sparking Equipment Standard
IEC 60079-15 covers equipment protection types suitable for Zone 2 only — the least hazardous gas zone where explosive atmospheres are not expected to occur under normal operating conditions but may do so abnormally. The main protection type covered is Ex nA (non-sparking).
Ex nA — Non-Sparking
Ex nA equipment is designed so that it will not produce arcs, sparks, or hot surfaces under normal operating conditions that are capable of igniting an explosive atmosphere. It is not designed to operate safely when the explosive atmosphere is continuously present (Zone 0 or 1).
Ex ec — Energy-Limited
IEC 60079-15 also covers Ex ec (energy-limited) equipment, which is a sub-type of increased safety applicable to Zone 2. Ex ec equipment limits the energy available in circuits to levels incapable of causing ignition.
Zone 2 equipment (EPL Gc) may only be installed in Zone 2 areas — it cannot be used in Zone 1 or Zone 0. However, Zone 1 equipment (EPL Gb) can always be used in Zone 2, providing an equivalent or higher level of protection. This is an important selection principle for Ex01/Ex02.
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