[Basic concepts for explosion protection]

General Index

1. Introduction Pag. 2

2. Group and equipment category Pag. 3

3. North American Standards Pag. 5

4. Conformity Pag. 6

5. Comparison of IEC Publication and European Standards (EN) Pag. 7

6. Types of protection Pag. 8

7. Protection concept Pag. 17

8. Apparatus groups & temperature classes for common flammable materials Pag. 18

9. Temperature Class (group II) Pag. 18

10. Marking Pag. 19

11. SCAME products range Pag. 22

ZENITH P Series
Increased Safety Enclosures and Terminal Boxes for Applications
in Hazardous Environments Pag. 23
ALUBOX-Ex Series
Junction boxes in aluminium alloy Pag. 31
ADVANCE GRP Series
Interlocked switch sockets outlets Pag. 32
OPTIMA-Ex Series
Industrial plugs Pag. 33
ISOLATORS Series
Switch-disconnectors Pag. 34

1. Introduction
Products for use in explosive atmospheres ATEX
Here is a simple guide to ATEX, its meaning and how to choose the right products for your application.

What is ATEX?
ATEX is a European Directive (94/9/EC) valid for products to be used within an explosive atmosphere. The
ATEX directive has been in force throughout the European Union since 1 July 2003, replacing the existing
different national and European legislation relating to explosive atmospheres.

ATEX = ATmosphere EXplosive

Why ATEX?
An ambience with the potential to become an explosive atmosphere during operating conditions and/or
under the influence of the environment is defined as a potentially explosive atmosphere. Products covered
by directive 94/9/EC are defined as intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Directive 94/9/EC defines an explosive atmosphere as a mixture of:
a) flammable substances gases, vapors, mists or dusts
b) with air
c) under specific atmospheric conditions
d) in which, after ignition has occurred, combustion spreads to the flammable mixture

Harmonised European ATEX standard

The European Union has adopted two harmonized directives in the field of health and safety. The directives
are known as ATEX 100a and ATEX 137.
Directive ATEX 100a (94/9/EC) lays down minimum safety requirements for products intended for use in
potentially explosive atmospheres in European Union member states.
Directive ATEX 137 (99/92/EC) defines minimum requirements for health and safety at the workplace, for
working conditions and for the handling of products and materials in potentially explosive atmospheres. This
directive divides the workplace into zones and defines criteria by which products are categorized within these
zones.
ATEX

ATEX 94/9/EC ATEX 199/92/EC

(ATEX 100a) (ATEX 137)

Products directive Workers directive

Covers manufacturers health and safety Covers and users minimum requirements for
requirements health and safety protection of workers

ATEX 100a ATEX 137

Product directive Workers directive

Products requirements Risks analysis

Product test Zones identification

Quality audit Assessment
Certificates documentation instructions Explosion protection document

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

DIRECTIVE 1999/92/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

AND OF THE COUNCIL
dated 16 December 1999

on minimum requirements to improve the safety and health protection of workers

potentially at risk of explosive atmospheres (15th individual Directive within the meaning
of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC)

Gives the minimum requirements in the field of safety and health protection of workers potentially at
risk of explosive atmospheres.
Define obligations of the employer
Defines Zones and criteria for selection of equipment and protective systems

DIRECTIVE 94/9/EC OH THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

AND THE COUNCIL
dated 23 March 1994

on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning equipment and
protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres

Applied to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Covers all risk of explosion (not only those from electrical origin)
Covers both application for mines and for other application
Applied to equipment, components, safety devices, controlling devices and regulating devices .

2. Group and equipment category

Group I Group II
Mines and surface installations of such mines Other places

Category M1 Category 1
very high level of protection very high level of protection
Category M2 Category 2
high level of protection high level of protection
Category 3
normal level of protection

Group II - Zones
Frequency and duration of the occurrence of an explosive
GAS DUST
atmosphere

0 20 continuously present or for long periods or frequently

1 21 occasionally

2 22 not likely to occur

Potentially explosive atmospheres

For an explosive atmosphere to form, the flammable material must be
present in a certain concentration. If the concentration is too low (lean
mixture) or too high (rich mixture), no explosion occurs, rather there is just a
slow combustion reaction or none at all. It is only in the range between the
lower and upper explosion limit that the mixture reacts explosively when
ignited. The explosion limits depend on the ambient pressure and the
proportion of oxygen in the air.

Group II Categories - Zones

Frequency and duration of the
Category GAS DUST occurrence of an explosive Level of protection
atmosphere

very high
Continuously present or for
1 0 20 long periods or frequently.
2 means of prot.
2 faults
high
2 1 21 occasionally 1 mean of prot.
1 fault
normal
3 2 22 not likely to occur
guaranted in normal operation

Conformity assessment procedures

Category Type of products Procedure
CE type-examination (Annex III)
1
All Production quality assurance (Annex IV) or product verification
M1
(Annex V)
2 CE type-examination (Annex III) Conformity to type referred
Electric
M2 (Annex VI) or Product quality assurance (Annex VII)
2 Internal control of production (Annex VIII) and communicate the
Not-electric
M2 dossier to a notified body
3 All Internal control of production (Annex VIII)

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

3. North American Standards

In North America all electrical installations are governed by the National Electric Code (NEC).
Electrical equipment used in ordinary, wet and hazardous (or classified) locations must be listed by an
accredited approval agency for use in the intended location. The hazardous locations include areas in which
flammable, combustible or ignitable substances may occur
in hazardous quantities. Article 501 Codes of the NEC use a different way of categorizing the hazardous
locations, which is by Class and Division, compared with the European and IEC standards, which have
adopted the Zonal method. Electrical apparatus approved in North America for use in hazardous locations
must be categorized with an Equipment Class and suitable for a specified Division and Gas Group.

Classifications are made in line with the type of combustible material as follows;
Class I Flammable gases, vapors or mists
Class II Combustible dusts
Class III Ignitable fibers and flying

In 1996 article 505 was introduced to the NEC which allowed Zonal classification of hazardous areas. This
now means that products can be approved as follows:

Either, or
Class, Division & Gas Group Class, Zone & Gas Group
For example: For example:
Class 1, Division 2, A,B,C,D Class 1, Zone 2, IIA, IIB, IIC.

