CompEx

Summary of Key Points

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UNIT 1 - GENERAL PRINCIPLES
1. The 3 elements required for the combustion of a flammable gas/air mixture
are Oxygen, Ignition Source and Fuel. An enclosure is NOT required.

2. Ignition Temperature is the temperature at which a flammable gas/air

mixture will ignite spontaneously without an external ignition source.

3. Flashpoint is the temperature at which a gas/air mixture will ignite in the

presence of an external ignition source. Flashpoints are normally
associated with gas vapour in the liquid state.

4. In the IEC system, Group I equipment is reserved for the mining industry.
Group II is for surface industries with gas hazards. Group III is for surface
industries with dust hazards.

5. Equipment sub-group where Propane is the representative gas is IIA.

Equipment sub-group where Ethylene is the representative gas is IIB.
6. Equipment sub-group where Hydrogen is the representative gas is IIC.
7. Acetylene is also in IIC.

8. Equipment marked II may be used in ALL gases

9. Equipment marked IIA can only be used in IIA gases
10. Equipment marked IIB can be used in IIB and IIA gases
11. Equipment marked IIC can be used in all gases

12. In Zone 0, a flammable gas/air mixture is present continuously or for long

periods of frequently

13. In Zone 1, a flammable gas/air mixture is likely to occur in normal

operation occasionally.

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 14. In Zone 2, a flammable gas/air mixture is unlikely to occur in normal
operation, but if it does occur, is infrequent and will persist for a short
duration only.

15. Zone representation (Zone 0, 1, 2) in a hazardous area classification drawing

is as indicated by drawing key symbols.

16. The property of a flammable gas that must be considered to determine the
appropriate T-class of the equipment is the ignition temperature of the gas.

17. The T-class is based on the maximum temperature of any part of the
equipment which may be in contact with an explosive gas when operated
within its designed rating and maximum ambient.

18. There are 6 temperature classes (T-class) for explosion protected equipment,
T1 to T6. For example, T5 means a max surface temperature of 100 deg C.

19. The T-class marking on the equipment label indicates that the relevant ignition
surfaces will not exceed the T-class temperature during normal or
specified fault conditions

20. Under the Ingress Protection code, the numbers after the letters IP
represent solid particles (first digit) and water (second digit).

Check True or False:

1. Equipment marked Ex e II T6 can be used with all Group II gases/vapours in

Zone 1 or 2. (T) (F)

2. The following methods of explosion protection is suitable for use in locations

requiring EPL Gb (Category 2G): Ex d, Ex e, Ex px, Ex py, Ex o, Ex q
(T) (F)
3. Equipment marked Ex d IIC T3 may be used in locations requiring EPL Gb
and Gc (Categories 2G and 3G), with all gases. (T) (F)

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 4. The zones for dust hazards are Zone 20, Zone 21 and Zone 22. (T) (F)

5. The process where an aluminium ladder strikes rusty steelwork called

thermite reaction can produce incendive sparks. (T) (F)

6. The maximum surface temperature of equipment for T3 class is 200 deg C.

(T) (F)

7. Equipment with sub-division IIC is necessary in an acetylene hazard. (T) (F)

8. Inside of the petrol tank is normally classified as Zone 0 because the air/gas
mixture may be present continuously. (T) (F)

9. Areas at the base of the tank up to the height of the bund wall around the
tank, is designated Zone 1 because the gas-air mixture is likely to occur in
normal operation. (T) (F)

10. Areas further away around the tank, at the base level, where vapour is only
likely to appear if there is a major spillage is designated Zone 2. (T) (F)

11. Apparatus safe for hydrogen is usable in any gas because hydrogen is the
most easily ignitable gas. (T) (F)

12. The T-class of an Ex equipment is the maximum surface temperature attained

when operating at design rating & maximum ambient temperature. (T) (F)

UNIT 2 - STANDARDS, CERTIFICATION AND MARKING

1. IEC 60079-14 covers the selection and installation of electrical equipment

for use in potentially explosive gas atmospheres.

2. IEC 60079-17 covers the inspection and maintenance of electrical

equipment for use in potentially explosive gas atmospheres.

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 3. For explosion protected equipment, IEC and European (Euro-Norms)
standards are technically identical.

