There are many industrial and commercial environments that rely on the use of equipment and products that operate in potentially explosive atmospheres. Hazardous environments can be found in industry such as oil and gas, mining, chemical processing etc.  

To ensure the safety and integrity of equipment?s and products used in explosive environments, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed the IECEx scheme.

IECEx products are equipment?s, components, and systems that are specifically designed and manufactured for use in explosive atmospheres. These products can be electrical as well as non-electrical like mechanical products.

Short Video About IECEx and importance of it.

IECEx versus ATEX in Explosive Environments.

As compared to ATEX which is self-declaration in nature, IECEx products undergo rigorous testing in 3rd party laboratories, external assessments, and certification to verify their compliance with international standards and regulations. IECEx products are built to mitigate the potential risks associated with flammable gases, vapors, liquids, combustible dust present in hazardous locations.

The certification process for IECEx involves several stages:

1.    Manufacturer Assessment: Manufacturers willing to obtain IECEx certification must undergo a thorough assessment of their quality management systems, production processes, and technical competencies. This evaluation ensures that the manufacturer has the necessary capabilities to consistently produce compliant products.

2.    Type Testing: IECEx requires manufacturers to submit representative samples of their products for extensive laboratory testing. These tests evaluate the equipment’s performance under various conditions, including temperature, pressure, and potentially explosive atmospheres. The goal is to assess the product’s resistance to ignition and its ability to prevent the release of excessive energy that could trigger an explosion.  A worse case scenario is also tested for an outlier situation that can result in catastrophe.

3.    Quality Assessment: In addition to type testing, IECEx also focuses on the ongoing quality control measures implemented by manufacturers. This assessment ensures that the production processes are continuously monitored, and the products maintain their conformity throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.

It is very important to note that the certification process is annual/bi-annual in some cases to ensure continuous adherence to international standards. All updated certifications can be found aqui 

IECEx products and certification play a vital role in ensuring safety and minimizing risks in industries that operate in hazardous environments. By adhering to rigorous testing and assessment processes, manufacturers can demonstrate the conformity of their equipment with international standards. IECEx certification offers numerous benefits, including global recognition, enhanced safety, compliance with standards, and streamlined market access. Ultimately, the use of IECEx-certified products promotes a safer working environment, protecting both personnel and valuable assets in industries that operate in potentially explosive atmospheres.

LPG Filling plant is one such explosive environment due to presence of Liquified Petroleum Gas. JASMA products for LPG Filling Plants are IECEx Certified. Our LPG Conveyor chains, Cabeças de Enchimento, Pallet Parts, Sprockets & Pulleys are IECEx Certified, giving peace of mind to our customers.