The BS EN 60079 series of standards has been written for manufacturers of electrical equipment for use in gas explosive atmospheres.
Unless modified by one of the parts in the IEC 60079 series, electrical apparatus complying with this standard is intended for use in hazardous areas in which explosive gas atmospheres, caused by mixtures of air and gases, vapours or mists, exist under normal atmospheric conditions of:
- temperature –20 °C to +60 °C;
- pressure 80 kPa (0,8 bar) to 110 kPa (1,1 bar); and
- air with normal oxygen content, typically 21 % v/v.
The application of electrical apparatus in atmospheric conditions outside this range may need special consideration.
If you design, manufacture or test electrical equipment for use in gas explosive atmospheres, the newly-revised BS EN 60079-0 can be used to meet the Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX) Directive 94/9/EC.
What is the ATEX Directive?The ATEX Directive applies to you if you design or manufacture certain types of equipment which will be used in potentially explosive atmospheres and which is placed on the market within the European Economic Area.
For more information about the ATEX Directive visit www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/atex.htm
BS EN 60079-0:2006 replaces BS EN 60079-0:2004 which remains current until it is withdrawn on 1 October 2008.
