SIST EN 60079-17:2014

Explosive atmospheres - Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance

IEC 60079-17:2013 applies to users and covers factors directly related to the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations within hazardous areas only, where the hazard may be caused by flammable gases, vapours, mists, dusts, fibres or flyings. It does not include:  - other fundamental installation and inspection requirements for electrical installations;  - the verification of electrical equipment;  - the repair and reclamation of explosion protected equipment (see IEC 60079-19). This standard supplements the requirements of IEC 60364-6. In the case of dusts, fibres or flyings the level of housekeeping may influence the inspection and maintenance requirements. This standard is intended to be applied where there can be a risk due to the presence of explosive gas or dust mixtures with air or combustible dust layers under normal atmospheric conditions. It does not apply to:  - underground mining areas,  - dusts of explosives that do not require atmospheric oxygen for combustion,  - pyrophoric substances. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2007 and constitutes a technical revision. The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:  - Equipment specific inspection tables for luminaires, heating systems and motors have been added into Annex A to supplement the general protection concept tables;  - Document has been updated to complement the changes made to IEC 60079-14 for initial inspection. Keywords: inspection and maintenance of electrical installations within hazardous area, flammable gases, vapours, mists, dusts, fibres or flyings

Explosionsgefährdete Bereiche - Teil 17: Prüfung und Instandhaltung elektrischer Anlagen

Atmosphères explosives - Partie 17: Inspection et entretien des installations électriques

La IEC 60079-17:2013 applique aux utilisateurs et couvre les facteurs directement liés à l'inspection et à l'entretien des seules installations électriques situées à l'intérieur des emplacements dangereux, où le danger peut venir des gaz, des vapeurs, des brouillards, des poussières, des fibres ou des particules en suspension inflammables. Elle ne comprend pas:  - les autres exigences fondamentales relatives à l'installation et à l'inspection pour les installations électriques;  - la vérification du matériel électrique;  - les réparations et remises en état de matériel protégé contre les explosions (voir CEI 60079-19). La présente norme constitue un complément pour les exigences de la CEI 60364-6. Dans le cas de poussières, fibres ou particules en suspension, le niveau de l'entretien courant peut influencer les exigences d'entretien et d'inspection. La présente norme est destinée à être appliquée lorsqu'il existe un risque dû à la présence de gaz explosifs ou de mélanges de poussières dans l'air ou des couches de poussières combustibles dans des conditions atmosphériques normales. Elle ne s'applique pas:  - aux parties souterraines des mines,  - aux poussières d'explosifs qui n'exigent pas d'oxygène de l'air pour leur combustion,  - aux substances pyrophoriques. Cette cinquième édition annule et remplace la quatrième édition publiée en 2007 et constitue une révision technique. Les modifications techniques importantes par rapport à l'édition antérieure sont indiquées ci-dessous:  - Des tableaux relatifs à l'inspection spécifique au matériel pour les luminaires, systèmes de chauffage et moteurs ont été ajoutés dans l'Annexe A afin de compléter les tableaux de concept de protection générale;  - Le document a été actualisé pour compléter les modifications apportées à la CEI 60079-14. Mots clés : l'inspection et à l'entretien des installations électriques situées à l'intérieur des emplacements dangereux, gaz, des vapeurs, des brouillards, des poussières, des fibres ou des particules en suspension inflammables

Eksplozivne atmosfere - 17. del: Pregledovanje in vzdrževanje električnih inštalacij

