If you plan to use electrical equipment in areas where there is the potential for an explosion you need to be sure that the safety protection specified for the equipment is appropriate to the environment in which it will operate.

The integrity of all explosion protected electrical equipment is dependent upon it being correctly installed inspected, tested, operated and maintained in full compliance with engineering regulations and standards. Operators and owners should follow the recommendations contained in BS EN 60079 part 10 Classification of Hazardous areas, part 14 Electrical installations in Hazardous areas (other than Mines) and part 17 Inspection and maintenance of Electrical installations in Hazardous areas (other than Mines)

In selecting electrical equipment for operation in a potentially explosive environment operation you will be faced with the following questions.

• Which zone is applicable?
• Which gas is relevant?
• Which T rating is needed?
• What IP rating that is required?

This Dron and Dickson Technical Tables section of the website is designed to provide owners and operators with general guidance on criteria for selecting equipment for hazardous area operation, thereby ensuring that it is fit for its purpose. However, it is important to note that it is the responsibility of operators to ensure that their systems are operated in accordance with the local, national or international codes of practice and standards by which they are bound.

The section provides some information on the ATEX directive (94/9/EC). Information is also given terminology, regulations and certification arrangements that are associated with the use of electrical equipment in hazardous environments.

Dron and Dickson has a close association with the major manufacturers of equipment for hazardous area operation and will be pleased to offer specialist advice on any matter relating to selection, design and maintenance of electrical equipment.

Dron and Dickson can be contacted at the following addresses: