IECEX Certification Overview
IECEx, an acronym for the International Electrotechnical Commission's explosion-proof electrical products certification system, refers to the certification of electrical equipment specifically designed for potentially explosive environments in industries such as oil, chemicals, coal mining, light industry, textiles, grain processing, and other sectors where explosive gases, vapors, dust, or fibers may accumulate.
Explosion-proof electrical products, also known as Ex products, refer to electrical equipment specifically designed for industrial sectors such as oil, chemicals, coal mining, light纺, and grain processing, where explosive gases, vapors, dust, or fibers may accumulate, posing explosion hazards. Early management measures primarily involved type testing or type approval for explosion-proof electrical products. In the late 1980s, some industrial countries, such as Western European nations, began implementing explosion-proof certification systems for these products.
Ex products must obtain explosion-proof certification to be used in hazardous explosive areas. The certification system is essential for ensuring the safe use of Ex products. However, on the other hand, due to the need for repeated explosion-proof testing and certification for Ex products entering different countries or regions, it has caused many barriers to the international trade of Ex products. To eliminate unnecessary repeated inspections and certifications of Ex products across borders and promote international trade, in 1992, internationally, the establishment of an international certification organization for explosion-proof electrical products within the scope of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) began. After several years of preparation, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Explosion-Proof Electrical Product Certification Organization, abbreviated as IECEx certification system, was formally established in 1996.
IECEX member countries
To date, there are 24 official member states, including Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro (formerly Yugoslavia), Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The institution representing China in this international organization is the China National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA).
Current mandatory standard catalog for IECEx-certified explosion-proof electrical equipment
IEC 60079-0:2017, Part 0 of Explosive Atmospheres: Equipment - General Requirements IEC 60079-1:2014, Part 1 of Explosive Atmospheres: Equipment Protected by a Flameproof Enclosure "d"
IEC 60079-7:2015 Explosive Atmospheres, Part 7: Equipment protected by intrinsic safety "i"
IEC 60079-11:2023 Explosive Atmospheres — Part 11: Equipment protected by intrinsic safety "i"
IEC 60079-2:2014 Explosive Atmospheres — Part 2: Equipment protected by positive pressure enclosures “p”
IEC 60079-6:2015 Explosive Atmospheres, Part 6: Equipment protected by liquid immersion of type “o”
IEC 60079-5:2015 Explosive atmospheres Part 5: Equipment protected by sand filling type “q”
IEC 60079-15:2017 Explosive Atmospheres Part 15: Equipment protected by “n” type of protection
IEC 60079-18:2014 Explosive atmospheres — Part 18: Equipment protected by “m” type encapsulation
ISO/IEC 80079-34:2011 Explosive Atmospheres Part 34: Application of Quality Systems for the Production of Equipment
IEC 60079-28:2006 Protection of Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres — Part 28: Protection of optical radiation equipment and transmission systems
IEC 60079-33:2012 Explosive Atmospheres, Part 33: Equipment protected by special "s" protection types
ISO 80079-36:2016 Explosive Atmospheres Part 36: Non-electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres — Basic methods and requirements
ISO 80079-37:2016 Explosive Atmospheres — Part 37: Non-electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres — Non-electrically explosion-proof type of construction, safety type “c”, control of ignition sources type “b”, immersion type “k”
IEC 60079-31:2013 Explosive atmospheres — Part 31: Equipment protected by dust ignition-proof enclosures “t”
IEC TS 60079-46:2017 Explosive Atmospheres Part 46: Complete equipment
What are the benefits of obtaining the IECEx international certification?
(1) The company's products have obtained the IECEx international certification, proving that the products manufactured meet the requirements of relevant IEC standards. Additionally, the manufacturer's quality plan complies with the requirements of international explosion-proof certification organizations, and products are produced under the supervision of ExCB.
(2) Products that have obtained the IECEx international certification can display the certification information or a copy on advertisements, promotional materials, and product samples. Additionally, the certification number can be marked on the product itself. After the IECEx certification mark is released, the mark can also be affixed to the certified products. This enhances the credibility and visibility of the company and its products, boosting market competitiveness.
(3) Products with IECEx international certification can be exported without needing to apply for the country's explosion-proof certification in nations that have already accepted the IECEx international certification, such as Australia and New Zealand. For member states with existing standard discrepancies, the holder of an IECEx international certification, an inspection report (ExTR), and a factory quality system inspection report (QAR) can apply for the country's national explosion-proof certification through the certification body (ExCB) of that country, obtaining the certification through the "fast track" to save time and costs. Exporting to non-IECEx member states may also result in recognition certificates or preferential treatment with simplified certification procedures.
Advantages of applying for IECEx international certification through ZN Testing
● As an authorized testing body for the International Electrotechnical Commission (IECEx) explosion-proof electrical safety certification system, the lab boasts over a decade of experience in explosion-proof testing, offering professional and efficient services.
● We offer a range of certification services, including material reforming for our clients.
Our company is equipped with inspectors with relevant titles who can provide pre-factory audit guidance to enterprises in advance.
● Certificates are authoritative and reliable, enhancing the competitiveness of the company's products
Hotline: 189-2460-9560 (WeChat number the same)
