New Marking Information For Cable Glands
There has been a number of marking changes introduced by the IEC 60079 standards which are to be integrated into the marking on the full range of Hawke International ATEX/IECEX cable gland products.
Equipment Protection Levels (EPL's) have been introduced as part of the IECEx certification requirements and have been adopted into the ATEX requirements to ensure that there is now a clear indicator as to where the Ex equipment can be safely used. This will assist designers, specifiers, purchasers, installers and inspectors and takes away the reliance on the Explosion concept as being the sole means of guidance as to where the equipment can be used.
The changes are as follows:-
The Increased Safety Marking which was Exe II has now been changed to ExeIIC. This has introduced the gas grouping to clarify the products suitability for use in a particular gas group. This also applies to Restricted Breathing Certification ExnRII which is now ExnRIIC. In both of these cases EPL's would also be added. i.e ExeIIC Gb , ExnRIIC Gc.
The ExtD and A21 dust protection by enclosure and dust classification markings, has been replaced with Group III, which is sub divided into sub groups A, B or C. i.e IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, which defines the dust groups in which the equipment may be used.
The dust marking is also extended to include both of the following:-
Dust protection offered by the enclosure: tb
Dust Grouping:-
- IIIA -Fibres & Flyings
- IIIB - Non-conductive dusts.
- IIIC - Conductive dusts
Equipment Protection Levels ( EPL's) :-
- Da - indicates suitability for use in Zone 20
- Db - indicates suitability for use in Zone 21
- Dc - indicates suitability for use in Zone 22
Typical marking for cable glands suitable for use in dusts would be ExtbIIIC Db
Equipment Protection Levels (EPL's) have also been introduced into the marking for products suitable for use in potentially explosive gases, these now include:-
- Ga - indicates suitability for use in Zone 0
- Gb - indicates suitability for use in Zone 1
- Gc - indicates suitability for use in Zone 2
Typical marking for cable glands suitable for use in gases would be Exe IIC Gb, Exd IIC Gb
Group I products are also affected as the gas marking ( dust is not considered for mining applications) now have EPL's added.
- Ma - Continuous function when gases are present.
- Mb - equipment is shut down if gas is detected. i.e. Not for continuous use.
The marking for a Hawke 653 Universal cable gland for Group I applications would change
From:-
Hawke 653Univ / O M20 EExdI, EExeI
I M1
Baseefa 08ATEX0329X, IECEx BAS 08.0115X, -60°C to +80°C, IP66 CE 1180 OL7 0NA. UK, Year of Manufacture
To:-
Hawke 653Univ / O M20 ExdIMb, ExeIMb
I M1
Baseefa 08ATEX0329X, IECEx BAS 08.0115X, -60°C to +80°C, IP66 CE 1180 OL7 0NA. UK, Year of Manufacture
The IECEx certification scheme requires the EPL's marking to be added to the product.
Typically comparing the 501/453 Universal Group II certified Cable Gland old and new marking:-
Old:-
Hawke 501/453 Univ / O M20 ExdIIC, ExeII, ExtD, ExnR II A21,
II 2/3GD
Baseefa 06ATEX0057X, IECEx BAS 06.0014X, -60°C to +80°C, IP66 CE 1180 OL7 0NA. UK, Year of Manufacture
New:-
Hawke 501/453 Univ / O M20 ExdIICGb, ExeIIC Gb , Ex tb IIIC Db , ExnRIIC Gc ,
II 2/3 GD
Baseefa 06ATEX0057X, IECEx BAS 06.0014X, -60°C to +80°C, IP66 CE 1180 OL7 0NA. UK, Year of Manufacture
Temperature Range
Test work conducted on the 501/421, 501/414, 501/423 and, 501/453/RAC has increased the upper temperature range of cable glands to +100°C. This will be reflected in the new cable gland marking information.
Gost – R Marking
In addition to the above changes, the Gost–R certificate details will also be marked as standard on all Gost–R certified cable glands.
The following table shows comparisons between ATEX and IECEx requirements
| Area Classification | Probability of the Presence of a Potentially Explosive Mixture | Equipment Group | ATEX Category | IEC EPL's |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group I Mining | High - Continuous Function | I | M1 | Ma |
| High - However, if gas is detected the systems / equipment is shut down. | I | M2 | Mb (plus Ma) | |
| Group II Gases | ||||
| Zone 0 | High | II | 1G | Ga |
| Zone 1 | Medium | II | 2G (plus 1G) | Gb (plus Ga) |
| Zone 2 | Low | II | 3G (plus 1G and 2G) | Gc plus (Ga and Gb) |
| Group III Dusts | ||||
| Zone 20 | High | III | 1D | Da |
| Zone 21 | Medium | III | 2D (plus 1D) | Db (plus Da) |
| Zone 22 | Low | III | 3D (plus 1D and 2D) | Dc plus Da and Db |
Published: 05/07/2012