Although this code change permits the use of products that have a Zonal classification, in a similar way to
European practice, the mixing of different forms of equipment
approval across zones or divisions is not acceptable. For
example products approved for Zone 1 do not
necessarily meet the requirements of Division 1, which also
encompasses Zone 0.
Although no direct equivalents exist between European/IEC and
American codes of protection and Area Classification there are
similarities and there is a developing acceptance of
European/IEC methods in North America and vice versa. The
following table shows the basic relationships between the North
American and European Classifications.

Equivalent Division/Zone

NEC European/IEC
Zone 0
Division 1
Zone 1
Division 2 Zone 2

As can be seen from the above table, Division 1 covers both the European / IEC Zones 0 & 1.
Therefore, care must be taken when using zone classified equipment in a Division 1 area to ensure the
suitability of the protection employed.
Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM) are the two main certification bodies in North America
and in some cases electrical equipment may also need to meet certain Marine Standards and be separately
approved by the US Coast Guards, before it can be used e.g. on an offshore oil rig.

4. - Conformity
The following route to CE conformity for electrical apparatus is prescribed according to Directive
94/9/EC.
Depending on the conformity category, it defines which path the manufacturer has to follow towards making
the CE declaration of conformity. The overview below shows these paths for the different conformity
categories.

Conformity-Assessment-Procedure
Stages to be followed on the way to CE conformity and the CE mark

Equipment of group I & II,

category M1 & 1 (*) and Equipment of group I & II, Equipment of group
autonomous protective category M2 & 2 (*) II, category 3 (*)
systems

Motor with internal combustion engine, Internal

EC type examination certificate electrical equipment production control

AND YES NO

QA Product EC type examination Internal EC declaration of

production OR inspection certificate production conformity
control

AND AND

EC declaration EC declaration Conformity QA Forwarding technical CE mark without

of conformity of conformity with design OR product documentation ID number ()
to notified bodies

CE mark with CE mark with EC EC EC declaration

ID number () ID number () declaration of declaration of of conformity
conformity conformity

CE mark
CE mark with CE mark with
without
ID number () ID number () ID number ()

(*) and their components if subject to a separate certification.

() ID number of the notified body, which certified the QA system or inspected the products.

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

5. Comparison of IEC Publication and European Standards (EN)

Electrical Apparatus for Explosive Gas Atmospheres
IEC publications EN
IEC 60079-0 EN 50 014 General requirements
IEC 60079-1 EN 50 018 Construction and verification test of flameproof enclosures of electrical apparatus
IEC 60079-1A - Method of test for ascertainment of maximum experimental safe gap
IEC/TR 60079-2 EN 50 016 Electrical apparatus, type of protection p
IEC 60079-3 EN 50 020 Spark-test apparatus for intrinsically-safe circuits
IEC 60079-4
- Method of test for ignition temperature
IEC 60079-4A
IEC 60079-5 EN 50 017 Powder filling q
IEC 60079-6 EN 50 015 Oil-immersion o
IEC 60079-7 EN 50 019 Increased safety e
IEC 60079-10 EN 60079-10 Classification of hazardous areas
IEC 60079-11 EN 50 020 Intrinsic safety i
Classification of mixtures of gases or vapours with air according to their maximum
IEC 60079-12 EN 50 014
experimental safe gaps and minimum ignition currents
IEC/TR 60079-13 - Construction and use of rooms or buildings protected by pressurization
IEC 60079-14 EN 60079-14 Electrical installations in hazardous areas (other than mines)
IEC 60079-15 pr EN 50 021 Electrical apparatus with type of protection n
IEC/TR 60079-16 - Artificial ventilation for the protection of analyser(s) houses
IEC 60079-17 EN 60079-17 Inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in hazardous areas (other than mines)
IEC 60079-18 EN 50 028 Encapsulation m
Repair and overhaul for apparatus used in potentially explosive atmospheres (other than
IEC 60079-19 pr EN 60079-19
mines or explosives)
IEC/TR 60079-20 - Data for flammable gases and vapours, relating to the use of electrical apparatus

Electrical Apparatus for Use in the Presence of Combustible Dust

IEC publications EN
Part 1: Electrical apparatus protected by enclosures
IEC 61241-1-1
Section 1: Specification for apparatus
Part 1: Electrical apparatus protected by enclosures
IEC 61241-1-2
Section 2: Selection, installation and maintenance
Part 2: Test methods
IEC 61241-2-1
Section 1: Methods for determining the minimum ignition temperatures of dust
Part 2: Test methods
IEC 61241-2-2 EN 61241-2-2
Section 2: Methods for determining the electrical resistivity of dust in layers
Part 2: Test methods
IEC 61241-2-3
Section 3: Methods for determining minimum ignition energy of dust/air mixtures
IEC 61241-3 Part 3: Classification of areas where combustible dust are or may be present

6. Types of protection

Flameproof enclosure
Marking "Ex d" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
A type of protection in which the parts which could ignite an explosive atmosphere are located inside an
enclosure which can withstand the pressure of an explosion of the explosive mixture inside, and prevents the
transmission of the explosion to the explosive atmosphere surrounding the enclosure.
Technically unavoidable gaps are so long and narrow that hot gases jetting out will have lost their power to
cause ignition by the time they reach the outside of the enclosure, or, alternatively, if the gaps are only
required for the manufacturing process they might be sealed with adhesive.
Important design parameters
Mechanical strength in accordance with a defined safety factor to withstand internal explosion
pressure.
As an orientation value, it may be assumed that inside the sphere approx. 0.8 MPa (8 bar) can be
generated and that this sphere used as an EEx d enclosure must be able to withstand a pressure of
1.2 MPa (12 bar).
Any gap between two parts of the enclosure must be kept so narrow and long that hot gas flowing out
will not be able to ignite any explosive atmosphere which may be present in the potentially explosive
atmosphere.
The parameters for the gaps preventing the transmission of the ignition, width/length, are different for
the explosion subgroups IIA, IIB and IIC. The most stringent requirements with regard to the gap
parameters apply to enclosures in explosion subgroup IIC.
Applications
Equipment where, during normal operation, sparks, electric arcs and/or hot surfaces are generated
such as switchgear, slip rings, collectors, adjustable resistors, fuses or lamps, heating cartridges,
friction brakes.

Protection by enclosure
Marking "Ex tD" II 2 D in accordance with IEC 61241-0
Principle
The enclosure is sealed so tight, that no combustible dust can enter. The surface temperature of the external
enclosure is limited.
Important design parameters
Minimum degree of protection in accordance with IEC/EN 60529 IP 6X.
Consideration of dust accumulating on the surface and reduction of permissible surface temperature
with dust layer 5 mm are possible.
Applications
Various equipment where during normal operation sparks, electric arcs or hot surfaces occur and
complex industrial designs (controllers) which by means of this type of protection can be utilized in
the potentially explosive atmosphere.

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

Enclosed break device

Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
Switchgear as a variant of the Ex n type of protection, with contacts which close and open a circuit potentially
able to trigger an explosion, where the enclosure will withstand an internal explosion of a mixture of subgroup
IIA, IIB or IIC without being damaged and without transferring the explosion to the external mixture in the
surrounding area.
Important design parameters
Free internal volume 20 cm.
The encapsulation must permit a permanent temperature of 10 K compared to the maximum
operating temperature
Limited to AC 690 V and 16 A.
Applications
Contact systems

Non-incendive component
Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
Variant of the Ex n type of protection with contacts which close and open a circuit potentially able to trigger
an explosion, where the contact mechanism or the enclosure into which the contacts are enclosed is
designed in such a way that the ignition of a mixture of subgroup IIA, IIB or IIC in the surrounding
environment is prevented as long as defined operating conditions apply.
Important design parameters
Free internal volume 20 cm.
The encapsulation must permit a permanent temperature of 10 K compared to the maximum
operating temperature.
The combination of the parts is tightly sealed or
The design of the contacts will extinguish any incipient flame.
Limited to AC 254 V and 16 A.
L and C are part of the test.
Explosion subgroups IIA, IIB and IIC are to be treated differently.
Applications
Contact systems

Pressurized apparatus
Marking "Ex p" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Marking "Ex pD" II 2 D in accordance with IEC 61241-0
Principle
The ingress of the surrounding atmosphere into the enclosure of electrical equipment is prevented by
maintaining an ignition shield gas (air, inert or a different suitable gas) inside it at a pressure above
atmospheric pressure. The overpressure is maintained with or without constant flushing of the protective gas.
Important design parameters
Strength of the enclosure; the surrounding, flushed enclosure must withstand 1.5 times the
overpressure experienced during normal operation.
Flush before commissioning the electrical equipment.
Shut-down or alarm if the flushing gas flow or overpressure fails.
Applications
Equipment where during normal operation sparks, electric arcs or hot surfaces are generated and
complex industrial equipment (controls) which must be operated in a potentially explosive
atmosphere protected by this type of protection.
Large machines, slip ring or collector motors, switch cabinets and control cabinets and analytical
apparatus.

n-pressurization
Marking "Ex pz" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
Use of a protective gas preventing ignition inside an enclosure to prevent the formation of an explosive
atmosphere inside the enclosure by maintaining a pressure greater than the that in the surrounding
atmosphere.
Important design parameters
The important difference from the pressurized enclosure is the restriction to an enclosure where no
internal sources are available and no flammable gases or vapors can be released.
Strength of the enclosure.
Flush before commissioning the electrical equipment.
Shut-down or alarm if the flushing gas flow or overpressure fails.
Applications
Equipment where during normal operation sparks, electric arcs or hot surfaces are generated and
complex industrial equipment (controls) which must be operated in a potentially explosive
atmosphere protected by this type of protection.
Analytical apparatus without internal sources.

10

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

Powder filling
Marking "Ex q" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
By filling the enclosure with a finely grained powder, an arc within the enclosure is unable, with correct use, to
ignite the explosive atmosphere outside. There must be no risk of ignition by flames, nor by increased
temperatures at the surface of the enclosure.
Important design parameters
The filling such as sand, glass balls etc. has to fulfill specific requirements, as must the design of the
enclosure. The filling must not be able to leave the enclosure, neither during normal operation, nor as
the result of electric arcs or other processes inside the powder-filled enclosure.
Applications
Capacitors, electronic assembly groups or transformers which are used in a potentially explosive
atmosphere. Often components where sparks or hot surfaces occur but whose functioning is not
affected by the finely grained filling.

Oil immersion
1) Marking "Ex o" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
Parts which might ignite an explosive atmosphere are immersed in oil or other non-flammable, insulating
liquid so that gases and vapors above the oil level and outside the enclosure cannot be ignited by electric
arcs or sparks generated below the oil level, or by hot residual gases from the switching process or by hot
surfaces - e. g. on a resistor.
Important design parameters
Stipulated, insulating liquids, e. g. oil
Protection of the liquid from contamination and moisture.
Assurance and possibility of monitoring that the oil level is safe
- when heated up or cooled
- for identification of leaks
Restricted to non-portable devices.
Applications
Large transformers, switchgear, starting resistors and complete starting controllers.

11

Increased safety
Marking "Ex e" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0

Principle
Additional measures provide a higher level of protection. This ensures reliable prevention of unacceptably
high temperatures and sparks or electrical arcs, both on the internal and on the external parts of electrical
equipment whose normal operation does not involve unacceptably high temperature sparks or arching.
Important design parameters
For uninsulated, live parts, special protective requirements apply.
Air and creep age gaps are made wider than is generally the case in industry. Special conditions
apply to the IP protection degree to be adhered to.
For windings, their design, mechanical strength and insulation, higher requirements apply and the
windings must be protected from increased temperatures.
Minimum cross sections are stipulated for winding wire, the impregnation and reinforcement of coils
and for thermal monitoring devices.
Applications
Installation material such as junction boxes, connection cabinets for heating systems, batteries,
transformers, ballasts and cage motors.

