Explosion Protection

Explosion Protection - requirements for machinery and equipment

Combustible dusts and flammable gases, mists or vapors can all contribute to potentially explosive atmospheres in the workplace. For this reason, equipment and systems that are used within or in conjunction with these environments must conform to specific safety requirements. These requirements apply to all explosion-proof equipment and systems including safety, control and regulation devices, and protective components, equipment and systems.

Why is explosion protection conformance important?

Companies that manufacture explosion-proof equipment and systems for the global market must conform to applicable standards. For international trade, vital requirements are provided by the ATEX Directive and the IECEx system:

• What is ATEX - In the EU, all explosion-proof classification falls under the ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU). This includes anything used within, or in conjunction with potentially explosive atmospheres such as safety, control and regulation devices and protective components, equipment and systems. As a visible sign of compliance with ATEX, CE marking must be affixed to the equipment.
• What is IECEx - IECEx is a worldwide standard to ensure explosion proof equipment and systems are safe for use in countries that participate in the IECEx system. To be validated against the IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme, manufacturers need to obtain the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), validation of the technical report (ExTR) and the quality assurance report (QAR).

• What is China Ex CCC - As of October 2020, 17 types Explosion Proof Electrical Products manufactured for sale on the Chinese market must be certified according to the Compulsory Certification Rules for Explosion-protected Electrical Equipment scheme (China Ex CCC), irrespective of their origin. Before this date, products that already had an international Ex certification were subject to an exemption regulation regarding CCC. This exemption is now obsolete and the CCC Ex certification scheme has become mandatory for a range of Ex products. The new implementation rule CNCA-C23-01:2019 regulates which product groups will be subject to CCC going forward. For the Explosion Proof Electrical Products that are not in the China Ex CCC scope, the manufacturer can also apply for a China GB Ex certificate which is voluntary.

TÜV SÜD has a wide range of GMA solutions for Explosion Protection (Global Market Access). We are experienced in managing global compliance for Explosion Proof products. Our experts will provide guidance on the compliance requirements and approval strategy for each certification scheme:

• IECEx / ATEX / UKEx
• Ex CCC
• Ex GB
• Korea Ex
• Japan Ex
• Taiwan TS
• INMETRO Brazil
• TR-CU (Russia, Customs-Union)
• CAD for Australia
• Hazloc (North-America)
• UAE Assessment Scheme (ECAS)
• Others

What explosion protection services are available from TÜV SÜD?

TÜV SÜD offers a wide range of services to ensure the safety of your product, as well as conformance to relevant industry requirements. We can support all your requirements throughout the design, construction and installation of your explosion-proof equipment, machinery and systems.

ATEX services

As a Notified Body, TÜV SÜD offers

• Assessment and validation of conformance for all relevant products
• Classification of products according to the requirements found within the Directive
• Issuance of the required EU Type Examination (Annex III, Annex IX)
• Documentation and localization of safety procedures for explosion-proof classification.

IECEx services

As an IECEx Certification Body, our experts

• Test and assess samples for compliance with IEC Standards & Assessment.
• Issue a Test and Assessment Report (ExTR)
• Audit manufacturers’ facilities and quality system, including ISO 9001 assessment and an additional audit according to ISO/IEC 80079-34 Edition 1.
• Conduct ongoing surveillance audits of your facilities and quality system

Testing services

Our state-of-the-art laboratories are fully equipped to carry out a range of tests for

• Explosion protection and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Mechanical and electrical safety
• Dust and contamination control
• Environmental simulation
• Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT)
• Highly Accelerated Stress Screen (HASS)

Why choose TÜV SÜD?

Extensive industry experience: Backed by decades of industry partnerships and projects, our experts have deep knowledge across key industries and technologies. In addition, our internal quality systems and comprehensive advanced training measures guarantee that our experts always apply the most current knowledge and insights to minimise risk for your business.

Testing, audit and certification expertise: TÜV SÜD specializes in testing, inspection, auditing, certification, training and knowledge services. Our experts actively participate in international advisory bodies and standardization committees to ensure that our assessment criteria are based on the latest developments.

Holistic approach:To ensure consistently high service, we assign a dedicated contact person to project manage all your testing and certification requirements. Our holistic approach achieves the shortest lead times in the industry to save you money at the testing stage and give your business the competitive edge.

Globally recognized brand: Our industry leading expertise underpins the wide public awareness and first-class international reputation of the TÜV SÜD brand. Beyond confirming the safety of your explosion proof equipment and systems, our test reports and certificates meet with the highest level of acceptance by authorities and consumers in the EU and around the world to make your product more marketable.