Research Triangle Park, NC (11 May 2005) -- Three of the eight IEC 60079 series-based ISA/UL co-published standards are being revised based on the new editions of the IEC standards, with one standard, ISA 60079-0 (12.00.01), Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zones 0, 1, & 2 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: General Requirements, scheduled for publication this month after it has been submitted for a 10-day default ISA Standards & Practices Board ballot and for ANSI approval.
This standard specifies the general requirements for construction, testing and marking of electrical apparatus and Ex components intended for use in Class I, Zone 0, 1, or 2 hazardous (classified) locations as defined by the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.ISA 60079-1 (12.22.01), Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zone 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: Type of Protection - Flameproof "d" and ISA 60079-18 (12.23.01), Electrical Apparatus for Use in Class I, Zone 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations: Type of Protection - Encapsulation “m” are also being revised and balloted based on IEC standard updates and are scheduled to be published this year after ballot completion and ANSI approval.
The eight ISA co-published standards will be re-designated with the IEC number following “ISA” and the ISA standards committee-related number in parentheses to avoid confusion and to more closely align ISA’s standards with the IEC standards. ANSI/ISA 60079-0 (12.00.01) and the other ISA 60079 series standards help to ease global trade of U.S.
-manufactured electrical equipment for use in explosive atmospheres. Among the benefits these standards offer U.S. manufacturers are reduced testing and certification costs and reduced time to market. The ISA standards are harmonized to the fullest extent possible, by ISA’s SP12 Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Locations Committee, with the IEC 60079 standards.
In the U.S., the standards require all electrical equipment to meet requirements for shock and fire hazards, whereas the IEC 60079 series standards do not¾their focus is entirely on explosion hazards.These standards are essential for industries that have electrical equipment installed in hazardous (classified) locations and/or use electrical equipment to detect, alarm, or otherwise process signals relating to the detection of materials within their combustible ranges. The standards were developed to promote and ensure safe and practical use of such electrical equipment.
About ISA
ISA—The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society is a global, nonprofit, educational organization connecting people and ideas in automation. The Society fosters advancement in the theory, design, manufacture, and use of sensors, instruments, computers, and systems for automation in a wide variety of applications. In addition to hosting the largest conferences and exhibitions for automation in the Western Hemisphere, ISA is a leading technical training organization and a respected publisher of books, magazines, and standards.
ISA also serves the professional development and certification needs of industry professionals and practitioners with its Certified Automation Professional (CAP™), Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®), and Certified Industrial Maintenance Mechanics (CIMM™) programs; and the Control Systems Engineers (CSE) license. Founded in 1945, ISA has expanded its technical and geographical reach to become a resource for 30,000 Members and thousands of other professionals and practitioners in more than 110 countries around the world.For more information visit www.isa.org .