Ta del skupine standardov IEC 60079 velja za uporabnike in zajema dejavnike, neposredno povezane s pregledovanjem in vzdrževanjem električnih napeljav izključno v nevarnih območjih, kjer lahko tveganje povzročijo vnetljivi plini, hlapi, meglice, prah, vlakna ali odpadki iz predilnic. Ta standard ne vključuje: – drugih temeljnih zahtev nameščanja in pregledovanja za električne napeljave, – preverjanja električne opreme, – popravil in reklamacij opreme, zaščitene pred eksplozijami (glejte standard IEC 60079-19). Ta standard dopolnjuje zahteve iz standarda IEC 60364-6. V primeru prahu, vlaken ali odpadkov iz predilnic lahko na zahteve pregledovanja in vzdrževanja vpliva raven vzdrževanja čistoče. Ta standard je namenjen uporabi v primerih tveganja zaradi prisotnosti eksplozivnega plina ali mešanic prahu z zrakom ali gorljivih plasti prahu v običajnih atmosferskih pogojih. Ne uporablja se za: – podzemna rudniška okolja, – prah eksplozivov, ki za zgorevanje ne potrebuje atmosferskega kisika, – piroforne snovi.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 03-Jun-2014
• ICS: 29.260.20 - Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres
• ICS: 91.140.50 - Electricity supply systems
• Technical Committee: EXP - Product for explosive atmospheres
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Due Date: 06-Jun-2014
• Completion Date: 04-Jun-2014
• Directive: 2016-01-1803 - Pravilnik o protieksplozijski zaščiti
• Directive: TRRTP131 - Tehnična smernica TSG-N-002:2009 - Nizkonapetostne električne inštalacije
• Ref Project: EN 60079-17:2014 - Explosive atmospheres - Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 60079-17:2008 - Explosive atmospheres -- Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Revised: SIST EN IEC 60079-17:2024 - Explosive atmospheres - Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance (IEC 60079-17:2023)
• Effective Date: 16-Apr-2019

Overview

EN 60079-17:2014 - “Explosive atmospheres - Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance” (CLC adoption of IEC 60079-17:2013) specifies requirements for the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations within hazardous areas where the hazard may be caused by flammable gases, vapours, mists, dusts, fibres or flyings. This fifth edition replaces EN 60079-17:2007 and is a technical revision that adds equipment‑specific inspection guidance and aligns initial inspection requirements with EN 60079‑14.

The standard is intended for normal atmospheric conditions and for situations where explosive gas/dust mixtures or combustible dust layers present a risk. It supplements the requirements of IEC 60364‑6 and focuses on practical inspection and maintenance activities rather than initial design, equipment verification, or equipment overhaul/repair.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and exclusions: applies to users for hazardous-area inspection/maintenance only. Does not cover fundamental installation design/verification, electrical equipment verification, or repair/reclamation of explosion-protected equipment (see IEC 60079‑19). Exclusions include underground mining areas, dusts of explosives that do not require atmospheric oxygen, and pyrophoric substances.
• Documentation and records: requirements for inspection records, schedules and maintenance documentation.
• Personnel competence: criteria and guidance for responsible persons, technical persons and operatives (Annex B) - knowledge, skills and competency assessment.
• Inspection grades and types: definitions of inspection grades, periodic inspections and continuous supervision by skilled personnel.
• Equipment‑specific guidance: new equipment inspection tables for luminaires, heating systems and motors (Annex A) supplement general protection concept tables.
• Inspection schedules and tables: Tables 1–3 provide schedules for protection types (Ex “d”, “e”, “i”, “p”, “t”, “n”, etc.), and Annex A gives a typical inspection procedure.
• Special topics: intrinsic safety circuit earthing/separation, pressurized enclosures, sealing, cable glands, insulation resistance, fault loop impedance, lamps and luminaires, and housekeeping effects for dust/fibre hazards.
• Fitness‑for‑purpose: Annex C offers guidance on assessing equipment suitability and ignition-source control.

Practical applications

• Ensure ongoing safe operation of electrical installations in oil & gas, chemical plants, paint shops, grain handling, pharmaceuticals and other industries with explosive atmospheres.
• Create inspection programmes, define competent personnel roles, and maintain compliant records for audits and regulatory compliance.
• Use equipment‑specific checklists (luminaires, motors, heating) to focus maintenance tasks and risk controls.

Who should use this standard

• Plant owners, maintenance managers and safety managers
• Electrical inspectors and technicians working in hazardous areas
• Competent persons responsible for inspection schedules and records
• Compliance officers and auditors assessing hazardous‑area maintenance programs

Related standards

Normative and related documents referenced include IEC/EN series: IEC 60079‑0, ‑1, ‑2, ‑7, ‑10‑1, ‑10‑2, ‑11, ‑14, ‑15, ‑19, ‑31, IEC 60364‑6, IEC 61241‑4 and IEC 60204‑1 - all relevant when designing, installing, verifying and maintaining electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Explosionsgefährdete Bereiche - Teil 17: Prüfung und Instandhaltung elektrischer AnlagenAtmosphères explosives - Partie 17: Inspection et entretien des installations électriquesExplosive atmospheres - Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance91.140.50Sistemi za oskrbo z elektrikoElectricity supply systems29.260.20Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheresICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 60079-17:2014SIST EN 60079-17:2014en01-julij-2014SIST EN 60079-17:2014SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 60079-17:20081DGRPHãþD

