Explosion-proof Ex

The development of our explosion-proof equipment draws on standards from Underwriters Laboratories, the National Electrical Code, the Argentine Institute for Materials Standardisation (IRAM) and DIN, together with experience and working guidelines developed for oil, gas, distillery, laboratory and edible-oil companies.

The growing use of electrical equipment in atmospheres showing signs of hazard — because the air may contain suspended elements capable of forming flammable or explosive mixtures — made it necessary to develop components and techniques that guarantee safe use, and to clearly classify the different types of environment.

A “hazardous area” is defined by IRAM IAP A20-1 and by article 500 of the National Electrical Code as one where installations may deteriorate because of the explosion or ignition of vapours, liquids, gases and dusts, because of chemical attack, or because of fire propagating through mixtures present in the atmosphere.

Areas where the air contains, or may contain, suspended gases or vapours in quantities capable of forming flammable or explosive mixtures: acetylene, hydrogen, ethyl ether, petrol, butane, natural gas and others.

Division I: environments with hazardous concentrations of flammable gases and vapours under normal operating conditions, or where such concentrations may occur frequently due to repairs, maintenance or leaks.

Division II: environments where flammable liquids or gases are handled or stored in closed containers, from which they can only escape through accidental rupture or abnormal equipment operation.