4. EU directives are concerned with the removal of technical barriers to trade

between European Union member countries.

5. ATEX 95 Directive is concerned with the design of equipment in potentially

hazardous areas.

6. ATEX 137 Directive is concerned with workplace safety and health of

personnel at risk from explosive atmospheres.

7. Any product meeting the requirements of the ATEX Directive (EU directive) for

that product will carry the CE mark.

8. When used as a certification number suffix, the alphabet ‘U’ indicates that the
apparatus has component certification e.g. SIRA 09 ATEX 3176U.
Components are defined as “any item essential to the safe functioning of
equipment and protective systems but with no autonomous function”.
Examples include increased safety certified terminal and flameproof
pushbutton switch.

9. When used as a certification number suffix, the alphabet ‘X’ indicates that
special conditions of use apply to the apparatus e.g. IECEx BAS 06.0014X.
It is necessary to refer to the actual certificate to find out the conditions and
check that they have been complied with.

10. Apparatus marked [Ex ia] can only be installed in a non-hazardous area.

11. Apparatus marked Ex d [ia] means that the enclosure is flameproof having an
associated IS equipment inside that can be installed in hazardous area.

12. If not marked on the certification label, the ambient rating of equipment can be
assumed to be from -20 deg C to +40 deg C.

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 13. If ambient rating of equipment is higher than the normal range (above), the
marking will be, as an example, -40 deg C < Tamb < +50 deg C.

14. For use in higher ambient temperature the marking shall be Ta +50 deg C.

15. EPL/Cat provides an alternative to the traditional method of selecting

equipment to suit the zone.
16. Zoning does not consider consequences of an ignition.
17. EPL in IEC system & Category in ATEX system enables risk assessment
approach to selection of equipment.
18. For surface industries (non-mining), the gas group is Group II and the
Equipment Categories are Cat 1, 2 and 3.

19. IEC Equipment Protection Level EPL a, b, and c correspond with ATEX
Equipment Categories 1, 2 and 3.

20. Risk assessment may dictate use of higher EPL/Cat equipment in a lower
requirement area due to the higher than normal consequences of an
ignition. (i.e., Zone 1 may require EPL “Ga” equipment).

21. Risk assessment may dictate use of lower EPL/Cat equipment in a higher
requirement area due to the lower than normal consequences of an
ignition. (i.e., Zone 1 may require EPL “Gc” equipment).

IEC Zoning ATEX Category IEC EPL Protection Types

0 Cat 1G Ga Ex ia, Ex ma, Ex sa
1 Cat 2G Gb All except Ex n, Ex ic, Ex mc, Ex pz
2 Cat 3G Gc Ex n including all others
Note: Zones 20, 21, 22 are for dust atmospheres and EPL are Da, Db, Dc

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Check True or False:

1. Two letters used by Notified Bodies to define specific aspects relevant to

certification are U and X. (T) (F)

2. For explosion protected equipment, BS EN60079-14 is identical to IEC60079-

14. (T) (F)

3. In the EU, the certification authorities are known as Notified bodies. (T) (F)

4. EPL is the international abbreviation equivalent of ATEX Categories. (T) (F)

5. The EPL ‘a’ means very high level of protection. (T) (F)

6. Equipment meeting Gc requirements provides ‘enhanced’ level of protection

and is not a source of ignition in normal operation. (T) (F)

7. Equipment with EPL Gb for explosive gas atmospheres provides a high level
of protection against becoming a source of ignition. (T) (F)

8. Ex equipment marked with EPL ‘a’ may be used in Zone 0, 1 or 2. (T) (F)

9. The purpose of EU directives is to improve trade between EU nations through

alignment of technical and legal requirements. (T) (F)

10. Equipment marked Ex n II T4 may be used in hydrogen location where the

EPL requirement is Gc. (T) (F)

UNIT 3 - FLAMEPROOF Ex d
1. Flameproof is the only method in which gases can enter without
compromising safety.
2. Flameproof is an explosion protection method in which an explosion is
permitted. An internal explosion will not ignite an external gas.

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 3. Flameproof equipment is designed to contain an internal explosion.

