Safety devices in Ex applications. Are you complying with Ex regulations ?

Abstract : Safety devices in Ex applications. Are you complying with Ex regulations ? New mandatory requirements for end-users. The case for drive systems or circuit breakers associated with Ex motors. In Europe, ATEX 94/9/EC and 2014/34/EU directives provide mandatory requirements that are applicable to the safety of equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX). For Ex "d" & Ex "e" motors driven systems for use in ATEX, the regulations require safety devices for motor protection in case of over temperature or overload in the motor. Those safety devices are covered in Europe by an harmonized standard that is a mandatory requirement : the EN 50495 standard. At IEC level, a document is in progress for worldwide use and will provide similar requirements. The compliance of the requirements from this safety devices’ new standard can be done both by manufacturer or by the end user during the choice of the relevant safety device, depending on the Ex motor protection mode. This paper explains the interest of these new mandatory requirements for end users in the case of drive systems or circuit breakers associated with Ex motors.