Key Changes in the New IEC 60079-14:2024 Standard for Electrical Installations in Explosive Atmospheres

This year has brought us the new edition of IEC 60079-14:2024, after a decade. This update is extremely important for the installation of Ex-equipment once it leaves the manufacturer and enters the market. The safety of Ex-equipment doesn’t end when it leaves the manufacturer—it requires supervision throughout its entire lifecycle. Let’s look at the key changes in this new edition.

One significant change is the rewording of the title and content. The new title of the standard is “Electrical Installations: Design, Selection, and Installation of Equipment, Including Initial Inspection.” The addition of “including initial inspection” highlights that the inspection of installations before use is now formally part of the installation process.

The new edition also introduces a significantly restructured format. It is now divided into three main sections: Design, Selection, and Installation. An additional section, Initial Inspection, completes the document by detailing how to inspect installations before they are put into service. Some of the most important technical changes include:

• A new flowchart to guide the selection of flameproof cable entry devices, considering cable length and enclosure volume for the first time.
• A new requirement to implement a pressure test for cables entering Ex “d” enclosures.
• More flexibility for initial inspections, with informative annexes that can be customized to suit specific installations.

Another important change is the increased emphasis on personnel competency. The standard now stresses the need for education for designers, installers, and all personnel involved in the process.

There are also clearer requirements for certain groups of Ex-equipment, including:

• Cables and wiring systems
• Conduits and entry devices
• Luminaires and lighting systems
• Electrical machines and heating systems
• Plugs and socket outlets
• Portable and transportable equipment

The IEC 60079-14:2024 edition is a significant update to the standard for electrical installations in explosive atmospheres, with a focus on initial inspection, enhanced competency requirements, and detailed guidance for diverse equipment.

We hope this overview of the IEC 60079-14:2024 updates provide valuable insights into the new requirements and changes. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance with understanding or implementing these updates, SIQ is here to help—feel free to reach out to our team.

More information:
Matej Debenc
E-mail: matej.debenc@siq.si
Tel.: +386 1 4778 227