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60079-17 NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM March 2014
CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels
© 2014 CENELEC -
All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 60079-17:2014 E
ICS 29.260.20 Supersedes EN 60079-17:2007
English version
Explosive atmospheres -
Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance (IEC 60079-17:2013)
Atmosphères explosives -
Partie 17: Inspection et entretien des installations électriques (CEI 60079-17:2013)
Explosionsgefährdete Bereiche -
Teil 17: Prüfung und Instandhaltung elektrischer Anlagen (IEC 60079-17:2013)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2013-12-24. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Foreword The text of document 31J/224/FDIS, future edition 5 of IEC 60079-17, prepared by SC 31J, Classification of hazardous areas and installation requirements, of IEC TC 31, Equipment for explosive atmospheres, was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN 60079-17:2014.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2014-09-24 • latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the document have to be withdrawn (dow) 2016-12-24
This document supersedes EN 60079-17:2007. EN 60079-17:2014 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
EN 60079-17:2007: •
Equipment specific inspection tables for luminaires, heating systems and motors have been added into Annex A to supplement the general protection concept tables. • Document has been updated to complement the changes made to EN 60079-14 for initial inspection. Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Endorsement notice The text of the International Standard IEC 60079-17:2013 was approved by CENELEC as a European Standard without any modification. In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated: IEC 60079-5 NOTE Harmonised as EN 60079-5. IEC 60079-6 NOTE Harmonised as EN 60079-6. IEC 60079-18 NOTE Harmonised as EN 60079-18. IEC 60079-26 NOTE Harmonised as EN 60079-26. IEC 60079-28 NOTE Harmonised as EN 60079-28. IEC 60204-1 NOTE Harmonised as EN 60204-1.
- 3 - EN 60079-17:2014 Annex ZA
(normative) Normative references to international publications with their corresponding European publications The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE
When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60079-0
- Explosive atmospheres -
Part 0: Equipment - General requirements EN 60079-0
IEC 60079-1 - Explosive atmospheres -
Part 1: Equipment protection by flameproof enclosures "d" EN 60079-1 -
IEC 60079-2 - Explosive atmospheres -
Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosure "p" EN 60079-2 -
IEC 60079-7
Explosive atmospheres -
Part 7: Equipment protection by increased safety "e" EN 60079-7
IEC 60079-10-1 - Explosive atmospheres -
Part 10-1: Classification of areas - Explosive gas atmospheres EN 60079-10-1 -
IEC 60079-10-2 - Explosive atmospheres -
Part 10-2: Classification of areas - Combustible dust atmospheres EN 60079-10-2 -
IEC 60079-11
Explosive atmospheres -
Part 11: Equipment protection by intrinsic safety "i" EN 60079-11 -
IEC 60079-14 - Explosive atmospheres -
Part 14: Electrical installations design, selection and erection EN 60079-14 -
IEC 60079-15 - Explosive atmospheres -
Part 15: Equipment protection by type of protection "n" EN 60079-15 -
IEC 60079-19 - Explosive atmospheres -
Part 19: Equipment repair, overhaul and reclamation EN 60079-19 -
IEC 60079-31 - Explosive atmospheres -
Part 31: Equipment dust ignition protection by enclosure "t" EN 60079-31 -
IEC 60364-6
- Low voltage electrical installations -
Part 6: Verification HD 60364-6 -
IEC 61241-4 - Electrical apparatus for use in the presence of combustible dust -
Part 4: Type of protection 'pD' EN 61241-4 -
IEC 60079-17 Edition 5.0 2013-11 INTERNATIONAL STANDARD NORME INTERNATIONALE Explosive atmospheres –
Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance
Atmosphères explosives –
Partie 17: Inspection et entretien des installations électriques
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION COMMISSION ELECTROTECHNIQUE INTERNATIONALE W ICS 29.260.20 PRICE CODE CODE PRIX ISBN 978-2-8322-1193-9
– 2 – 60079-17 © IEC:2013 CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5 INTRODUCTION . 7 1 Scope . 8 2 Normative references . 8 3 Terms and definitions . 9 4 General requirements . 11 4.1 Documentation . 11 4.2 Qualification of personnel . 11 4.3 Inspections . 11 4.3.1 General . 11 4.3.2 Grades of inspection . 12 4.3.3 Types of inspection . 13 4.4 Periodic inspections . 13 4.4.1 Personnel . 13 4.4.2 Fixed installations . 13 4.4.3 Movable equipment. 14 4.5 Continuous supervision by skilled personnel . 14 4.5.1 Concept . 14 4.5.2 Objectives . 14 4.5.3 Responsibilities . 15 4.5.4 Frequency of inspection . 15 4.5.5 Documents . 16 4.5.6 Training . 16 4.6 Maintenance requirements . 16 4.6.1 Remedial measures and alterations to equipment . 16 4.6.2 Maintenance of flexible cables . 17 4.6.3 Withdrawal from service. 17 4.6.4 Fastenings and tools. 17 4.7 Environmental conditions . 17 4.8 Isolation of equipment . 18 4.8.1 Installations other than intrinsically safe circuits . 18 4.8.2 Intrinsically safe installations live maintenance . 19 4.9 Earthing and equipotential bonding . 20 4.10 Specific conditions of use . 20 4.11 Movable equipment and its connections . 20 4.12 Inspection schedules (Tables 1 to 3) . 20 4.12.1 General . 20 4.12.2 Equipment is appropriate to the EPL/zone requirements of the location . 20 4.12.3 Equipment group . 20 4.12.4 Equipment maximum surface temperature . 20 4.12.5 Equipment circuit identification . 20 4.12.6 Cable gland . 21 4.12.7 Type of cable . 21 4.12.8 Sealing . 21 SIST EN 60079-17:2014