4. Ex d equipment can be installed in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc

(Categories 2G or 3G), in general.

5. Ex d flamepath joint types include flanged joint, spigot joint and screwed
joint.

6. IEC standard for flameproof Ex d equipment indicates the maximum

permitted joint gaps and minimum joint width. This requirement is there to
cool the hot gases/products of an internal explosion and prevent them being
transmitted to an external flammable gas-air mixture.

7. Cable glands entering flameproof enclosures are required to achieve a

minimum of 5 full thread engagement. This is to ensure non-transmission
of an internal explosion to any external surrounding flammable gas-air
mixture.

8. Obstruction of the flamepath openings of the flanged joints of Ex d enclosures

by solid obstructions requires minimum clearances;
9. Gas sub-group IIA – 10mm
10. Gas sub-group IIB – 30mm
11. Gas sub-group IIC – 40mm

12. To improve the IP rating, non-hardening grease bearing textile tape may
be applied in the gap of a flameproof flanged joint, except for IIC group.

13. Non-setting grease may be used on machined joint surfaces of a flameproof

enclosure for corrosion protection.

14. Pressure piling in a flameproof enclosure is caused by alteration of the

internal component layout. Ignition in one part of the enclosure causes a
higher explosion pressure in another interconnected part.

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 15. To ensure safe operation, the minimum requirement for tightening the cover
bolts of flameproof enclosure is: All bolts fitted and spanner tight.

16. Installing metric thread cable glands to old flameproof equipment with imperial
thread forms at cable gland entries may be done by using an Ex d adaptor
with appropriate thread forms.

Check True or False:

1. Flameproof equipment certified for use in sub-division IIB may be used in

locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc (Category 2G or 3G) with IIA or IIB gases.
(T) (F)

2. Components which arc or spark in normal operation are permitted within Ex'd'
enclosures. (T) (F)

3. Non-setting grease can be applied to a flameproof flange gap faces to prevent

corrosion. (T) (F)

4. It is not a good practice to remove an unused component from within a

flameproof enclosure. (T) (F)

5. In flameproof installations, only one reducer may be used with a cable gland.
(T) (F)

6. In flameproof installations, only one reducer may be used with a cable gland
adapter. (T) (F)

7. Non-hardening grease-bearing tape shall not be applied to Group IIC

enclosures. (T) (F)

8. The flameproof enclosure is not tested for its ability to withstand the effects of
an internal electrical fault. (T) (F)

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 9. According to IEC standards, maximum gap dimension is determined by the
gas group, internal volume of enclosure, type of joint and width of the joint.
(T) (F)

10. Only threaded entries are allowed for cable glands entering flameproof
enclosures. Clearance holes are not allowed. (T) (F)

11. Drilling and tapping additional entry holes in flameproof enclosures is

considered as unauthorised modification. (T) (F)

UNIT 4 - INCREASED SAFETY Ex e and TYPE n Ex n

1. For Ex ‘e’ certified apparatus, there are two main criteria when specifying the
apparatus:
a. Sparking equipment not permitted, and
b. Heat development controlled.

2. Ex e equipment can be installed in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc

(Category 2G or 3G).

3. Seals at the joints of Ex e enclosures are for the purpose of preventing the
ingress of dust and moisture.

4. The minimum IP rating of Ex e enclosures containing live parts is IP54. For

enclosures with no bare live parts, IP44 is sufficient.

5. Important considerations for the use of Ex e terminals include:

a. Specified creepage and clearance distances
b. Certified and de-rating of terminals
c. Unless otherwise specified, only one conductor per terminal is
permitted.

6. For Ex e motors, tE time is defined as the disconnection time limit for a

stalled motor (locked rotor) when running hot. Under fault conditions, the
motor must trip within the tE time specified on its nameplate.

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 7. Ex e motors are generally designed for continuous duty only.

8. Ex n equipment can only be installed in locations requiring EPL Gc

(Category 3G).

9. The 4 variations of Ex n equipment are nL (energy limited), nC (protected

sparking), nA (non-sparking) and nR (restricted breathing).

10. Ex nC (protected sparking) includes devices protected by: sealing, hermetic-

sealing, enclosed-break, non-incentive methods and encapsulation.

