Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Locations Standards Updated
Three of the eight International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60079 series-based ISA/UL co-published standards are being revised based on the new editions of the IEC standards. One of these standards, ISA 60079-0 (12.00.01), Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zones 0, 1, & 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: General Requirements, is scheduled for publication this month after it has been submitted 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”, are also being revised and balloted based on IEC standard updates and are scheduled to be published this year after ballot completion and ANSI approval.
ANSI/ISA 60079-0 (12.00.01) and the other ISA 60079 series standards help to ease global trade of U.S.-manufactured electrical equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. Among the benefits these standards offer U.S. manufacturers are reduced testing and certification costs and reduced time to market.
The ISA standards are harmonized to the fullest extent possible, by ISA’s 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 focus entirely on explosion hazards.
These standards are essential for industries that have electrical equipment installed in hazardous (classified) locations and/or use electrical equipment to detect, alarm or otherwise process signals relating to the detection of materials within their combustible ranges. The standards were developed to promote and ensure safe and practical use of such electrical equipment.
For more information go to www.isa.org .
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