60079-17 © IEC:2013 – 3 –4.12.9 Fault loop impedance or earthing resistance . 21 4.12.10 Insulation resistance . 21 4.12.11 Overload protection . 21 4.12.12 Lamps and luminaires . 21 5 Additional inspection schedule requirements . 22 5.1 Type of protection “d” – Flameproof enclosure (see Table 1 and IEC 60079-1) . 22 5.2 Type of protection “e” – Increased safety (see Table 1 and IEC 60079-7) . 22 5.3 Type of protection “i” – Intrinsic safety (see Table 2 and IEC 60079-11) . 22 5.3.1 General . 22 5.3.2 Documentation . 22 5.3.3 Labelling . 23 5.3.4 Unauthorized modifications . 23 5.3.5 Associated apparatus (safety interface) between intrinsically safe and non-intrinsically safe circuits . 23 5.3.6 Cables . 23 5.3.7 Cable screens. 23 5.3.8 Point-to-point connections . 23 5.3.9 Earth continuity of non-galvanically isolated circuits . 23 5.3.10 Earth connections to maintain the integrity of the intrinsic safety . 24 5.3.11 Intrinsically safe circuit earthing and/or insulation . 24 5.3.12 Separation between intrinsically safe and non-intrinsically safe circuits . 24 5.4 Type of protection “p” and “pD” – Pressurized enclosure (see Table 3, IEC 60079-2 and IEC 61241-4) . 24 5.5 Type of protection “n” (see Table 1 or 2 and IEC 60079-15) . 24 5.5.1 General . 24 5.5.2 Restricted breathing enclosures . 25 5.6 Type of protection “t” and “tD” – Protection by enclosure (see Table 1 and IEC 60079-31 and IEC 61241-1) . 25 5.7 Types of protection “m” and “mD” (encapsulation), “o”, (oil-immersion) “op” (optical radiation) and “q” (powder-filling). 25 6 Inspection tables . 25 Annex A (informative)
Typical inspection procedure for periodic inspections . 30 Annex B (normative)
Knowledge, skills and competencies of responsible persons, technical persons with executive function and operatives . 31 B.1 Scope . 31 B.2 Knowledge and skills . 31 B.2.1 Responsible persons and technical persons with executive function . 31 B.2.2 Operative/technician (inspection and maintenance) . 31 B.3 Competencies . 32 B.3.1 General . 32 B.3.2 Responsible persons and technical persons with executive function . 32 B.3.3 Operative/technician . 32 B.4 Assessment . 32 Annex C (informative)
Fitness-for-purpose assessment . 33 C.1 Background . 33 SIST EN 60079-17:2014