11. Gland entries on some Ex nR equipment may require the use of special
sealing arrangements. If so, restricted breathing washers will be provided
by the equipment manufacturer. Refer to document supplied by the
manufacturer.

12. Ex nL equipment may be installed in an Ex ic intrinsically safe circuit

provided its parameters are appropriate.

13. Ex nC (encapsulation) has been replaced by Ex mc.

14. Ex nC (enclosed-break) has been replaced by Ex dc.

15. Ex nA has been replaced by Ex ec.

Check True or False:

1. For Ex e equipment installed in 2005, an uncertified plastic gland is not

acceptable. (T) (F)

2. Installed in 2009, an Ex d motor has an Ex e terminal box. An Ex d or Ex e

cable gland may be used on a SWA cable. (T) (F)

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 3. An Ex e motor with rating plate specifying ‘tE 6 secs T3’ means that to
maintain T3, the control gear must disconnect the motor within 6 secs if the
motor stalls after reaching its normal operating temperature. (T) (F)

4. In 2008, cable glands installed into Ex n boxes are required to be certified as

meeting the requirements of IEC 60079-0. (T) (F)

5. Ex e IIB T4 may be installed in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc (Category

2G or 3G), IIA or IIB gases. (T) (F)

6. In practice, Ex nL and Ex ic are similar. (T) (F)

7. Ex nR II T4 is suitable for use in a location requiring EPL Gc (Category 3G)

where the hazardous gas is hydrogen. (T) (F)

8. The type of explosion protection method in a motor marked Ex nA II T3 is

called Non-sparking. (T) (F)

9. Ex ‘e’ equipment is mechanically strong to withstand damage from impact.

(T) (F)

10. Ex ‘e’ terminals are de‐rated from their standard industrial rating. (T) (F)

11. Power supply modules for intrinsically safe type ia may be installed inside an
Ex n enclosure in a location requiring EPL Gc (Category 3G). (T) (F)

UNIT 5 - PRESSURISATION Ex p
1. Pressurisation is defined as a technique of guarding against the INGRESS
of the external atmosphere into an enclosure by maintaining a protective
gas therein at a pressure ABOVE that of the external atmosphere.

2. Ex p is designed to prevent flammable gas entering into equipment.

3. Ex p may be installed in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc (Categories 2G or

3G).

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 4. There are 3 types of pressurisation including Ex px, Ex py and Ex pz.

5. Ex px is the type of protection permitted in locations requiring EPL Gb

(Category 2G) where the enclosure contains ignition-capable equipment.

6. Ex py is the type of protection permitted in locations requiring EPL Gb

(Category 2G) where the enclosure does not contain ignition-capable
equipment.

7. Ex pz (including px) is the type of protection permitted in locations requiring

EPL Gc (Category 3G) where the enclosure contains ignition-capable
equipment.

8. The pressurisation air shall be drawn from a defined non-hazardous area

and exhausted into a non-hazrdous area.

9. Alternatively, pressurisation air shall be taken from zone 2 only, if gas

detectors are fitted.

10. Shall be exhausted into zone 1 or zone 2 if spark/particle arrestor is

fitted.

11. No pressurisation is required in locations requiring EPL Gc (Category 3G)

where the enclosure does not contain ignition-capable equipment.

12. According to IEC 60079-14, if pressurisation fails in an enclosure with

ignition-capable equipment, not containing any internal gas releases, in a
location requiring EPL Gb (Category 2G), alarm shall operate and supply
switched off.

13. If pressurisation fails in an enclosure without ignition-capable equipment,

not containing any internal gas releases, in a location requiring EPL Gb
(Category 2G), alarm shall operate and immediate action shall be taken
to restore the integrity of the system.

14. If pressurisation fails in an enclosure with ignition-capable equipment, not

containing any internal gas releases, in a location requiring EPL Gc

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 (Category 3G), alarm shall operate and immediate action shall be taken
to restore the integrity of the system.

15. If pressurisation fails in an enclosure without ignition-capable equipment,

not containing any internal gas releases, in a location requiring EPL Gc
(Category 3G), no action needed.

