Introduction Of Dual Certification And Marking For Both ATEX And IECEx
ATEX certification is the accepted standard within Europe for hazardous area applications. Outside of Europe there is inconsistency in the acceptance of ATEX certified products, particularly in countries which have their own national Standards and often require imported products to comply with these Standards.
To increase the acceptance of hazardous area products around the globe a new certification scheme is now in place and operational. For people not aware of this new IECEx certification scheme, the objectives are as follows:-
- To facilitate international trade in equipment and services for use in explosive atmospheres, while maintaining the required level of safety.
- Reduced testing and certification costs to manufacturer.
- Reduced time to market.
- International confidence in the product assessment process.
- One international database listing.
- Maintaining International Confidence in equipment and services covered by IECEx Certification.
The above objectives are achieved by the setting out of defined test procedures and standard test report which have been agreed and accepted by participating member countries.
The scheme also includes an audit requirement in which test houses are assessed on a regular basis to ensure adherence to the IEC Ex requirements. This consistent monitoring / control process provides the member countries with the confidence to accept IECEx certified products from IECEx test houses any where in the World.
As global suppliers of safety critical connection products, we will commence phasing in the introduction of our Baseefa certified dual marked ATEX / IECEx Cable Glands and Junction Boxes. This will enable these products to gain an equal acceptance status in the countries signed up to the IEC Ex scheme as they currently receive in Europe. In some cases there may still be a requirement for coverage of national certification, however in these instances the certification can be fast tracked at minimal cost using the IEC Ex test report issued by Baseefa.
Although the ATEX certification numbers will change on the dual stamped products, the existing ATEX marked products remain equally valid for use in Europe and in countries which accept ATEX product and as such there is no need to cleanse current stocks within the distribution chain.
The introduction of the dual marked products will be carried out in two phases:-
Phase 1 Group II Cable Glands. (Commencing September 2006)
- 501/414
- 501/421
- 501/423
- 501/453/RAC
- 501/453/RAC/L
- 501/453/Universal
- SB 474
- PSG 553/RAC
- ICG 653/Universal
- ICG 653/Universal/L
- CSB 656
Phase 2 Group II and Group I Cable Glands, Accessories and Junction Boxes (Commencing October / November 2006)
- 321
- 351/RAC
- 501/452/RAC
- ICG 61
- 623 Grp I
- ICG 623
- 623 Universal Grp I
- 653/T Grp I
- 470 Grp I
- 483 Grp I
- M476 Grp I Adaptors and Reducers
- 476 Grp II Adaptors and Reducers
- PL6 and PL7 Series Junction Boxes
- Stainless Steel Junction Boxes S1 to S9 and EZE 22, 42 and 62 boxes
For further information we have produced a comprehensive hazardous area wall chart which compares the requirements of ATEX and IECEx certification. Request your free copy of the full size wall chart. Registered users of our website can also download an A4 size PDF version.
Published: 04/08/2006