– 4 – 60079-17 © IEC:2013 C.2 Need for a fitness-for-purpose assessment . 33 C.3 Approach . 33 C.4 Ignition sources . 33 C.5 Contents of the fitness-for-purpose assessment . 33 C.5.1 General . 33 C.5.2 Scope . 33 C.5.3 Equipment and its application . 34 C.5.4 Description . 34 C.5.5 Function of the product including the location . 34 C.5.6 Specification . 34 C.5.7 Standards compliance . 34 C.5.8 Documents . 35 C.5.9 Product sample . 35 C.5.10 Equipment label . 35 C.5.11 Training of personnel . 35 Annex D (informative)
Example of motor checks . 36 Bibliography . 37
Figure A.1 – Typical inspection procedure for periodic inspections . 30
Table 1 – Inspection schedule for Ex “d”, Ex “e”, Ex “n” and Ex “t/tD” . 25 Table 2 – Inspection schedule for Ex “i” installations . 28 Table 3 – Inspection schedule for Ex “p” and “pD” installations . 29
60079-17 © IEC:2013 – 5 –INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION ____________
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance
FOREWORD 1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations. 2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any misinterpretation by any end user. 4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter. 5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any services carried out by independent certification bodies. 6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication. 7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is indispensable for the correct application of this publication. 9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. International Standard IEC 60079-17 has been prepared by subcommittee 31J: Classification of hazardous areas and installation requirements, of IEC technical committee 31: Equipment for explosive atmospheres. This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2007 and constitutes a technical revision. The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
Equipment specific inspection tables for luminaires, heating systems and motors have been added into Annex A to supplement the general protection concept tables.
Document has been updated to complement the changes made to IEC 60079-14 for initial inspection. SIST EN 60079-17:2014

– 6 – 60079-17 © IEC:2013 The text of this standard is based on the following documents: FDIS Report on voting 31J/224/FDIS 31J/229/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on voting indicated in the above table. This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. This International Standard is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60364-6.
A list of all parts of the IEC 60079 series, under the general title Explosive atmospheres, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed, • withdrawn, • replaced by a revised edition, or • amended.
60079-17 © IEC:2013 – 7 –INTRODUCTION Electrical installations in hazardous areas possess features specially designed to render them suitable for operations in such atmospheres. It is essential for reasons of safety in those areas that, throughout the life of such installations, the integrity of those special features is preserved. This standard provides the details for initial inspection and on-going inspections as either; a) regular periodic inspections thereafter, or, b) continuous supervision by skilled personnel. When necessary, maintenance may also be needed. Correct functional operation of hazardous area installations does not mean, and should not be interpreted as meaning, that the integrity of the special features referred to above is preserved. Inspections are carried out in accordance with this standard, however for older installations the details for the equipment and installations requirements should be referenced to the standards applied at the date of the installation.
NOTE Standards applied at the date of installation may not have been IEC standards.
– 8 – 60079-17 © IEC:2013 EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 17: Electrical installations inspection and maintenance
1 Scope
This part of the IEC 60079 series applies to users and covers factors directly related to the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations within hazardous areas only, where the hazard may be caused by flammable gases, vapours, mists, dusts, fibres or flyings.
It does not include:
other fundamental installation and inspection requirements for electrical installations;
the verification of electrical equipment;
the repair and reclamation of explosion protected equipment (see IEC 60079-19). This standard supplements the requirements of IEC 60364-6. In the case of dusts, fibres or flyings the level of housekeeping may influence the inspection and maintenance requirements. This standard is intended to be applied where there can be a risk due to the presence of explosive gas or dust mixtures with air or combustible dust layers under normal atmospheric conditions. It does not apply to:
underground mining areas,
dusts of explosives that do not require atmospheric oxygen for combustion,
pyrophoric substances. 2 Normative references The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. IEC 60079-0, Explosive atmospheres - Part 0: Equipment - General requirements IEC 60079-1, Explosive atmospheres – Part 1: Equipment protection by flameproof enclosures "d" IEC 60079-2, Explosive atmospheres – Part 2: Equipment protection by pressurized enclosures "p" IEC 60079-7, Explosive atmospheres – Part 7: Equipment protection by increased safety “e” IEC 60079-10-1, Explosive atmospheres – Part 10-1: Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres IEC 60079-10-2, Explosive atmospheres – Part 10-2: Classification of areas – Combustible dust atmospheres SIST EN 60079-17:2014

