Key Objectives and Standards
IECEx certification is governed by a series of IEC standards, primarily IEC 60079 and IEC 80079, developed specifically for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. By demonstrating compliance with these internationally recognized standards, your products gain the IECEx certification mark, indicating suitability for use in hazardous locations.
Advantages of the IECEx System
- Reach New Markets Quickly: IECEx certification opens up access to over 30 member countries around the world. This simplifies and speeds up your entry into new markets.
- Reduce Redundancy: With IECEx, you can potentially avoid separate national certification processes, saving you both time and money.
- Enhance Confidence: The IECEx mark is a trusted symbol of safety, reassuring both buyers and regulatory bodies in various countries.
IECEx Certificates of Conformity (CoC) are available online, providing transparency and easy verification for buyers and regulators.
National Certifications Supported
IECEx certification can be used as a basis for obtaining national certification marks in many countries, such as:
Unit Verification Certification (UVC) for Unique Products
If you produce one-of-a-kind or custom equipment, unit verification certification process provides a tailored certification pathway. This process involves the on-site evaluation of a single unit and/or each produced unit without the need of a quality management assessment. While unit verification is not ideal for serial production, it is a valuable option for specialized equipment.
Type Approval with Manufacturer’s QAR Quality System
Manufacturing multiple identical products without the need for re-evaluation is important in driving the costs down or bring products to market and is a key within the IECEx programs. Type Approval allows for a single product to be tested, evaluated and certified once. The key piece to this Type Approval is the manufacturers quality assurance system and obtaining IECEx ExCB acceptance of the Quality Assurance Report (QAR). Based on ISO 9001 requirements as modified by ISO/IEC 80079-34, it insures not only the quality processes, but also ensures the manufacturer has the right personnel competencies in place. A QAR is also tied to the specific Protection Method (IEC 60079 Standard(s) that was utilized in the product certification. A QAR acceptance can be issued by a different ExCB than is performing the IECEx Certification of the subject product.
Explosive Areas – The Zone System
The IECEx potential explosive areas are designated as Zones. These include:
- Zones: Designations based on the likelihood and duration of explosive atmospheres.
- Zone 0, 1, 2 for gases
- Zone 20, 21, 22 for dusts
- Equipment Categories or Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs): Indicate the safety level of the equipment and the applicable zone.
- Groups and Classes: Classification by type of explosive (gas or dust) and the auto-ignition temperature (Temperature Classes).
Streamlining Global Expansion
Achieving IECEx certification alongside other regional safety marks allows you to target multiple markets simultaneously utilizing a single base harmonized standard IEC 60079 and then applying the country’s national differences. This bundled approach offers critical time and cost savings, eliminating redundant testing and paperwork.
Let's Make the Process Easier
Navigating hazardous location certifications can be complex. Partnering with a knowledgeable certification expert will help you understand the specific requirements for your products and target markets. Their guidance will ensure a smooth and efficient path to compliance, ultimately allowing you to get your products to customers worldwide with greater speed and confidence.