Check True or False:

1. The type of pressurisation to be used depends on i) required EPL for the

equipment in the location ii) any internal source of release and iii) whether
equipment inside the enclosure is ignition-capable. (T) (F)

2. For gas analyzers, there is a containment system within the enclosure which
could be an internal source of gas release. (T) (F)

3. According to IEC standards, the minimum over-pressure is 50 Pa for type Ex

px and Ex py and 25 Pa for type pz. (T) (F)

4. According to IEC standards, pressurised enclosures including ducts and pipes

must be good condition. (T) (F)

5. An inert gas, such as nitrogen, may be used to maintain overpressure.

(T) (F)

6. When an inert gas is employed as the safe gas, warning notices must be fitted
on inspection covers/doors etc. (T) (F)

7. The exhaust duct of pressurised enclosures may be located in a hazardous

area if a spark/particle arrestor is fitted. (T) (F)

8. The pressure switch normally mounted on the Ex p enclosure will need to be

Ex protected. (T) (F)

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 9. Associated apparatus used in the pressurisation monitoring system and
marked [Ex p] will need to be installed in a safe area. (T) (F)

10. If the pressurisation control system is for use in the hazardous area, the
marking is Ex [p] (T) (F)

11. The standards specify that the minimum volume of the safe gas required to
achieve adequate purging is equivalent to 5 times the internal volume of the
enclosure and associated ducting. (T) (F)

12. For type px or type py pressurisation, the T-class shall be based on the higher
of the hottest external surface of the enclosure or the hottest internal
component surface. (T) (F).

UNIT 6 - INTRINSIC SAFETY Ex i

1. Intrinsic Safety (IS) is a low energy signalling technique that prevents

explosion by ensuring that the energy transferred to a hazardous area is well
below the energy required to initiate ignition.

2. IS circuit is controlled to reduce potential spark energy to below that would

ignite any flammable gas present.

3. Compared with other protection methods, IS systems have a higher level of

documentation because Intrinsic Safety is a system concept.

4. Ex ia has the highest level of safety and integrity.

5. Ex ia equipment is suitable for use in locations requiring EPL Ga (Category

1G) including EPL Gb or Gc (Categories 2G or 3G).

6. Ex ib equipment is suitable for use in locations requiring EPL Gb or Gc

(Category 2G or 3G)

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 15 of 26

 7. Ex ic equipment is suitable for use only in locations requiring EPL Gc
(Category 3G).

8. Ex ic equipment may be used to replace older Ex nL equipment.

9. IS circuit with both Ex ia and Ex ib equipment installed in the same circuit is

considered as an Ex ib loop.

10. Associated apparatus [Ex ia] IIC may only be installed in a non-hazardous
area.

11. For associated apparatus suitable for installation in a hazardous area, and
where the energy limitation is provided inside Ex d equipment in the
hazardous area, the marking will be Ex d [ia].

12. Simple apparatus is not required to be certified. Marking is not required.

Simple apparatus includes passive devices, sources of stored energy and
generated energy components provided they generate not more than 1.5V,
100mA and 25mW.

13. Light emitting diode (L.E.D) is a simple apparatus.

14. The function of the interface (associated apparatus) is to limit the energy into
the hazardous area and is called IS Safety Barrier. Zener Barrier and
Galvanic Isolator are two types of IS barriers.

15. Only equipment specified in the system documentation may be

connected to the output of the I.S Safety Barrier (Interface) .

16. The maximum permitted r.m.s supply voltage (Um) at the non-IS terminals of
an IS barrier is as specified in the documentation.

17. Zener Barriers require dedicated high-integrity earthing to maintain the

security of IS circuits.

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 18. The maximum resistance of the cables connecting a Zener barrier earth bar
and the main earth should not exceed 1 ohm.

19. The minimum cross-sectional area of IS earth conductor is:

a. At least one 4mm2 copper conductor, or
b. At least two separate 1.5mm2 copper conductors.

20. In Zener barrier, the earth cable must be insulated and the insulation
undamaged along its entire length. IS earth must never be connected to
plant or enclosure earth.

21. The IS circuit in the hazardous area must be able to withstand a 500Vr.m.s
(750Vdc) insulation resistance test to earth. Minimum IR is 1 M-ohm.