60079-17 © IEC:2013 – 9 –IEC 60079-11, Explosive atmospheres – Part 11: Equipment protection by intrinsic safety "i" IEC 60079-14, Explosive atmospheres – Part 14: Electrical installations design, selection and erection IEC 60079-15, Explosive atmospheres – Part 15: Equipment protection by type of protection "n" IEC 60079-19, Explosive atmospheres – Part 19: Equipment repair, overhaul and reclamation
IEC 60079-31, Explosive atmospheres – Part 31: Equipment dust ignition protection by enclosure "t" IEC 60364-6, Low-voltage electrical installations – Part 6: Verification IEC 61241-4, Electrical apparatus for combustible dust atmospheres – Part 4: Type of protection "pD" 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60079-0 and the following apply. NOTE Additional definitions applicable to explosive atmospheres can be found in IEC 60050-426. 3.1
close inspection inspection which encompasses those aspects covered by a visual inspection and, in addition, identifies those defects, such as loose bolts, which will be apparent only by the use of access equipment EXAMPLE Steps, (where necessary), and tools. Note 1 to entry: Close inspections do not normally require the enclosure to be opened, or the equipment to be de-energized. 3.2
continuous supervision frequent attendance, inspection, service, care and maintenance of the electrical installation by skilled personnel who have experience in the specific installation and its environment in order to maintain the explosion protection features of the installation in satisfactory condition 3.3
detailed inspection inspection which encompasses those aspects covered by a close inspection and, in addition, identifies those defects, such as loose terminations, which will only be apparent by opening the enclosure, and/or using, where necessary, tools and test equipment 3.4
hazardous area area in which an explosive atmosphere is present, or may be expected to be present, in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment Note 1 to entry: For the purposes of this standard, an area is a three-dimensional region or space. SIST EN 60079-17:2014

– 10 – 60079-17 © IEC:2013 3.5
initial inspection inspection of all electrical equipment, systems and installations before they are brought into service 3.6
inspection action comprising careful scrutiny of an item carried out either without dismantling, or with the addition of partial dismantling as required, supplemented by means such as measurement, in order to arrive at a reliable conclusion as to the condition of an item 3.7
maintenance combination of any actions carried out to retain an item in, or restore it to, conditions in which it is able to meet the requirements of the relevant specification and perform its required functions 3.8
live maintenance maintenance activities carried out while circuits are energized 3.9
non-hazardous area area in which an explosive atmosphere is not expected to be present in quantities such as to require special precautions for the construction, installation and use of equipment 3.10
periodic inspection inspection of all electrical equipment, systems and installations carried out on a routine basis 3.11
sample inspection inspection of a representative proportion of the electrical equipment, systems and installations 3.12
skilled personnel persons whose training has included instruction on the various types of protection and installation practices, the requirements of this standard, the relevant national regulations/company rules applicable to the installation and on the general principles of area classification 3.13
technical person with executive function person providing technical management of the skilled personnel, having adequate knowledge in the field of explosion protection, having familiarity with the local conditions, having familiarity with the installation and who has overall responsibility and control of the inspection systems for the electrical equipment within hazardous areas 3.14
visual inspection inspection which identifies, without the use of access equipment or tools, those defects, such as missing bolts, which will be apparent to the eye SIST EN 60079-17:2014

60079-17 © IEC:2013 – 11 –4 General requirements 4.1 Documentation For the purposes of inspection and maintenance, up-to-date documentation (verification dossier) including any modification records, of the following items shall be available: a) zone classification of areas and, if included, the equipment protection level (EPL) required for each location (see IEC 60079-10-1 and IEC 60079-10-2), b) for gases: equipment group (IIA, IIB or IIC) and temperature class requirements, c) for dusts: equipment group (IIIA, IIIB or IIIC) and maximum surface temperature requirements,
d) equipment characteristics e.g. temperature ratings, type of protection, IP rating, corrosion resistance, e) records sufficient to enable the explosion protected equipment to be maintained in accordance with its type of protection (see IEC 60079-14), (for example list and location of equipment, spares, certificates, technical information), f) copies of previous inspection records, g) copy of the additional initial inspection records as detailed in IEC 60079-14. Requirements for other documentation that may be necessary are provided in IEC 60079-14 and IEC 60079-19.
4.2 Qualification of personnel The inspection and maintenance of installations covered by this standard shall be carried out only by experienced personnel, whose training has included instruction on the various types of protection and installation practices, the requirements of this standard, the relevant national regulations/company rules applicable to the installation and on the general principles of area classification (see Annex B). Appropriate continuing education or training shall be undertaken by personnel on a regular basis. Evidence of the relevant experience and training claimed shall be documented and available. 4.3 Inspections 4.3.1 General 4.3.1.1 Basic Principles Before plant or equipment is brought into service, it shall be given an initial inspection. As part of the plant commissioning and start up procedures, initial inspection and other additional requirements are provided in IEC 60079-14. To ensure that the installations are maintained in a satisfactory condition for continued use within a hazardous area, either a) regular periodic inspections, or b) continuous supervision by skilled personnel, and, where necessary, maintenance shall be carried out. NOTE 1 In the case of dusts, fibres or flyings, housekeeping can influence the inspection and maintenance requirements. Following any adjustment, maintenance, repair, reclamation, modification or replacement, the equipment or relevant parts of equipment concerned shall be inspected in accordance with the relevant items of the detailed column of Tables 1, 2 and 3. SIST EN 60079-17:2014

