ATEX & IECEx Standards: IEC 60079 Series Reference Guide
Last updated: March 2026 · Based on IEC 60079 (2020 edition) and ATEX 2014/34/EU
Explosion protection is governed by a layered system of international standards, regional directives, and national regulations. This file maps the complete standards landscape.
The IEC 60079 Series (International)
The IEC 60079 series is the backbone of global explosion protection standards. All major regional standards (EN, AS/NZS, GB) are based on or harmonized with these.
General
| Standard | Title | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| IEC 60079-0 | General requirements | Common requirements for all Ex equipment: construction, testing, marking, documentation |
| IEC 60079-10-1 | Classification of areas. Gas | Methodology for zone classification (gas/vapour) |
| IEC 60079-10-2 | Classification of areas. Dust | Methodology for zone classification (dust) |
| IEC 60079-14 | Electrical installation design, selection, erection | How to install Ex equipment correctly |
| IEC 60079-17 | Electrical installation inspection and maintenance | How to inspect and maintain Ex installations |
| IEC 60079-19 | Equipment repair, overhaul, reclamation | How to repair Ex equipment without compromising certification |
| IEC 60079-25 | Intrinsically safe electrical systems | System-level requirements for IS circuits |
Protection Methods
| Standard | Protection Method | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| IEC 60079-1 | Flameproof enclosures | Ex d |
| IEC 60079-2 | Pressurized enclosures | Ex p |
| IEC 60079-5 | Powder filling | Ex q |
| IEC 60079-6 | Oil immersion | Ex o |
| IEC 60079-7 | Increased safety | Ex e |
| IEC 60079-11 | Intrinsic safety | Ex i |
| IEC 60079-15 | Type of protection "n" | Ex n |
| IEC 60079-18 | Encapsulation | Ex m |
| IEC 60079-28 | Optical radiation | Ex Op |
| IEC 60079-31 | Dust ignition protection by enclosure | Ex t |
Specialized
| Standard | Title |
|---|---|
| IEC 60079-13 | Equipment protection by pressurized rooms |
| IEC 60079-26 | Equipment with EPL Ga |
| IEC 60079-29-1 | Gas detectors. performance requirements |
| IEC 60079-29-4 | Gas detectors. open path |
| IEC 60079-30-1 | Electrical resistance trace heating. general |
| IEC 60079-30-2 | Electrical resistance trace heating. application design |
| IEC 60079-33 | Equipment protection by special protection "s" |
| IEC 60079-35-1 | Caplights for mines. general |
ATEX Directives (European Union)
Two EU directives form the ATEX framework:
ATEX 2014/34/EU (Equipment Directive)
- Formerly known as ATEX 95 or ATEX 114
- Covers equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres
- Applies to manufacturers and importers placing products on the EU market
- Requires conformity assessment, CE marking, and Declaration of Conformity
- Defines equipment groups (I, II, III) and categories (1, 2, 3)
ATEX 1999/92/EC (Workplace Directive)
- Formerly known as ATEX 137
- Covers the safety and health of workers at risk from explosive atmospheres
- Applies to employers/operators (not manufacturers)
- Requires hazardous area classification, explosion protection document (EPD), and use of appropriate equipment
- Mandates risk assessment and mitigation measures
In the United Kingdom, the ATEX Workplace Directive is implemented through DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002). Post-Brexit, DSEAR remains in force as retained UK law with the same zone classification and equipment selection requirements.
EN Standards (Harmonized with IEC)
European Normes (EN) are the harmonized versions of IEC standards:
| IEC Standard | EN Standard |
|---|---|
| IEC 60079-0 | EN IEC 60079-0 |
| IEC 60079-1 | EN IEC 60079-1 |
| IEC 60079-7 | EN IEC 60079-7 |
| IEC 60079-11 | EN IEC 60079-11 |
| IEC 60079-14 | EN IEC 60079-14 |
| etc. | etc. |
Conformity with harmonized EN standards provides a "presumption of conformity" with the ATEX directive.
IECEx System (International)
The IECEx System is not a directive or regulation but a voluntary international certification scheme managed by the IEC.
