Industry News

IEC-based Hazardous Use Standards revised

July 17, 2005

Among the benefits these standards can offer U.S. manufacturers are reduced testing and certification costs and reduced time to market.

THREE OF THE eight IEC 60079 series-based ISA/UL co-published standards are being revised based on the new editions of the IEC standards. ANSI/ISA 60079-0 (12.00.01) and the other ISA 60079 series standards are aimed at easing global trade of U.S.-manufactured electrical equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. Among the benefits these standards can offer U.S. manufacturers are reduced testing and certification costs and reduced time to market.

One of the standards, ISA 60079-0 (12.00.01), Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zones 0, 1, & 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: General Requirements, was scheduled for publication after it submission for a 10-day default ISA Standards & Practices Board ballot and for ANSI approval.

This standard specifies the general requirements for construction, testing and marking of electrical apparatus and Ex components intended for use in Class I, Zone 0, 1, or 2 hazardous (classified) locations as defined by the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.

ISA 60079-1 (12.22.01), Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zone 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: Type of Protection - Flameproof "d" and ISA 60079-18 (12.23.01), Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zone 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: Type of Protection - Encapsulation m is also being revised and balloted, based on IEC standard updates and is scheduled to be published this year after ballot completion and ANSI approval.

The eight ISA co-published standards will be re-designated with the IEC number following ISA and the ISA standards committee-related number in parentheses to avoid confusion and to more closely align ISAs standards with the IEC standards.

The ISA standards are harmonized to the fullest extent possible, by ISAs SP12 Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Locations Committee, with the IEC 60079 standards. In the U.S., the standards require all electrical equipment to meet requirements for shock and fire hazards, whereas the IEC 60079 series standards do not--the focus is entirely on explosion hazards.