– 12 – 60079-17 © IEC:2013 The inspection activity shall be sufficiently independent of any immediate demands of maintenance and/or other activities so as not to prejudice the reliability of any report findings from the inspection. NOTE 2 Inspection personnel do not need to be members of an external independent organisation. If at any time there is a change in the area classification or the Equipment Protection Level requirements or if any equipment is moved from one location to another, a check shall be made to ensure that the type of protection, group and surface temperature, where appropriate, are suitable for the revised conditions. If plant or equipment is dismantled during the course of an inspection, precautions shall be taken during reassembly to ensure that the integrity of the type of protection is not impaired.
NOTE 3 This
includes removing any residual dust and replacing gaskets correctly. NOTE 4 The major factors effecting the deterioration of equipment include: susceptibility to corrosion, exposure to chemicals or solvents, likelihood of accumulation of dust or dirt, likelihood of water ingress, exposure to excessive ambient temperature, risk of mechanical damage, exposure to undue vibration. Other service factors include: training and experience of personnel, likelihood of unauthorized modifications or adjustments and likelihood of inappropriate maintenance, for example that which is not in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation. 4.3.1.2 Verification of unmarked equipment Where the certification plate or markings on explosion protected equipment is missing or illegible, alternative methods may be used to determine traceability to the certification details of the specific equipment. The method used could include: additional identification labels which incorporate unique tag numbers, serial numbers or reference to the installation databases. The method of attaching or fixing the labelling shall not reduce the integrity of the equipment. The inventory and identification tagging method used for managing explosion protected equipment shall be capable of tracking the replacement of equipment with replacement or repaired equipment, which may have different certification markings and details to the original equipment. 4.3.1.3 Acceptance of equipment in old installations For existing equipment not able to be identified as being certified for use in a hazardous area it is necessary to establish that the equipment is suitable for on-going use. In order to correctly operate and maintain the equipment, an assessment will be necessary to verify the specification of the equipment, to determine it is fit-for-purpose in the specific location in order to determine the appropriate inspection and maintenance requirements. In these circumstances the procedure given in Annex C may be followed. NOTE This assessment is intended to apply to items in an installation that predate any requirement for the use of certified electrical equipment in hazardous areas.
4.3.2 Grades of inspection The grade of inspection may be visual, close or detailed. Tables 1, 2, and 3 detail the checks required for these three grades of inspection on general and specific items of electrical equipment.
Visual and close inspections can be performed with the equipment energized. Detailed inspections will generally require the equipment to be isolated.
The grade of inspection selected for equipment using more than one type of protection (e.g. Ex “ed” equipment) shall be a combination of the relevant columns from the tables 1, 2 and 3. SIST EN 60079-17:2014