Three IECEx Schemes
- IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme. certifies that equipment meets IEC 60079 standards
- IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme. certifies repair and overhaul workshops
- IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC). certifies individual competence (see also CompEx certification)
IECEx Acceptance
IECEx certificates are accepted (with varying degrees) in:
- Australia/New Zealand (fully accepted)
- Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, UAE, Qatar, Brazil, South Africa
- EU member states (accepted alongside ATEX for technical evidence)
- NOT directly accepted in USA or Canada (require separate UL/CSA certification)
North American Standards
United States (NEC)
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 500 | Class/Division system |
| NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 505 | Zone system (harmonized with IEC) |
| NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 506 | Zone system for dust |
| UL 60079 series | UL adoptions of IEC 60079 (with US deviations) |
| FM 3600/3610/3615 | Factory Mutual standards for hazardous locations |
| ISA/ANSI 60079 series | ISA adoptions of IEC 60079 |
US certification is performed by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs): UL, FM, CSA, Intertek (ETL), TÃœV.
For a detailed comparison of the NEC Class/Division system versus ATEX/IECEx Zone system, including conversion tables and dual-certification guidance, see our NEC 500/505 vs ATEX/IECEx comparison.
Canada (CEC)
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| CEC Section 18 | Hazardous locations (Division system) |
| CEC Appendix J | Zone system |
| CSA C22.2 No. 60079 series | Canadian adoptions of IEC 60079 |
Other Regional Standards
Brazil
- INMETRO certification required
- Based on IEC 60079 series (ABNT NBR IEC 60079)
- Accepts IECEx certificates as basis
Russia / Eurasian Customs Union
- TR CU 012/2011. Technical Regulation on equipment for explosive atmospheres
- EAC marking required (Eurasian Conformity)
- GOST R IEC 60079 series
- Separate certification by accredited bodies (e.g., NANIO, CCVE)
China
- GB 3836 series. based on IEC 60079 but with national deviations
- NEPSI or PCEC certification required
- CCC (China Compulsory Certification) for some categories
- Does NOT accept IECEx directly
India
- IS/IEC 60079 series. Bureau of Indian Standards adoptions
- PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) approval required
- BIS certification for some equipment categories
Japan
- TIIS (Technology Institution of Industrial Safety) certification
- Based on IEC 60079 but with some local deviations
- Required for equipment used in Japanese facilities
Middle East
- UAE/Qatar: ATEX or IECEx accepted (QCD, ESMA)
- Saudi Arabia: SASO standards, IECEx increasingly accepted
- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman: Generally follow IECEx or ATEX
Australia/New Zealand
- AS/NZS 60079 series. direct adoption of IEC 60079
- IECEx certificates accepted directly
- Administered by regulatory authorities in each state/territory
Non-Electrical Equipment
Explosion protection also covers non-electrical equipment (mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic):
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| EN 13463-1 | Non-electrical equipment. basic methodology |
| EN 13463-2 | Protection by flow restricting enclosure "fr" |
| EN 13463-3 | Protection by flameproof enclosure "d" |
| EN 13463-5 | Protection by constructional safety "c" |
| EN 13463-6 | Protection by control of ignition source "b" |
| EN 13463-8 | Protection by liquid immersion "k" |
| ISO 80079-36 | Non-electrical equipment. basic methods and requirements |
| ISO 80079-37 | Non-electrical equipment. protection by constructional safety, control of ignition sources, liquid immersion |
Key Industry Standards (Adjacent)
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| EN 1127-1 | Explosion prevention and protection. basic concepts and methodology |
| EN 14986 | Fans for explosive atmospheres |
| EN 13980 | Quality systems for Ex equipment manufacture |
| IEC 61241-14 | Selection and installation of electrical equipment in dust atmospheres |
| IEC 61511 | Safety instrumented systems (SIS) for process safety |
| EN 60529 | IP ratings (ingress protection). critical for Ex t |
Related Files
- Fundamentals. the principles these standards protect
- Protection Methods. each method has its own IEC standard
- Ex Markings. how standards appear in equipment markings
- Certification. who applies these standards
- Installation & Inspection. IEC 60079-14 and 60079-17
Content Review
Compiled from IEC 60079 series, ATEX 2014/34/EU, and IECEx operational documents. This reference guide does not replace official standards or certified site assessments. Always consult the applicable standard edition and a qualified Ex engineer for your specific application.
Compiled from IEC 60079 series, ATEX 2014/34/EU, and IECEx operational documents. This reference guide does not replace official standards or certified site assessments. Always consult the applicable standard edition and a qualified Ex engineer for your specific application.