22. The major advantage of galvanic isolator barrier is that a dedicated

intrinsically safe earth is NOT required.

23. When choosing cables for an IS circuit, the cable inductance and
capacitance are relevant.

24. Enclosures containing IS circuits should be labelled that all circuits are
intrinsically safe.

25. Light blue colour is recommended for the identification of IS cables.

26. When using test instruments in IS circuits, the test instrument should be
approved for use in an IS circuit.

27. A Zener barrier may be tested to check if the fuse has blown by measuring
the resistance between the IS and non-IS terminals after the barrier has
been disconnected from the IS circuit.

28. Live work (under PTW) on IS installations in the hazardous area which has
not been declared gas-free, is permitted.
29. On hand-over of a newly installed IS system, NO faults are permissible.

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 17 of 26

Check True or False:

1. Um 250V marked on the label of an item of intrinsically safe apparatus

indicates that the barrier has been designed for a 250V ac supply. (T) (F)

2. In IS circuits, low voltage screened cables will have an outer sheath capable
of withstanding a minimum test voltage of 500Vr.m.s (750Vdc). (T) (F)

3. When terminating non-IS multi-core cables, the unused cores should be

terminated in unearthed terminals. (T) (F)

4. The unused cable cores in a multi-core cable carrying IS circuits should be

connected to separate terminals at field end and to IS earth at the barrier end.
(T) (F)

5. If only multi-pair cable were available to connect to a sensor requiring 3

conductors, 2 cores should be used from 1 pair and the 3 rd core from another
pair. The remaining core should be treated as an unused core. (T) (F).

6. An I S system has an Ex ia IIC field device and an associated barrier marked

[Ex ib] IIC. The overall system is Ex ib IIC. (T) (F)

7. Ex 'ia' equipment permits two countable faults to occur, yet the circuit will still
remain safe. (T) (F)

8. The IS circuit must consider all the electrical devices and connecting cables
which are part of the instrument loop in the hazardous area, and the part or
parts directly connected to these devices, even though they may be located
and operated in the safe area. (T) (F)

9. In the Zener barrier, the fuse and the resistor are infallible components.
(T) (F)

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 18 of 26

 10. The highest current that can be sourced from the circuit into the hazardous
area is limited by the resistor. (T) (F)

11. The Zener diode is connected in reverse-bias mode to limit the voltage going
into the hazardous area. (T) (F)

12. The safety fuse, generally ceramic powder-filled, blows when short-circuit
occurs in the Zener diode. (T) (F)

UNIT 7 - WIRING SYSTEMS & INSTALLATIONS

1. The installation of equipment in hazardous locations essentially requires an

understanding of various “Ex” Protection types.

2. According to IEC 60079-14 standard, technicians/operatives are required to

be familiar with the particular techniques to be used for the selection
and erection of equipment.

3. IEC 60079-14 specifies the assessment requirements of technicians or

operatives. They are required to provide evidence of having the necessary
skills for the scope of work, competence across range of activities and
of relevant knowledge and understanding underpinning competency.

4. IEC 60079-14 specifies the cable requirements for fixed equipment in Zone 1
& 2. Fixed cables, sheathed in thermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomeric
material, for non-IS circuits installed in hazardous areas, must be circular,
compact, with extruded bedding and non-hygroscopic fillers (if any).

5. Copper conductors may be used for all sizes of cables, but aluminium
conductors of cables (except IS cables) in hazardous areas must have a
cross-sectional area not less than 16mm2.

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 19 of 26

 6. E1FW is a flameproof gland for single wire armoured (SWA) cable while
E1FX is a flameproof gland for braided wire armour.
a. A2F is a flameproof gland for unarmoured cable.

7. After 2007, cable glands for Exe (and for Ex n) must be certified as meeting
the requirements of IEC 60079-0

8. Before 2007, uncertified metal glands could be used if they meet the
specified Ex e impact and IP requirements.

9. It is normally a condition of safe use (‘X’ suffix on certificate) for glands for
used on braided armoured cable that the gland shall only be used for fixed
equipment and the cable must be effectively clamped (preferably within
300mm from gland) to prevent pulling and twisting.

