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Hi,

ATEX regulations cover non-electrical (mechanical) equipment.

What does that really mean? Does all mechanical equipment such as manual valves and or larger mechanical components to be installed in a zone 2 or zone 1 have to be Ex-approved and have Ex/ATEX signs? Or by carrying out a risk assessment and implementing the necessary measures (e.g. earth connection, insulation of hot surfaces, etc.) can you use completely normal valves, filters and other components without Ex approval?

(Sorry if the question is not detailed enough. The use of electrical equipment in classified areas is fairly well regulated. But when it comes to mechanical equipment, there may be some uncertainties. How to handle valves and such equipment for use in Ex areas).

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.

We have som lighting fixtures installed in Zone 1 and 2 offshore, the fixtures must be installed with an isolator sleeve to separate fixture from structure to avoid corrosion. The fixtures are only earthed by supply cable inside the fixture housing, only using PE-conductor.

Is it a requirement to have separate equipotential bonding to structure?

The fixtures are series connected, if a PE-conductor loosens in one fixture, then alle the other fixtures in the link will loose earth connection...

The user manual from the supplier states: "Installer should earth the unit separately – an internal and external earth point are provided as standard at each end of the luminaire"

Thank you for answering.

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.

Watches come in a wide range, from those costing almost nothing from Ebay, to luxurious designs worth six-figure digits. Basic wrist watches have not been a theme in Ex areas. Although most watches do not have any evidence that they can be used in Ex areas.

So-called smartwatches/sport watches have appeared on the market in more recent years. They have a wide variety of functions and designs. Most are waterproof to tens of metres and often charge wirelessly. These are also not supplied with any documentation to say they can be used in Ex areas.

Often, there is no full explanation as to why a regular watch can be used, but not a smartwatch.

I have a solid electrical background and have worked quite a lot with regulations/standards, but do not have an explanation for this whenever I have been asked. I clearly see the paradox, but have chosen to explain that Smartwatches etc. have no Ex documentation, and a line has to be drawn somewhere. Do you have anything more exhaustive?

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.

When using Ex e equipment, calculations have been made of how high a surface temperature can be attained at a maximum throughput in the equipment. Normally Exe equipment is delivered with a max. ambient temperature of 40 degrees.

Based on what we have found in the documentation, a new ambient temperature must be stated on the Ex e equipment if the ambient temperature exceeds 40 degrees.

Our systems are in zone 2, Gas group IIB, and we have an analysis cabinet that has up to 60 degrees with Ex e equipment. Does this mean that all EX e equipment in the cabinet must have a new (Ta) ambient temperature applied?

Does this mean that we can only use equipment with temperature class T4,T5,T6?

We will confirm that an EX e connection box marked with (Ta) of 50 degrees cannot be used at a higher temperature.

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.

Have received an allegation concerning IP degree and Ex protection, disagree somewhat, so asking here

1: Degraded IP class is not an interruption to Ex for light, as each part has ignition-proof connections in fittings. The Ex class of the fittings is the switch as well as the ballast and the terminals, the enclosure is only IP protection ( chalmit and Ceag zone 1 equipment)

2:Indicated state Mess result within requirements, no light fittings need to be replaced when they are drained of water if components are not defective or corroded.

Can you provide a sensible answer?

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.

Hi,

I think it is important to remember that Ex maintenance courses teach you that you can change bearings that are on the outside of the flame path yourself, but that you must go to an authorised ATEX service facility to replace bearings that are on the inside of the flame path. Is this true? Have there been any changes in recent years? Is there a course for electricians and mechanics that covers being able to replace bearings on all Ex d motors?

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.

If a thermography window is installed in an Ex-p enclosure, does the window need Ex approval?

Thank you in advance.

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.

Petroleum Safety Authority Norway’s facilities regulations, section 10a, concerning ignition source control is answered by the PSA as follows:

"Equipment and safety systems in classified areas must meet the requirements for use in explosion-risk areas, ref Norsok"

S-001 Chapter 14.4.2 Equipment in hazardous areas: Must comply with ATEX (Directive 94/9/EC).

"Equipment and safety systems that will be in operation during abnormal situations where an explosive atmosphere may occur outside classified areas must meet the requirements for zone 2 as a minimum." Ref Norsok S-001 Chapter 14.4.3 Equipment in non-hazardous natural coated areas must as a minimum be suitable for operation in Zone 2, including equipment in HVAC supply system.

ATEX states that Zone 2 equipment must be built to function safely in a normal situation. Does this mean that the equipment must be shut down in the event of an abnormal situation?

1. Are there different requirements for Zone 2 equipment if it is in an unclassified area where there is gas compared to in a classified area with gas?

2. Is there no requirement for ignition source shut-off of zone 2 equipment in case of gas? For example, type: A zone 2 truck used in zone 2. Shouldn't it be switched off in case of gas and all zone 2 equipment isolated?

My idea is that Zone 2 equipment has requirements for surface temperature to prevent ignition before the equipment is switched off. An EExe motor that can be in operation in gas in the area, for example, has a larger air gap between rotor and stator than an ExN motor that only has requirements for surface temperature, anti-static fan and ignition-proof terminals.

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.

Damage to the heating cable may occur during disassembly/reassembly and insulation of the heating cable. This applies primarily to different types of self-regulating Raychem, mostly BTV2-CT and KTV2-CT cables. According to IEC 61892, splicing a heating cable is not allowed. But which rules apply to repair? Are you allowed to repair damage in the outer sheath with e.g. a shrink-fitting sleeve with glue? What about the use of vulcanizing tape, which in practice seals really well? This only applies to “fresh” damage. Older damage, where the cable may have drawn in damp over time, must of course be replaced.

Would like a reference to regulations/norms and not just a manufacturer’s installation guide. The following is stated in the Pentair installation procedure: 'Do not perform repairs on a damaged heating cable. Remove the entire damaged part and splice on a new cable length using the appropriate splice kits from Pentair Thermal Management."" Here they say that the cable can be spliced, while IEC 61892 says that a heating cable should NOT be spliced.

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.

Is it allowed to replace components inside Ex db enclosures with “similar” equipment if components have gone out of production, or do you need to recertify the enclosure using a Notified Body?

This question was originally asked in Norwegian on the trainor.no Forum and has been translated.