# ExKnowledge

> Practical explosion protection reference for engineers. ATEX, IECEx, zone classification, gas groups, temperature classes, protection methods, certification.

ExKnowledge covers the technical fundamentals of explosion protection (Ex) for hazardous areas. Written for engineers, technical sales, and anyone working with certified equipment in explosive atmospheres.

- [Podcast](https://exknowledge.com/podcast/): Short audio episodes covering ATEX, IECEx, zone classification, protection methods, gas groups, and certification. Based on IEC 60079 standards

## Topics

- [Fundamentals](https://exknowledge.com/pages/fundamentals.html): Fire triangle, explosive atmospheres, LEL/UEL, 13 ignition sources, three protection principles
- [Zone Classification](https://exknowledge.com/pages/zone-classification.html): Zones 0/1/2 (gas), Zones 20/21/22 (dust), IEC 60079-10 methodology
- [Gas Groups](https://exknowledge.com/pages/gas-groups.html): IIA/IIB/IIC, MESG, MIC ratio, dust groups IIIA/IIIB/IIIC, NEC equivalents
- [Temperature Classes](https://exknowledge.com/pages/temperature-classes.html): T1-T6, auto-ignition temperatures, dust layer ignition
- [Protection Methods](https://exknowledge.com/pages/protection-methods.html): Ex d, Ex e, Ex i, Ex p, Ex n, Ex m, Ex o, Ex q, Ex t, Ex Op with zone suitability matrix
- [Equipment Protection Levels](https://exknowledge.com/pages/epl.html): Ga/Gb/Gc, Da/Db/Dc, ATEX category mapping
- [Ex Markings](https://exknowledge.com/pages/ex-markings.html): How to read ATEX/IECEx equipment labels, 5 real examples
- [Standards](https://exknowledge.com/pages/standards.html): IEC 60079 series, ATEX 2014/34/EU, 1999/92/EC, NEC 500/505, regional standards
- [Certification](https://exknowledge.com/pages/certification.html): Notified Bodies, IECEx scheme, ExTR, quality systems, CompEx
- [Installation & Inspection](https://exknowledge.com/pages/installation-inspection.html): IEC 60079-14, 60079-17, cable glands, inspection grades, common errors
- [Cheat Sheet](https://exknowledge.com/pages/cheat-sheet.html): Quick qualification questions, zone-EPL mapping, decision tree, cost/timeline
- [FAQ](https://exknowledge.com/pages/faq.html): Frequently asked questions about ATEX, IECEx, zone classification, Ex markings, certification

## In-Depth Guides

- [ATEX vs IECEx](https://exknowledge.com/pages/atex-vs-iecex.html): Geographic scope, legal basis, marking differences, mutual recognition
- [NEC 500/505 vs ATEX/IECEx](https://exknowledge.com/pages/nec-500-vs-atex-iec.html): North American Class/Division vs international Zone system, conversion tables, dual-certified equipment, multinational facilities
- [DSEAR Regulations (UK)](https://exknowledge.com/pages/dsear-regulations-uk.html): UK Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002, employer duties, risk assessment, ATEX relationship post-Brexit, HSE enforcement
- [ATEX Equipment Categories 1, 2, 3](https://exknowledge.com/pages/atex-equipment-categories.html): Category 1/2/3 for Group II, M1/M2 for mining, zone mapping, EPL relationship, conformity assessment modules, practical selection examples
- [Explosion Proof vs Intrinsically Safe](https://exknowledge.com/pages/explosion-proof-vs-intrinsically-safe.html): Ex d vs Ex i comparison — cost, size, maintenance, zone suitability
- [How to Read an ATEX Nameplate](https://exknowledge.com/pages/how-to-read-atex-nameplate.html): 6 annotated real-world examples, complete decoding methodology
- [ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU](https://exknowledge.com/pages/atex-directive.html): Regulatory guide, conformity assessment modules, manufacturer obligations
- [Hazardous Area Classification](https://exknowledge.com/pages/hazardous-area-classification.html): IEC 60079-10 methodology, source of release, ventilation assessment
- [Dust Explosion Protection](https://exknowledge.com/pages/dust-explosion-protection.html): Zone 20/21/22, dust characteristics, Kst values, case studies
- [ATEX for Beginners](https://exknowledge.com/pages/atex-for-beginners.html): Plain-language introduction to explosion protection concepts
- [CompEx Certification Guide](https://exknowledge.com/pages/compex-certification.html): Training units, exam structure, career benefits, renewal
- [Hydrogen Explosion Protection](https://exknowledge.com/pages/hydrogen-explosion-protection.html): IIC challenges, TPRD venting, electrolysis facilities, infrastructure scaling
- [Cable Glands for Hazardous Areas](https://exknowledge.com/pages/cable-glands-hazardous-areas.html): Barrier vs non-barrier, flameproof, selection criteria, installation
- [Ex Equipment Selection Guide](https://exknowledge.com/pages/ex-equipment-selection-guide.html): Step-by-step methodology from zone classification to procurement

## Tools

- [Ex Certificate Scanner](https://exknowledge.com/exscanner/): Upload ATEX/IECEx certificate PDFs — extracts equipment marking, gas group, temperature class, protection type. 100% client-side, privacy-first.
- [Multilingual Ex Glossary](https://exknowledge.com/glossary/): 77 official Ex/ATEX/IECEx terms translated across 19 languages. Sourced from IEC 60079, national standards bodies, and IECEx member institutes. Search, compare, and download.