Non-sparking apparatus
Marking "Ex nA" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
The construction ensures reliable prevention of unacceptably high temperatures and sparks or electrical arcs,
both on the internal and on the external parts of electrical equipment whose normal operation does not
involve unacceptably high temperature sparks or arcing.
Important design parameters
For uninsulated, live parts, special protective requirements apply.
Air and creepage gaps are specified.
Special requirements must be fulfilled by certain types of equipment.
Applications
Installation material such as junction boxes, connection cabinets, rotating electrical machines, special fuses,
lamps, cells and batteries, transformers and low energy equipment.

12

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

Encapsulation
Marking "Ex m" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Marking "Ex mD" II 2 D in accordance with IEC 61241-0
Principle
Parts that could ignite an explosive atmosphere by means of sparks or heat are potted so as to prevent
ignition of the explosive atmosphere. This is achieved by encapsulating the components in a compound
resistant to physical - especially electrical, thermal and mechanical - and chemical influences.
Important design parameters
Encapsulation:
Breakdown strength
Low water absorption
Resistance to various influences
Casting compound must be of the stipulated thickness all round
Cavities are only permitted to a limited extent
As a rule the casting compound is only penetrated by the cable entries
The load on the components is limited or reduced
Increased clearance between live parts
Applications
Static coils in ballasts, solenoid valves or motors, relays and other control gear of limited power and
complete PCBs with electronic circuits.

Hermetically sealed device

Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
The equipment may include cavities. It is constructed in such a way that the external atmosphere
cannot enter.
Important design parameters
Sealed by means of a melting process e. g.:
Soft solder
Hard solder
Welding
Fusing of glass and metal
Applications
Spark generating equipment

13

Encapsulated device
Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
The equipment may include cavities which are fully enclosed similar to the encapsulation type of protection e.
g. in a casting compound, so that ingress of the outer atmosphere is prevented.
Important design parameters
It must be impossible to open the equipment during normal operation, internal free volume 100 cm
External connections, terminals or cables must be available
Cast seal must permit permanent operating temperature 10 K compared to the maximum operating
temperature
It must not be possible for elastic seals to become mechanically damaged under normal operating
conditions; they must maintain their sealing properties over the service life of the equipment
Applications
Contact systems, static coils in ballasts, solenoid valves or motors and complete PCBs with
electronic circuits.

Sealed device
Marking "Ex nC" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
The equipment may include cavities, which are fully enclosed similar to the encapsulation type of protection
so that ingress of the outer atmosphere is prevented.
Important design parameters
It must be impossible to open the equipment during normal operation, internal free volume 100 cm
External connections, terminals or cables must be available
It must not be possible for elastic seals to become mechanically damaged under normal operating
conditions; they must maintain their sealing properties over the service life of the equipment
Applications
Contact systems, static coils in ballasts, solenoid valves or motors and complete PCBs with electronic
circuits.

14

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

Intrinsic safety
Marking "Ex i" II 2 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Marking "Ex iD" II 2 D in accordance with IEC 61241-0
Principle
Intrinsically safe electrical equipment contains only circuits that meet the requirements of intrinsically safe
circuits.
Intrinsically safe circuits are circuits in which no spark or thermal effect occurring under the test conditions
laid down in the standard can ignite the explosive atmosphere of subgroups IIA, IIB and IIC or of an air/dust
mixture. The test conditions cover normal operation and certain fault conditions stipulated in the standard.
Important design parameters
Use of certain components for electrical and electronic circuits.
Lower permitted load on the components than in ordinary industrial applications with regard to
voltage related to electric strength
current related to heat
Voltage and current, including a safety margin, are kept permanently so low that no impermissible
temperatures can occur, and, in the event of open circuit or short-circuit, sparks and electric arcs
possess so little energy that they are unable to ignite an explosive atmosphere.
An impression of this protection type is provided by the fact that explosive atmospheres of subgroup
IIA require only a few hundred W and those of subgroup IIC only 10W for ignition.
Applications
Measuring and monitoring instrumentation and control.
Sensors working on the basis of physical, chemical or mechanical principles and at limited power.
Actuators working on the basis of optical, acoustic and, to a certain extent, mechanical principles.

Energy limited circuit

Marking "Ex nL" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
These are circuits in which no spark or thermal effect occurring under the test conditions laid down in the
standard can ignite the explosive atmosphere of subgroups II A, II B and II C or of an air/dust mixture.
The test conditions cover normal operation and certain fault conditions stipulated in the standard.
The permissible currents or voltages exceed those stipulated for the intrinsic safety type of protection.
Important design parameters
The requirements to be fulfilled by the circuit and the loads on the components are lower than those
for the intrinsic safety type of protection.
Also with regard to errors, lower requirements apply.
Applications
Measuring and monitoring instrumentation and control.
Sensors working on the basis of physical, chemical or mechanical principles and at limited power.
Actuators working on the basis of optical, acoustic and, to a certain extent, mechanical principles.

15

Restricted breathing enclosure

Marking "Ex nR" II 3 G in accordance with IEC 60079-0
Principle
The enclosures are designed in such a way that the ingress of gases is restricted.
Important design parameters
The powerloss in the enclosure may, if it contains sparking components, only lead to a temperature
increase compared to the surrounding of 10 K.
Equipment with these enclosures must allow monitoring of the vapour tightness and tightness after
installation and maintenance.
The allocation to the temperature class by the external surface temperature applies to all enclosures
with and without sparking components.
It must not be possible for elastic seals to become mechanically damaged under normal operating
conditions; they must maintain their sealing properties over the service life of the equipment.
Cast seals must permit a permanent operating temperature 10 K compared to the maximum
operating temperature.
Applications
Switchgear, measuring and monitoring instrumentation and information systems and devices.

