COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS – UNIT VERIFICATION
ARE
THE GO-TO COMPANY
WHEN IT COMES TO
HAZARDOUS AREA CONCERNS
Assemblies to IEC TS 60079-46
IEC TS 60079-46 is a new technical specification for the certification
of ‘Assemblies’ that has been adopted as a certification standard
for issuing Certificates of Conformity for an Assembly designed to
be used in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres.
IEC TS 60079-46 incorporates the inspection requirements of IEC
60079-14, but also includes the full ‘overall safety’ including other
forms of ignition (such as mechanical heat or friction) that may not
normally be verified. Compliance with IEC TS 60079-46 indicates an
overall protection level for the skid, not just the electrical parts
used on the skid.
Assemblies to IEC TS 60079-46
For equipment assemblies subjected to Type Verification to IEC TS
60079-46 , the manufacturing process and the competency of the
related personnel shall conform to ISO/IEC 80079-34. The
assembler is to have an IECEx Quality Assurance Registration (QAR)
in place listing IEC TS 60079-46.
Alternatively, for equipment assemblies subjected to ‘Unit
Verification’ (certified by serial number by final inspection) the
competency of the personnel performing the production processes
is substantiated by ATEC
Assemblies to IEC TS 60079-46
The certification covers both the Ex Electrical and Non-electrical
items and the interconnection wiring system. The Ignition hazard
assessment covers all explosion ignition related hazards and the
inspection and assessment to IEC 60079-14. When these are
deemed compliant, the ‘Assembly’ can be marked with “60079-46”
as the type of protection with the overall gas group and
temperature classification, EPL and ambient temperature range.
Assemblies to IEC TS 60079-46
IECEx
As of January 1st 2020 all IECEx Assembly Certification must be to
IEC TS 60079-46 which covers both electrical a and non-electrical
ignition hazards.
IECEx Certification provides “proof of compliance” with safety
standards for Assemblies of Ex products that come together in the
form of functioning equipment. The IECEx Certificate to IEC TS
60079-46 provides evidence that all ignition hazards (electrical and
non-electrical) have been suitably addressed and that the
installation is of the required standard.
The final assembly will be marked with a single marking covering
the complete assembly or skid including the symbol “Ex” and any
important information regarding the safe use of the assembly.
Assemblies to IEC TS 60079-46
ATEX and UKCA Assemblies
ATEX and UKCA Assemblies can be certified in the same way by
ATEC’s “ATEX Notified” and “UKCA Appointed” Bodies respectively.
The assembly will then be checked by our accredited experts for all
ignition sources (not just electrical) on certified and non-certified
parts and have the appropriate documentation (RA/DSD’s etc),
Installation and Equipment Protection Level (and Category) verified
and marked on one overall label.
Sample of Certification