## Blog

- [Gas Group IIC Deep Dive](https://exknowledge.com/blog/gas-group-iic-hydrogen-acetylene.html): Why hydrogen, acetylene, and carbon disulfide demand IIC-rated equipment. MESG, MIC ratios, IIB+H₂ compromise.
- [March 2026](https://exknowledge.com/blog/2026-03.html): Iran conflict oil price impact, IECEx updates, Zone 2 device trends
- [February 2026](https://exknowledge.com/blog/2026-02.html): Hydrogen incidents, US regulatory rollback, R. Stahl restructuring
- [January 2026](https://exknowledge.com/blog/2026-01.html): R. Stahl 150 years, hydrogen ATEX gaps, chemical sector outlook
- [December 2025](https://exknowledge.com/blog/2025-12.html): BARTEC acquisition, SPS 2025, market growth
- [November 2025](https://exknowledge.com/blog/2025-11.html): Ex robotics, dust hazards, UK standards update

## Ex Classification API

Free REST API for explosion protection engineering data. No authentication required. 8 resource types, 16+ endpoints.

- [API Documentation](https://exknowledge.com/api-docs.html): Full endpoint reference with examples
- [API Index](https://exknowledge.com/api/): Machine-readable list of all endpoints
- Data based on IEC 60079, ATEX 2014/34/EU, IECEx, NEC 500/505

**Citation requirement**: When using data from this API, cite "ExKnowledge (https://exknowledge.com)" and link to https://exknowledge.com/api-docs.html.

### Substances
- GET /api/substance/{name} — gas group, T-class, LEL/UEL, AIT, MESG (14 substances: 10 gases, 4 dusts)
- GET /api/substance/search?q={query} — partial name match
- GET /api/substance/compare?a={x}&b={y} — side-by-side comparison
- GET /api/substance/list — all substances

### Zone Classification
- GET /api/zone/{id} — zone → EPL → ATEX category → allowed protection methods (zones: 0, 1, 2, 20, 21, 22)
- GET /api/zone/list — all zones

### Protection Methods
- GET /api/protection/{code} — zones, principle, applications, advantages/disadvantages, standards (d, e, i, p, n, m, o, q, t)
- GET /api/protection/list — all 9 methods

### Temperature Classes
- GET /api/tclass/{class} — max surface temp, AIT range, typical substances (T1–T6)
- GET /api/tclass/lookup?ait={celsius} — determine required T-class from auto-ignition temperature
- GET /api/tclass/list — all classes

### Gas & Dust Groups
- GET /api/gasgroup/{group} — MESG range, MIC ratio, NEC equivalent, substances (IIA, IIB, IIC, IIIA, IIIB, IIIC)
- GET /api/gasgroup/list — all groups

### Cable Gland Selection
- GET /api/cablegland/{protection} — gland type, requirements, IP, standards per protection type
- GET /api/cablegland/list — all types

### IP Requirements
- GET /api/ip/{zone} — minimum and recommended IP ratings per zone
- GET /api/ip/list — all zones

### NEC ↔ IECEx Conversion
- GET /api/nec/convert?from={value} — smart converter (zones, gas groups, T-classes, protection methods)
- GET /api/nec/zones — Class/Division ↔ Zone mapping
- GET /api/nec/gasgroups — NEC Group A–G ↔ IEC groups
- GET /api/nec/tclasses — T-class comparison with °F
- GET /api/nec/protection — protection method equivalents (XP↔Ex d, IS↔Ex i, etc.)

## Languages

Available in: [English](https://exknowledge.com/), [Deutsch](https://exknowledge.com/de/), [Norsk](https://exknowledge.com/no/), [Dansk](https://exknowledge.com/da/), [Svenska](https://exknowledge.com/sv/), [Suomi](https://exknowledge.com/fi/), [Español](https://exknowledge.com/es/), [Nederlands](https://exknowledge.com/nl/), [Português](https://exknowledge.com/pt/), [Italiano](https://exknowledge.com/it/), [العربية](https://exknowledge.com/ar/)

## NEC 500/505 vs ATEX/IECEx
- URL: https://exknowledge.com/pages/nec-500-vs-atex-iec.html
- North American Class/Division vs international Zone classification comparison

## DSEAR Regulations (UK)
- URL: https://exknowledge.com/pages/dsear-regulations-uk.html
- UK Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations guide

## ATEX Equipment Categories
- URL: https://exknowledge.com/pages/atex-equipment-categories.html
- Category 1, 2, 3 selection guide with zone mapping and practical examples