16

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

7. Protection concept
IEC/EN Draft Only Due 2006
Symbol Typical
Electrical Gas/Dust Zone(s)
Standard (status at Jan 2006) Basic concept of protection
Gas Dust
Increased safety e 1,21 EN 60079-7
} EN 61241-1 No arcs, sparks or hot surfaces
Type n (non-sparking) nA 2,22 EN 60079-15

Flameproof D 1,21 EN 60079-1

} EN 61241-1 Contain the explosion, quench
Type n (Enclosed break) nC 2,22 EN 60079-15
the flame
Quartz/sand filled Q 1,21 EN 60079-5

Intrinsic safety Ia/iaD 0,20 EN 60079-11

} EN 61241-11 Limit the energy of sparks and
Intrinsically safe Ib/ibD 1,21 EN 60079-11
surface temperatures
Type n (Energy limitation) nL 2,22 EN 60079-15

Pressurised p/pD 1,21,22 EN 60079-2 EN 61241-2

Type n (restricted breathing) nR 2,22 EN 60079-15 EN 61241-1

Type n (simple pressurised) nP 2,22 EN 60079-15

Keep the flammable gas out
Encapsulation Ma/maD 0,20 EN 60079-18
} EN 61241-18
Encapsulation Mb/mbD 1,21 EN 60079-18

Oil immersion O 1,21 EN 60079-2

Enclosure tD 20,21,22 EN 61241-1 Protection by enclosure

17

8. Apparatus groups & temperature classes for common flammable materials

Typical Ignition
Apparatus Temperature Temperature (C)
Gas/Vapour Dusts
group class
Cloud Layer
Acetic Acid IIA T1 Aluminium 590 >450
Acetone IIA T1 Coal dust (lignite) 380 225
Acetylene IIC T2 Flour 490 340
Ammonia IIA T1 Grain dust 510 300
Butane IIA T2 Methyl cellulose 420 320
Cyclohexane IIA T3 Phenolic resin 530 >450
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) IIA T2 Polythene 420 (melts)
Ethylene IIB T2 PVC 700 >450
Hydrogen IIC T1 Soot 810 570
Kerosene IIA T3 Starch 460 435
Methane (natural gas) (non-mining) IIA T1 Sugar 490 460
Methanol (methyl alcohol) IIA T2
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) IIB T2
Propane IIA T1
Propan-1-ol (n-propyl alcohol) IIB T2
Propan-2-ol (iso-propyl alcohol) IIA T2
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) IIB T3
Toluene IIA T1
Xylene IIA T1

9.Temperature Class (group II)

Maximum surface T. Codes

temperature CENELC IEC
450C T1
300C T2
200C T3
135C T4
100C T5
85C T6

N.B. For Group I applications apparatus has rigid

150C and 450C limits rather than T classes.

18

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

10. Marking
To enable a piece of equipment to be readily identified it needs to be marked. For electrical equipment in
hazardous areas the requirements for the label are carefully detailed in the certification standards and this
section covers the sort of information that you will find on such labels.
The marking must be legible and durable, permanently affixed onto the equipment to which it relates, and in
a visible position. Equipment on which the label has fallen off or is illegible should be re-labelled after
consulting the documentation or, if necessary, contacting the manufacturer (quoting the type of equipment
and its serial number) for labelling details.
The rules for the marking of systems, devices and components are uniformly defined in the standards
relating to the general technical requirements.
Because the European Community has agreed in the future to also formulate uniform requirements and to
introduce a uniform classification for devices, systems and components, other than electrical equipment, the
marking has also been unified. Additional symbols have been introduced.
This has been defined in the Directive 94/9/EC on Devices and protective systems for use in hazardous
areas.
This Directive introduces electrical equipment, and for this reason the marking are prefixed by additional
symbols.
The marking on all devices and protective systems for hazardous areas must indicate the area of their
designated use.

The marking must indicate the following (see the symbol numbers on the example label):

N
Typical marking Meaning Variants
details

General informations

1 SCAME Product manufacturer -

Via Costa Erta 15 PARRE

2 (BG) ITALY
Manufacturer address -

3 Cod. 644.xxx-yyy Product designation -

4 2007 Year of manufacture Can be used with the last two year digit 07

For category 1 and 2 must be followed by the

5 Conformity mark
notified body number
Specific marking of explosive
6 protection
-

I: electrical apparatus for mines

7 II
II: electrical apparatus for all remaining potentially
explosive atmosphere
Apparatus group
Depending on the dangerousness of the gas the
group II can be; IIA, IIB, IIC
(IIC is the most dangerous)

1 for category 1
8 2 Product category 2 for category 2
3 for category 3
G: gas
9 GD Type of explosive atmosphere D: dust
GD: gas/dust

19

N
Typical marking Meaning Variants
details

Gas

Specific marking according

10 Ex
European Directive 94/9/EC
-

Protection concept for gas:

d: flameproof enclosure
px: pressurized apparatus, level of protection px
py: pressurized apparatus, level of protection py
pz: pressurized apparatus, level of protection pz
q: power filling
o: oil immersion
e: increased safety
11 e Protection concept
ia: increased safety, level of protection ia
ib: increased safety, level of protection ib
nA: type of protection nA
nC: type of protection nC
nL: type of protection nL
nR: type of protection nR
mA: encapsulation level of protection mA
mB: encapsulation level of protection mB

Tx: Temperature Class (Group II):

T1 = 450C
T2 = 300C
Temperature Class T3 = 200C
12 Tx (Max. Surface temperature of T4 = 130C
the enclosure) T5 = 100C
T6 = 85C
Ta: range of ambient temperature

Dust
Type of protection for dust:
tD: protection by enclosure
13 tD Type of protection for dust pD: type of protection pressurized pD
iD: type of protection, intrinsic safety
mD: type of protection, encapsulation protection

The equipment have been tested according EN

14 A21 Suitable Zone for Dust
61241-1 method A or method B

IP6X: apparatus suitable for Zone 22 with presence

of conductive dust
15 IP66 Protection degree
IP5X: apparatus suitable for Zone 22 with presence
of non conductive dust