60079-17 © IEC:2013 – 13 –4.3.3 Types of inspection Types of inspections include: a) Initial inspections used to check that the selected type of protection and its installation are appropriate based on detailed inspections. The requirements are covered in IEC 60079-14. b)
Periodic inspections which may be visual, close or detailed in accordance with Tables 1, 2, and 3, or modified tables in accordance with 5.7, as appropriate. c) Sample inspections which may be visual, close or detailed in accordance with Tables 1, 2, and 3, or modified tables in accordance with 5.7, as appropriate. The size and composition of all samples shall be determined with regard to the purpose of the inspection. Sample inspections should not be expected to reveal faults of a random nature, such as loose connections, but should be used to monitor the effects of environmental conditions, vibration, inherent design weakness, etc. d) Continuous supervision utilizing the visual or close inspections in accordance with Tables 1, 2, and 3, or modified tables in accordance with 5.7, as appropriate and in accordance with 4.5. Where the installation falls outside the capability for continuous supervision it shall be subject to periodic inspection. The results of all inspections shall be recorded and retained, and may lead to a need for further actions. The requirements for continuous supervision are detailed in 4.5.5. 4.4 Periodic inspections 4.4.1 Personnel Regular periodic inspection requires personnel who are competent for the inspection required, including that they: a) have a knowledge of area classification/EPL and sufficient technical knowledge to understand its implications for the location under consideration; b) have technical knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical requirements for electrical equipment and installations used in those hazardous areas;
c) understand the requirements of visual, close and detailed inspections as they relate to the installed equipment and installations. NOTE Competencies and training may be identified in relevant national training and assessment frameworks. 4.4.2 Fixed installations The grade of inspection and the interval between periodic inspections shall be determined taking account of the type of equipment, the manufacturer's guidance, if any, the factors governing its deterioration (see 4.3.1.1, Note 3), the area classification and/or the EPL requirements and the results of previous inspections. Where inspection grades and intervals have been established for similar equipment, installations and environments, this experience shall be used in determining the inspection strategy. The interval between periodic inspections shall not exceed three years without seeking expert advice. The basis for changing the inspection period shall be documented.
Intervals between periodic inspections exceeding three years should be based on an assessment including relevant information.
Once an interval has been fixed, the installation should be subjected to additional interim sample inspections to support or modify the proposed interval and grade of inspection.
Ongoing review of the results of inspections will be required to justify the interval between, and grade of inspections. SIST EN 60079-17:2014

– 14 – 60079-17 © IEC:2013 A typical inspection procedure is shown diagrammatically in Annex A. When large numbers of similar items such as luminaires, junction boxes, etc. are installed in a similar environment, it may be feasible to carry out periodical inspections on a sample basis provided that the number of samples in addition to the inspection frequency is subjected to review. It is, however recommended that all items be subjected at least to a visual inspection. 4.4.3 Movable equipment Movable electrical equipment (hand-held, portable, and transportable) is particularly prone to damage or misuse and therefore the interval between periodic inspections may need to be reduced.
The interval between periodic inspections shall not exceed the following without seeking expert advice: a) hand-held and portable equipment shall be visually checked by the user, before each use, to ensure that the equipment is not obviously damaged; b) all equipment shall be submitted to a close inspection at least every 12 months;
c) enclosures which are frequently opened (such as battery housings) shall be given a detailed inspection at least every 6 months.
The basis for changing the inspection period shall be documented. 4.5 Continuous supervision by skilled personnel 4.5.1 Concept Where an installation is visited on a regular basis, in the normal course of work, by skilled personnel who, in addition to satisfying the requirements of 4.4.1 a), b) and c), are: a) aware of the process and environmental implications on the deterioration of the specific equipment in the installation, and b) required to carry out visual and/or close inspections as part of their normal work schedule as well as detailed inspections as part of any replacement, or adjustment in accordance with 4.3.1.1, then it may be possible to dispense with regular periodic inspection and utilize the frequent presence of the skilled personnel to ensure the on-going integrity of the equipment.
The use of continuous supervision by skilled personnel does not remove the requirement for initial and sample inspections. Continuous supervision is not practicable for electrical equipment for which this kind of attendance cannot be provided (e.g. in the case of movable equipment). See also 4.5.4. 4.5.2 Objectives The objective of continuous supervision is to enable the early detection of arising faults and their subsequent repair. It makes use of existing skilled personnel who are in attendance at the installation in the course of their normal work (e.g. erection work, alterations, inspections, maintenance work, checking for faults, cleaning work, control operations, switching operations, making terminal connections and disconnections, setting and adjustment work, functional tests, measurements) and who use their skill to detect faults and changes at an early stage. SIST EN 60079-17:2014

60079-17 © IEC:2013 – 15 –4.5.3 Responsibilities 4.5.3.1 Technical persons with executive function A technical person with executive function shall be identified for each installation and shall carry out the following tasks: a) assess the viability of the continuous supervision concept in light of the competence, skills and availability of personnel and their experience in relation to the particular installation; b) define the scope of equipment to be considered under continuous supervision taking account of environmental conditions, frequency of attendance, special knowledge, work flow and location of equipment; c)
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