NEW ATEX EQUIPMENT PROTECTION LEVELS
Ref: BS EN 60079-0:2009 Annex ZY
Three Equipment Protection Levels are specified. This is the level of protection assigned to equipment based on its risk of becoming a source of ignition, and distinguishing the differences between explosive gas atmospheres, and explosive dust atmospheres, which can occur in a number of industrial process operations, and the explosive atmospheres which may exist in coal mines (EPL Ma ans Mb for mines not covered here).
Equipment Protection Level | Normal Applicable Zone(s) |
G a | 0 (and 1 and 2) |
G b | 1 (and 2) |
G c | 2 |
For dust hazards, the equipment protection level’s are as follows:
Equipment Protection Level | Normal Applicable Zone(s) |
D a | 20 (and 21 and 22) |
D b | 21 (and 22) |
D c | 22 |
See ATEX Quick Ref Card for how these translate for specific equipment protection:
(note currently no EPL levels have been assigned to Non-electrical equipment)
To date we are yet to see any of these markings appearing on equipment, but when they do they will give an immediate indication of the zone to which the equipment is suitable.