Max. surface temperature of TyyC: max. surface temperature of the enclosure

16 Tyy
the enclosure Ta: range of ambient temperature

20

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

N
Typical marking Meaning Variants
details

Additional information
U: component (for example empty enclosure).
ATEX components
17a U
(not CE marked)
The customer is required to certify the final
assembly

Particular condition for X: indicates in instruction sheet particular

17b X
application condition for application

18 Ta xxC to +xxC Ambient temperature If not indicated the range is -20C+40C

1 17a 2

Via Costa Erta 15 Parre BG ITALY

3
Cod. 644.xxxx-yyy Year xxxx 4
S/N xxxxxxxxx V xxxx V
SIRA08ATEX3042 U I xxxx A
18
P max xxxx W
12
0051
11 5
Ex e II Tx Ta -xx to +xxC X 6
10 Ex tD A21 IP66 TyyC II 2 GD
13 9
14 DO NOT OPEN WHEN ENERGIZED 8
IN PRESENCE OF EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE 7

15 16 17b

21

11. SCAME products range

ZENITH P Series
Increased Safety Enclosures and Terminal Boxes
for Applications in Hazardous Environments

ALUBOX-Ex Series
Junction boxes in aluminium alloy

ADVANCE GRP Series

Interlocked switch sockets outlets

OPTIMA-Ex Series
Industrial plugs

ISOLATORS Series
Switch-disconnectors

22

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

Zenith P Series
Code Enclosure size H W D
644.0100 75x80x55 75 80 55
644.0200 75x80x75 75 80 75
644.0110 75x110x55 75 110 55
644.0210 75x110x75 75 110 75
644.0120 75x160x55 75 160 55
644.0220 75x160x75 75 160 75
644.0130 75x190x55 75 190 55
644.0230 75x190x75 75 190 75
644.0140 75x230x55 75 230 55
644.0240 75x230x75 75 230 75
644.0350 120x220x90 120 220 90
644.0360 160x160x90 160 160 90
644.0370 160x260x90 160 260 90
644.0380 160x360x90 160 360 90
644.0390 160x560x90 160 560 90
Specifications
Atex Code: II 2GD
Ex Protection type: Ex e II
Ex ia IIC
Ex tD A21 IP6X T80C (Ta -
50C+40C if not marked)
Certificates:
Empty Enclosure Sira 08ATEX304IU
IECEx SIR 08.0013U
Terminal Box Sira 08ATEX3042
IECEx SIR 08.0014
Operating Temperature Range: -60C to +75C (limits)
Temperature Class and Ambient:
Standard Ambient 40C and T6 Class
Optional Ambient 60C and T6 Class
Ambient 60C and T5 Class
Ambient 75C and T4 Class
Degree of Protection: IP66
Material: Glass Reinforced Polyester
(SMC) 4 mm thickness
Carbon Loaded for Anti-Static Empty enclosures
protection
UV resistant according to ISO
4892-2
Halogen Free and formulated
RoHs directive
Absolutely corrosion-proof
Seawater-proof
Surface Resistance: Antistatic properties: < 10
The enclosures do not present a
hazard from static electricity
Finish: Natural Black RAL 9005
Impact Resistance: The enclosures are designed to
withstand an impact of 7 J, and to
be used in normal conditions of Terminal box with glands
vibration

23

Component
As component it is intended the empty enclosure composed by base, cover and gasket.
It can be delivered with internal plate, continuity plate, earth stud, hinges, etc.

The installer/customer is required to certify the final assembly

Components are not CE marked

Material of the enclosure: Resin SMC LS3806 R28C NERO

Material of the gasket: Silicone rubber gasket without joint (Mesgo MG8446N30) (delivered in the
cover)

Label placed internally on the base

Via Costa Erta 15 Parre BG ITALY
Material of the label:
Cod. 644.xxxx Year xxxx Fasson Transfer PET Matt Chrome
S/N xxxxxxxxx TOP/AL170 BG42 White.
SIRA08ATEX3041U
As option:
0051 Label plate in S.S. AISI316
Ex e II Ta -60 to +75C Laser marking
Ex ia IIC Ta -60 to +75C
Ex tD A21 IP66 II 2 GD

Internal fixing: all internal fittings (e.g. DIN rail, backplate) shall be fitted using stainless steel fasteners and
suitable antivibration washers

Documentation: each components shall be accompanied by:

the certificate of conformity
instructions in the language or languages of the country in which the equipment or protective system
is to be used (availability in internet is not enough)

24

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

Equipment
As equipment it is intended the empty enclosure composed by base, cover and gasket completed with
terminals.
It can be delivered with internal plate, continuity plate, earth stud, hinges, holes, cable glands, etc.
Scame certifies the final assembly.

Material of the enclosure: Resin SMC LS3806 R28C NERO

Material of the gasket: Silicone rubber gasket without joint (Mesgo MG8446N30) (delivered in the
cover)
Label placed outside on the cover and
Via Costa Erta 15 Parre BG ITALY internally on the base

Cod. 644.xxxx-yyy Year xxxx Material of the label:

S/N xxxxxxxxx V xxxx V Fasson Transfer PET Matt Chrome
SIRA08ATEX3042 I xxxx A TOP/AL170 BG42 White.
P max xxxx W

0051 As option:
Label plate in S.S. AISI316
Ex e II Tx Ta -xx to +xxC Laser marking
Ex tD A21 IP66 TyyC II 2 GD

DO NOT OPEN WHEN ENERGIZED

IN PRESENCE OF EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE

-50C o 60C Year= year of production

V= Rated voltage (V)
to
I= Rated current
+40C, +60C o +75C P max= maximum dissipable power depending
on Ta and T class (see following tables)

Via Costa Erta 15 Parre BG ITALY

Cod. 644.xxxx-yyy Year xxxx

S/N xxxxxxxxx V xxxx V
SIRA08ATEX3042 I xxxx A
T4, T5 o T6 P max xxxx W

0051

Ex e II Tx Ta -xx to +xxC
Ex tD A21 IP66 TyyC II 2 GD

80C, 95C o
DO NOT OPEN WHEN ENERGIZED
130C IN PRESENCE OF EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE

Tx e Tyy depends on Ta:

Ta=40C we can have T6 e T80C
Ta=60C we can have T6 o T5 e T95C
Ta=75C we can have T4 e T130C

25

For T4 equipment the following sentence shall be reported on the label:

WARNING - The cable entry point may exceed 101C Suitable precaution should be taken when
selecting the cable

For T5 equipment the following sentence shall be reported on the label :

WARNING - The cable entry point may exceed 78C Suitable precaution should be taken when
selecting the cable

Internal fixing: all internal fittings (e.g. DIN rail, backplate) shall be fitted using stainless steel fasteners and
suitable antivibration washers

Terminals can be on rail or back-plate mounted

If back-plate mounted they must be fixed with 2 screws

The following distances shall be respected:

Voltage Creepage distance Clearance

250 6,3 5
400 10 6
500 12,5 8
630 16 10
800 20 12
1.000 25 14

SEE NOTE 8

SE
E
NO
TE
8

26

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

Any suitable ATEX certified terminal can be used with the following limitations:
terminals shall comply with EN 60079-7 (2006)
terminals shall be fitted in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and any special condition
for safe use that are specified in their certificate
Weidmuller WDU1.5 o WDU2.5 must be limited to 15C
T6 Equipment terminals shall be rated for a temperature minimum 80C
T5 Equipment terminals shall be rated for a temperature minimum 111C
T4 Equipment terminals shall be ceramic
Ex i Equipment terminals shall be blue coloured

Maximum number of terminals to be fitted into the enclosure depends on:

dimensions
dissipated power

Ptot = n [Rt + (d 3 20 )]I 2

Where:
Rt is the terminal resistance
d3 tridimensional internal diagonal of the enclosure
r20 is the resistivity of the connected conductor at 20C
I is the flowing current (if not specified, it is that of the terminal)

Maximum Power Dissipation (W) for Cage Type Terminals

SCAME Enclosure
code size T6 T6 T5 T4
Ta=+40C Ta=+60C Ta=+60C Ta=+75C
644.0100 75x80x55 2.5 1.3 2.5 2.55
644.0200 75x80x75 2.6 1.3 2.6 2.9
644.0110 75x110x55 3.2 1.35 2.85 3.6
644.0210 75x110x75 3.4 1.35 3 4.
644.0120 75x160x55 4.5 1.4 3.55 5.8
644.0220 75x160x75 4.7 1.45 3.6 6
644.0130 75x190x55 5.4 1.5 4 7
644.0230 75x190x75 5.5 1.55 4.05 7.2
644.0140 75x230x55 6.5 1.55 4.6 8.9
644.0240 75x230x75 6.6 1.6 4.7 9.2
644.0350 120x220x90 3.75 2.3 3.8 8.25
644.0360 160x160x90 3 2.5 3.2 6
644.0370 160x260x90 6.3 2.8 5.1 13.5
644.0380 160x360x90 7.2 2.75 N/A N/A
644.0390 160x560x90 11.7 3.8 N/A N/A

27

Maximum Power Dissipation (W) for Screw Type Terminals

SCAME Enclosure
code size T6 T6 T5 T4
Ta=+40C Ta=+60C Ta=+60C Ta=+75C
644.0100 75x80x55 4.5 1.5 2.9 4.9
644.0200 75x80x75 4.6 1.5 3.1 5.2
644.0110 75x110x55 5 1.6 3.5 6
644.0210 75x110x75 5.1 1.65 3.8 6.4
644.0120 75x160x55 6 1.75 4.8 8.2
644.0220 75x160x75 6.1 1.8 4.9 8.4
644.0130 75x190x55 6.6 2 5.6 9.4
644.0230 75x190x75 6.7 2.05 5.7 9.85
644.0140 75x230x55 7.5 2.2 6.7 11.3
644.0240 75x230x75 7.6 2.25 6.8 11.6
644.0350 120x220x90 7 2 4.5 16
644.0360 160x160x90 6.4 1.7 4 14.5
644.0370 160x260x90 8.5 2.5 5.6 19.7
644.0380 160x360x90 7.4 2.75 N/A N/A
644.0390 160x560x90 11.2 4.2 N/A N/A

Maximum power calculated with the above formula shall be less or equal to the maximum power indicated
in the tables.

Enclosure size Top/Bottom sides A/C Left/Right sides B/D Rear side F
(HxWxD) M16 M20 M25 M32 M40 M16 M20 M25 M32 M40 M16 M20 M25 M32 M40
75x80x55 1 1 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - -
75x80x75 2 1 1 - - 2 - - - - - - - - -
75x110x55 3 2 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - -
75x110x75 6 3 2 1 - 2 - - - - - - - - -
75x160x55 5 4 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - -
75x160x75 10 5 3 2 - 2 - - - - - - - - -
75x190x55 6 5 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - -
75x190x75 12 6 4 3 - 2 - - - - - - - - -
75x230x55 6 4 - - - 1 - - - - - - - - -
75x230x75 12 6 4 2 - 2 - - - - - - - - -
120x220x90 14 9 4 3 - 4 2 1 1 - - - - - -
160x160x90 8 6 3 2 1 6 4 2 1 - 8 6 4 - -
160x260x90 16 12 6 4 3 6 4 2 1 - 16 12 8 - -
160x360x90 22 18 9 6 4 6 4 2 1 - 24 18 12 - -
160x560x90 36 28 14 8 6 6 4 2 1 - 36 28 20 - -

