IECEx 60079, Kopex International

Is Your Electrical Conduit Compliant with IECEx 60079?

News Release from: Kopex International
30/06/2009

Kopex International is reminding the market that the IECEx 60079 standard puts specific responsibilities on specifiers of electrical systems for use within areas covered by this standard. The company has just published a Fact Sheet that will provide essential electrical conduit specification and usage information.

The IECEx system is based on the use of specific international IEC Standards for the type of protection of Ex equipment. Electrical conduit systems for IECEx 60079 applications must be clearly marked with information appertaining to its source and suitability for the application including the manufacturers’ details, certifications including ATEX and IECEx.

Furthermore 90º and 45º fittings cannot be used for these applications as the threads of fittings the must be coaxial or in-line with the conduit. Stopping plugs with hexagonal heads can no longer be used and a special tool must be used to fix the nut and keep it firmly in place. For new electrical installations, compliance must be to IECEx 60079 and not the former 50014/8 standard.