10. Cable glands, stoppers, breathers etc. must maintain the IP rating of the
enclosure (minimum IP54). Threaded holes in enclosure walls or gland
plates that are 6mm thick or greater will meet IP 54. Fit gland is
adequate.

11. For a threaded hole where the thickness is less than 6mm, the gland will
require an IP washer and an internal locknut to maintain IP54.

12. For clearance hole at an Ex e steel enclosure, to maintain IP54, the

following are required: Fit gland, external IP washer, internal locknut and
serrated washer.

13. For clearance hole at an Ex e plastic terminal box with no internal earth
plate, the following are required: Fit gland, earth tag, external IP washer and
internal locknut.

14. Spare cores shall be adequately separated and terminated in unearthed

terminals.

15. Separation of the individual strands of cables must be prevented by the use
of core-end ferrules or cable lugs.

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 16. IS Cables can be run with non-IS Cables provided the IS Cable or the non-IS
Cable is armoured, metal-sheathed or screened.

17. The screen of a cable in an IS circuit must be connected to points as

shown in the hook-up or loop diagram.
18. I.S cable screen wires are insulated and earthed at point only to avoid
invasion of stray incendive currents.
19. For devices requiring 3 conductors, if only pair cables are available, two
cores shall be used from one pair and one from another pair. The unused
core must be treated as spare core.
20. The minimum clearance between bare conducting parts of conductors
connected to a terminal and earthed metal on IS equipment is 3mm.
21. The minimum clearance between adjacent terminals of different IS circuits
is 6mm.
22. IS and non-IS terminals/wires in the same enclosure should be separated by
a minimum clearance distance of 50mm.

23. According to IEC 60079-14, the following restriction apply to Ex e and Ex n

light fittings:
a. Lamps using non-conductive materials with a conductive coating
shall not be used unless tested with the equipment.

24. The limitation for installation materials, such as cable trays, in an area
requiring EPL Ga rated equipment is that the total content of aluminium,
magnesium, titanium and zirconium does not exceed 10%.

25. The limitation for installation materials, such as cable trays, in an area
requiring EPL Gb rated equipment is that the total content of magnesium,
titanium and zirconium does not exceed 7.5%.

26. There is no limitation for installation materials, such as cable trays, in

locations requiring EPL Gc rated equipment.

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 21 of 26

 27. According to IEC 60079-14 standard, the limit for the insulation resistance
of plastic covered cable tray in order to avoid static electricity is not
exceeding 1 G-ohm.

28. According to IEC 60079-14 standard, reduction of static electricity on new

plastic covered cable trays may be achieved by limiting the surface area of
the tray.

Check True or False:

1. An uncertified plastic gland was not permitted for terminating SWA cable into
an Ex e terminal box before the year 2007. (T) (F).

2. Before work is carried out in a hazardous location, it is necessary to

understand the basic requirements for working in the zones of the hazardous
areas. (T) (F)

3. An Ex de flameproof machine is cabled with SWA cable. Ex d/Ex e E1FW

gland type should be used for the cabling to the indirect entry Ex e terminal
box. (T) (F)

4. Equipment marked Ex o and Ex q may be installed in locations requiring EPL

Gb or Gc (Category 2G or 3G). (T) (F)

5. Glands used on an Ex de flameproof machine, installed in 2009, fitted with an

Ex e terminal box would be Ex d or Ex e type. (T) (F)

6. Glands suitable for use on a flameproof enclosure that contains apparatus

with IS output would be a flameproof gland suitable for both cable and
enclosure. (T) (F)

7. The minimum gland requirement for an Ex de flameproof machine, installed

in 2005, fitted with an Ex e terminal box would be an uncertified metal gland
meeting the impact and IP requirements for Ex e. (T) (F)

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 22 of 26

 8. Using circular, compact cables with extruded bedding and SWA, the minimum
gland requirement permitted on a direct entry Ex d IIC enclosure with a
volume of 1 litre, in a group IIB location requiring EPL Gb (Category 2G)
would be a certified E1FW Ex d IIC gad. (T) (F)

9. In type IT system where the earth and neutral conductors are not connected,
the use of insulation monitoring devices to detect earth fault as a warning to
failure is recommended. (T) (F)

10. IS barrier and cabling may be installed in a hazardous location requiring EPL
Gc (Category 3) if they are installed inside Type n enclosure. (T) (F)

UNIT 8 - INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE

1. “Ex” equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres should be

inspected and maintained in accordance with IEC60079-17 standard.

