Aspects Regarding the Certification of Electrical Equipment Used in Potentially Explosive Environments in Accordance with EU Directive 2014/34

National Institute for Research and Development in Mine Safety and Protection to Explosion – INSEMEX, 32-34 G-ral Vasile Milea, 332047, Petrosani, Hunedoara, Romania

^* Corresponding author: marcel.rad@insemex.ro

Abstract

EU Directive 2014/34 establishes the standards for the certification of electrical equipment used in potentially explosive atmosphere.

The EU has established standards for the certification of electrical equipment used in potentially explosive atmosphere. EU Directive 2014/34 sets out the requirements for certification and compliance. The directive applies to all electrical equipment to be used in potentially explosive atmosphere. The directive applies to manufacturers of electrical equipment and their authorized representatives. The directive sets out the safety requirements that electrical equipment must meet before it can be certified for use in potentially explosive atmosphere. The directive classifies potentially explosive atmosphere into three categories: Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2. The directive also sets out requirements for marking electrical equipment that has been certified for use in potentially explosive atmosphere.

Certification of electrical equipment involves testing the equipment to ensure that it meets safety requirements. Testing is performed by certified testing laboratories. Testing laboratories are accredited by the relevant national accreditation bodies. The testing laboratories follow the procedures laid down in the directive for testing electrical equipment. Testing includes testing the equipment for electrical safety, mechanical safety and thermal safety. The testing also includes testing the equipment for its ability to prevent ignition of potentially explosive atmospheres.