Selecting electrical equipment for flammable atmospheres is critical to prevent ignition, especially in India’s hazardous industries. This post discusses IS 16724:2018, the current standard, aligning with Flameproof Instrumentation’s focus on safety equipment.
Hazardous areas are zones where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts may create explosive atmospheres. These areas are classified as:
Gas Zones | Dust Zones | Description |
Zone 0 | Zone 20 | Flammable atmosphere is continuously present |
Zone 1 | Zone 21 | Likely to occur in normal operations |
Zone 2 | Zone 22 | Unlikely, but possible for short durations |
Equipment must match the zone classification to prevent ignition.
IS 16724:2018, superseding IS 5571:2009, is based on IEC 60079-14, guiding the design, selection, and installation of electrical equipment in hazardous areas. Bureau of Indian Standards confirms its role in classifying zones and ensuring safety.
It covers zone classification (0, 1, 2 for gases; 20, 21, 22 for dusts), protection methods like flameproof (Ex d) and intrinsic safety (Ex i), and certification requirements. It ensures equipment matches the hazard type and temperature class, vital for industries served by Flameproof Instrumentation.
Zone Matching: Equipment must be certified for the correct zone.
Temperature Class: Surface temperature must be lower than the ignition point of surrounding gases/dust.
Certification: Equipment must be certified for the specific gas/dust group and temperature class.
Involves identifying the zone, assessing hazards, choosing certified equipment, and verifying compatibility, aligning with the company’s product offerings for hazardous areas.
Identify Zone: Classify area (e.g., Zone 1 or 2).
Evaluate Hazard Type: Gas, vapor, or dust?
Select Certified Equipment: Must match the zone and gas group.
Check Temp Class: Ensure surface temperature is within safe limits.
Consult Experts: Work with safety engineers or certified manufacturers.
Following IS 16724:2018 ensures safety, and Flameproof Instrumentation provides compliant solutions for flammable atmosphere applications.