2. In association with a PTW, a gas-free certificate is required for work

involving testing or fault finding using electrical test instruments and/or tools in
a hazardous area.

3. The minimum isolation requirements prior to working on the interior of a

single-phase electrical equipment located in a hazardous area is this, to
operate the double-pole (phase and neutral) isolator and padlock it in the OFF
position.

4. According to IEC 60079-17 standard, technicians/operatives are required to

be familiar with the particular techniques to be employed in the
inspection and maintenance of equipment referred in this standard.

5. For each type of Ex equipment, three grades of inspection are specified.

These are visual, close and detailed inspections.

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 23 of 26

 6. Visual inspection is an inspection which identifies, without the use of tools or
access equipment, those defects apparent to the eye.

7. Inspections carried out from ground are Visual inspection.

8. Close inspection is an inspection, including aspects covered by visual

inspection, which identifies defects only apparent using access equipment
(ladder) and tools.

9. Detailed inspection is an inspection, including aspects covered by close

inspection, which identifies those defects which will only be apparent by
opening the enclosure using, where necessary, tools and test equipment.
Power must be isolated under PTW for non-IS apparatus.

10. Three types of inspection are specified in IEC60079-14 & 17. These are
initial, periodic and sample inspections.

11. Initial inspection is required on the new equipment before they are brought
into service.

12. The grade of inspection involved in an installation before brought into service
is detailed inspection.

13. Point-to-point connections in Ex ‘i’ installations are to be carried out during

initial inspections.

14. The maximum interval between the periodic inspection of portable and
transportable equipment is 1 year.

15. For fixed equipment, the recommended interval between periodic

inspections is not exceeding 3 years.

16. Fault-finding or testing in a hazardous location is permitted when a gas-free

certificate has been obtained.

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 24 of 26

 17. Minimum isolation requirement before opening electrical equipment in a
hazardous location is lock an on-load double-pole (phase and neutral)
isolator in the off position, and tagged with appropriate caution notice.

18. Where VISUAL inspections are carried out on Ex ‘d’, Ex ‘e’ & Ex ‘n’
equipment, the essential requirements are:

a. Area classification Drawing

19. and ensure that,
20. Apparatus circuit identification available
21. There is no visible unauthorised modifications

22. Where CLOSE inspections are carried out on Ex ‘d’, Ex ‘e’ & Ex ‘n’
equipment, the essential requirement is tools to check the tightness of fixing
bolts, etc.

a. For I.S apparatus (Ex ‘i’), CLOSE inspection ensures that,

23. Installation is clearly labelled.

a. For pressurised (Ex ‘p’) equipment CLOSE inspection ensures that,

24. Ducts, pipes and enclosures are in good condition.

Check True or False:

1. In a visual / Close inspection on Ex d, e or n equipment, a requirement would

include checking that apparatus circuit identification is available. (T) (F)

2. In the inspection of Ex d equipment, checking that apparatus circuit

identification is correct would be a detailed inspection. (T) (F)

3. In a visual inspection of an Ex e equipment, a requirement would include

checking that there have been no visible unauthorised modifications. (T) (F)

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 25 of 26

 4. In the inspection of Ex d, e or n equipment, checking that motor fans have
sufficient clearance to enclosure and/or covers would be a detailed inspection.
(T) (F)

5. In detailed inspection of Ex ‘n’ equipment, checking that enclosed-break

devices are undamaged is a requirement. (T) (F).

6. Dismantling an Ex d cable gland to inspect would be a detailed inspection.

(T) (F)

7. In the inspection of intrinsically safe apparatus, a close inspection would

include checking that the installation is clearly labelled. (T) (F)

8. In initial detailed inspection of Ex ‘i’ (intrinsic safety) equipment, checking that

point-to-point connections are correct is a requirement. (T) (F)

Note: Answer for all the “TRUE” or “FALSE” questions is “TRUE”

Date Modified – 21/February/2020 Page 26 of 26