28

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

Drilling area

Top/Bottom Left/Right sides

Enclosure size Rear side F
sides A/C B/D
(WxHxD) H3xW3
W1xD1 H2xD2
75x80x55 48 x 34 28 x 28 60 x 48
75x80x75 48 x 54 27 x 48 60 x 48
75x110x55 80 x 34 28 x 28 60 x 80
75x110x75 80 x 54 27 x 48 60 x 80
75x160x55 130 x 34 28 x 28 60 x 130
75x160x75 130 x 54 27 x 48 60 x 130
75x190x55 160 x 34 28 x 28 60 x 160
75x190x75 160 x 54 27 x 48 60 x 160
75x230x55 90 x 34 (x2) 28 x 28 60 x 190
75x230x75 90 x 54 (x2) 27 x 48 60 x 190
120x220x90 180 x 58 60 x 52 105 x 180
160x160x90 110 x 65 84 x 56 140 x 110
160x260x90 210 x 65 84 x 56 140 x 210
160x360x90 310 x 65 84 x 56 140 x 310
160x560x90 240 x 65 (x2) 84 x 56 140 x 240 (x2)

a
GLAND
Clearances for standard gland sizes

Cable gland size Clearances

a (mm) b (mm)
16 32
20 39
25 46
32 58
40 68
b
CLEARANCE

Documentation: each equipment shall be accompanied by:

the declaration of conformity
instructions in the language or languages of the country in which the equipment or protective system
is to be used (availability in internet is not enough)
Equipments must be CE marked

29

Accessories
Back plate in zinc plated steel
Mounting bracket in stainless steel AISI 316
External hinges in plastic material
Earth continuity plate (internal) in zinc plated steel available as option in copper or brass
Earth stud (stud, nut and flat washer) in brass available as option in S.S. AISI 316

50 MIN

Final test
If junction boxes are fitted with wiring each equipments shall be subjected to a routine dielectric strengh test.

30

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

ALUBOX-Ex Series Reference standards

EN 61241-0 EN 60079-0
EN 61241-1 EN 60079-15

Technical characteristics
Protection degree: IP66
Material: Aluminium alloy
IK degree at 20C: IK08
Cable inlets: Blank sides
DIN rail fixing: Yes
Colour: RAL 7037

Ex classification
Versions Atex Code: II 3GD
Ex nA II
Ex Protection type:
Ex tD A22 IP66 T90C U
Enclosure Operating Temperature Range: -20C +60C
Maximum permissible surface
T90C
temperature:
Impact Resistance: Low mechanical risk (4J)
CE Certificates: SCAME ATEX 01U
Mounting plate

DIN rail kit

Junction boxes in aluminium alloy (for Zone 22)

Suitable for outdoor use.
Supplied with enclosure earthing kit.
Use only non-sparking components and cable
glands compliant with the ATEX directive.

31

ADVANCE GRP Series Reference standards

EN 60309-1 EN 61241-0
EN 60309-2 EN 61241-1
EN 60309-4

Versions with mechanical interlock
With switch-disconnector
With switch-disconnector and fuse
With fuse and switch-disconnector
With molded case circuit breaker
with thermal magnetic trip unit
Technical characteristics
Rated current:
Rated voltage:
Frequency:
Insulating voltage:
Protection degree:
Operating temperature according
to the reference standard:
Max. operating temperature:
Glow wire test:
Self-extinguishing UL94:
Material:
Cable inlets:
Switch-disconnectors:
Fuse-carriers:
Thermal magnetic protection:
Thermal magnetic protection:
Version with contactor:
Colour:
125A
100690V~
5060Hz
500/690V~
IP66
-25C+40C
60C
850C/960C
V0
Thermoset
Top side max 3xM63
Bottom side max 2xM63
ABB OT 160
NH00
Molded case circuit breaker ABB
Tmax T1B (16kA) with thermal
magnetic trip unit TMD
(adjustable thermal threshold
0,71 x In fixed magnetic
threshold 10 x In)
Molded case circuit breaker ABB
Tmax T1B (16kA) with thermal
magnetic trip unit TMD
(adjustable thermal threshold
0,71 x In fixed magnetic
threshold 10 x In) + residual
current release trip units RC221/1
(adjustable residual current trip
0,03 - 0,1 - 3A and time limit for
non-trip instantaneous)
Contactor CL09 GE POWER
CONTROL
Grey RAL 7037

With molded case circuit breaker

with thermal magnetic and Ex classification
residual current release trip units
Atex Code: II 3D
Ex Protection type: Ex tD A22 IP66 T90C
Operating Temperature Range: -25C +60C
Versions with electrical interlock
Maximum permissible surface
T90C
temperature:
Protection degree: IP66
With contactor
Impact Resistance: 7J
Material: Thermoset
CE Certificates: SCAME ATEX 02

32

 [Basic concepts for explosion protection]

OPTIMA-Ex Series Reference standards

EN 60309-1 EN 61241-0
EN 60309-2 EN 61241-1
EN 60309-4

Ex classification
Atex Code: II 3D
Ex Protection type: Ex tD A22 IP66 T90C
Operating Temperature Range: -25C +60C
Maximum permissible surface
T90C
temperature:
Protection degree: IP66/IP67
Impact Resistance: 7J
Material: Thermoplastic
CE Certificates: SCAME ATEX 03

Versions

Plugs

Technical characteristics
Rated current: 125A
Rated voltage: 200415V~
Frequency: 5060Hz
Protection degree: IP66/IP67
Operating temperature according
-25C+40C
to the reference standard:
Max. operating temperature: 60C
Glow wire test: 850C/960C
Self-extinguishing UL94: V5
Material: Thermoplastic
Colour: Grey

33

ISOLATORS Series Reference standards

EN 60947-3

Technical characteristics
Polarity: 2P 3P 4P
20A 32A 40A 63A 80A
Rated current:
125A 160A
Protection degree: IP65
Operating temperature according
-5C+40C
to the reference standard:
Max. operating temperature: 60C
Glow wire test: 650C
Material: Metal
Colour: Grey RAL 7015

Versions Ex classification
Atex Code: II 3D
Surface mounting Ex Protection type: Ex tD A22 IP65 T90C U
Operating Temperature Range: -5C +40C
Maximum permissible surface
T90C
temperature:

Cable inlets UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Enclosure 20A 32A and 40A (105x150x82)
Upper surface: 1xM20 + 1xM25
Lower surface: 1xM20 + 1xM25

Enclosure 63A 80A and 100A (150x210x106)

Upper surface: 2xM32
Lower surface: 2xM32

Enclosure 125A (315x264x122)

160A (410x315x150)
Blank side

34