prEN IEC 60079-2:2026

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 04-Jul-2027
• ICS: 29.260.20 - Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 31 - Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres - General requirements
• Current Stage: 4060 - Enquiry results established and sent to TC, SR, BTTF - Enquiry
• Start Date: 06-Mar-2026
• Completion Date: 06-Mar-2026
• Directive: Not Harmonized2008/68/EC - Directive 2008/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the council of 24 September 2008 on the inland transport of the dangerous goods
• Directive:

  ---

  Harmonized Standard2014/34/EU - Directive 2014/34/EU Of The European Parliament And Of The Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (recast)
• Mandate: M/596 - [C(2023)4798] Commission Implementing Decision of 20.7.2023 on a standardisation request as regards equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in support of Directive 2014/34/EU (ATEX) of the European Parliament and of the Council
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN IEC 60079-2:2026 - Explosive atmospheres - Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosure "p"

• Revises: EN 60079-2:2014 - Explosive atmospheres - Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosure "p"
• Effective Date: 12-Dec-2023
• Revises: EN 60079-2:2014/AC:2015 - Explosive atmospheres - Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosure "p"
• Effective Date: 12-Dec-2023

Overview

prEN IEC 60079-2:2026 is a key international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and adopted by the CENELEC (CLC) for use in Europe. Titled Explosive atmospheres - Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosure "p", this standard specifies requirements for the design, construction, testing, and marking of equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres. It focuses specifically on the technique of protection by pressurization (type "p"), which is widely used to prevent the ingress of flammable gases, vapours, or dust into enclosures that house electrical and non-electrical equipment.

This seventh edition brings important updates, extending the application beyond electrical equipment to include non-electrical apparatus. The modifications enhance the clarity and technical accuracy in areas such as definitions, constructional requirements, control systems, and equipment marking.

Key Topics

• Equipment Protection by Pressurization "p":
  • Defines protection concepts for using positive pressure with clean protective gas to safeguard equipment in hazardous areas
  • Details levels of protection: "pxb", "pyb", and "pzc"
• Constructional Requirements:
  • Covers enclosure design, selection of materials, mechanical strength, and installation of doors/covers
  • Addresses apertures, partitions, and sealing for both Group I (mining) and Groups II/III (gas and dust atmospheres)
• Safety Devices and Control Functions:
  • Specifies design and operation of pressurization control systems, safety devices for minimum overpressure, and bypass/override functions
  • Includes requirements for safety provisions in both standard and static pressurization systems
• Temperature Limits and Testing:
  • Sets criteria for surface temperature limits based on the intended level of protection and type of internal components
  • Describes mandatory verification, leakage, purging, and functional tests
• Marking and Documentation:
  • Lists requirements for labeling, supplemental markings, warning labels, and user instructions for proper installation and maintenance
• Updates in the 2026 Edition:
  • Now covers non-electrical equipment, introducing references to ISO 80079-36
  • Improved definitions (e.g., for internal release, maximum overpressure)
  • Revised tables and figures for clarity on levels of protection and design criteria
  • Enhanced instruction and documentation requirements for end users

Applications

Utilizing pressurized enclosures ("p") as outlined in prEN IEC 60079-2:2026 is crucial for industries where hazardous or explosive atmospheres may occur, such as:

• Oil and Gas: Protecting control panels, analyzers, and electrical devices on rigs, refineries, and gas plants
• Chemical and Petrochemical: Ensuring safe operation of process instrumentation and automation panels in potentially explosive industrial zones
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Safeguarding equipment in environments where volatile solvents create flammable atmospheres
• Mining Operations: Allowing consistent performance of electrical and instrumentation systems in underground settings with methane or coal dust
• Food and Beverage: Applying pressurized enclosures to electrical systems in facilities handling fine dust or vapours

By implementing type "p" protection, organizations can operate essential equipment in hazardous locations without risk of ignition, ensuring safety for personnel and facilities.

Related Standards

• IEC 60079 Series: The broader family addressing diverse explosion protection techniques and equipment.
  • IEC 60079-0 – Explosive atmospheres – Equipment – General requirements
  • IEC 60079-1 – Flameproof enclosures "d"
  • IEC 60079-7 – Increased safety "e"
• ISO 80079-36: For non-electrical equipment protection concepts in explosive atmospheres.
• IEC 60079-13: Pressurization requirements for rooms or buildings, complementing part 2.

For organizations working in hazardous environments, ensuring compliance with prEN IEC 60079-2:2026 and related standards is essential for safe, reliable, and legal operation of equipment in explosive atmospheres. Proper application of these standards supports effective risk management and regulatory conformity.