Equipment protection by type of protection Ex n
Protection Ex n is applicable to electrical equipment used in hazardous areas EPL Gc only. If electrical equipment or circuit can produce sparks, arcs or hot surfaces, they must be protected by one of the methods specified in IEC 60079-15.
About the protection
If electrical equipment or circuit can produce sparks, arcs or hot surfaces, they could be protected by one of the methods specified in IEC 60079-15 so that they are not capable of igniting a surrounding explosive atmosphere.
Here are the markings for equipment and components under Ex n:
non-incendive components – ‘nC’: Equipment Protection Level EPL Gc
hermetically sealed devices – ‘nC’; Equipment Protection Level EPL Gc
sealed devices – ‘nC’; Equipment Protection Level EPL Gc
restricted- breathing enclosure – ‘nR; Equipment Protection Level EPL Gc.
Testing to standards
The design requirements for non-sparking electrical equipment are specified in International Standards IEC 60079-15 or Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 60079.15, when read in conjunction with IEC 60079-0 or AS/NZS 60079.0 respectively.
Types of tests
Here are some tests that may be applicable depending on the construction and material of equipment:
thermal test
thermal endurance to heat and to cold
resistance to impact tests
drop tests
degree of protection (IP) by enclosure tests
surface resistance test
earth continuity test
measurement of Capacitance test
resistance to UV light test
leakage test
type test for restricted-breathing enclosure.
Enquire about equipment protection by type of protection Ex n test
Getting the test results
The results of our testing are presented in a test report that is endorsed by our local Australian laboratory accreditation body, NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia).
When product sample testing, design assessment (Ex test report) and quality assessment (quality assessment report) are successfully completed, an Ex Certificate of Conformity (IECEx or ANZEx) is issued by TestSafe.
Help and support
Complete our online enquiry form.
Call: +61 (2) 4724 4900
Email: testsafe@safework.nsw.gov.au
Mail us at: PO Box 592, Richmond, NSW 2753 Australia.