Canadian hazardous area location certification
In Canada, equipment used in Hazardous (classified) Locations (HazLoc) is required to comply with the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and be certified to specific CSA Standards. HazLoc encompasses locations containing an explosive gas or dust atmosphere. The certification process requires a detailed analysis of the equipment to ensure that it meets the CEC and national standards.
Specific regulations regarding the installation of the equipment in HazLoc environment are referenced in part I of the CEC, and includes, but is not limited to, construction and design, performance, installation metrics and area classification requirements.
Fire evaluation
In situations where a product is custom made, sold in limited quantity, or already installed at the manufacturing or commercial site, TÜV SÜD can conduct a field evaluation. If the product is determined to be in compliance with the applicable product safety standard(s) for the application and location, it is labelled on the spot, thus eliminating the need for a quality system and factory inspection.
It is common that equipment intended to be used in HazLoc (classified) area, may have a portion (electrical control panel, for instance) installed in non-classified area. Our field evaluation program conducts the evaluation of the equipment according to the applicable HazLoc or OrdLoc standards.
IEC zone classification of areas
Traditionally, Canada used the North American Division classification system for defining the level of hazard due to presence of ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or dust. However, Canada now uses the IEC Zone classification system instead of Division system.
(It should be noted that the Division system of classification is permitted for additions, modifications, renovations to, or operation and maintenance of existing facilities employing traditional Division system.)
Gases, vapors and mists
IEC 60079-10.1 classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres
| Zone | Nature and Probability of Hazard Material |
| Zone 0 | Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors which are present continuously or for long periods of time |
| Zone 1 | Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors which are likely to occur under normal operating conditions |
| Zone 2 | Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors which are not likely to occur under normal operating conditions and do so only for a short period of time |
Dust
IEC 60079-10.1 classification of areas – Combustible dust atmospheres
| Zone | Nature and Probability of Hazard Material |
| Zone 20 | An area where combustible dusts or ignitable fibers and flyings are present continuously or for long periods of time |
| Zone 21 | An area where combustible dusts or ignitable fibers and flyings are likely to occur under normal operating conditions |
| Zone 22 | An area where combustible dusts or ignitable fibers and flyings are not likely to occur under normal operating conditions and do so only for a short period of time |
Zones compare to classes and divisions in the North American Class/Division system.
Why TÜV SÜD
TÜV SÜD Canada is an ATEX Notified Body and IECEx Certification Body, and provides Field Evaluation and Field Label services for the electrical safety of machinery, energy storage systems, laboratory test and measurement equipment, semiconductor equipment, complete systems and assemblies as well as most other types of equipment.
Our expert engineers will provide on-site evaluation of your equipment, covering areas such as component and construction evaluation as well as basic safety testing to required standards. We can support all your requirements throughout the design, construction and installation of your explosion-proof equipment, machinery, and systems.
Get started with TÜV SÜD
Start your Canadian HazLoc certification journey with us today.
