BS EN 60079-17:2014

What is BS EN 60079-17 ‒ Electrical installations in explosive atmospheres about ? 

BS EN 60079-17 is a part of an international multi-series standard that focuses on safety aspects for explosive atmospheres.  

BS EN 60079-17 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, dust, fibres or flyings. 

In the case of dust, fibres or flyings the level of housekeeping may influence the inspection and maintenance requirements. 

BS EN 60079-17 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. 

BS EN 60079-17 specifies the technicalities such as related terms and definitions, general requirements including documentation, qualification of personnel, and inspections, gives additional inspection schedule requirements, inspection table, etc.   

Note 1: BS EN 60079-17 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  

Note 2: BS EN 60079-17 supplements the requirements of IEC 60364-6. 

Note 3: BS EN 60079-17 does not apply to: 

• Underground mining areas 
• Dust of explosives that do not require atmospheric oxygen for combustion 
• Pyrophoric substances 

Who is BS EN 60079-17 ‒ Electrical installations in explosive atmospheres for ?

BS EN 60079-17 on electrical installations in explosive atmospheres is useful for: 

• Designers of electrical equipment in an explosive atmosphere 
• Manufacturers of safety equipment in an explosive atmosphere 
• Industries with the explosive work atmosphere 
• Underground mine authorities
• Oil and petroleum gas industries 
• Regulatory authorities 

Why should you use BS EN 60079-17 ‒ Electrical installations in explosive atmospheres ?

Electrical installations in hazardous areas possess special features designed particularly to render them suitable for operations in such atmospheres. It is essential that the integrity of those special features is preserved, throughout the life of such installations, for safety reasons in those areas.  

BS EN 60079-17 provides you with the details for initial inspection and ongoing inspections as either, regular periodic inspections thereafter, or for continuous supervision by skilled personnel. It gives you guidance for general technicalities that need to be followed such as types of inspections, maintenance requirements, environmental conditions that should be considered, isolation of equipment in order to ensure the safety of electrical installations in an explosive atmosphere and hence protection of the persons operating them.  

BS EN 60079-17 also provides you with additional information about inspection schedule requirements that include types of protection equipment. The inspection table helps to conclude the overall progress of the electrical installation and the inspections are carried out in accordance with BS EN 60079-17, in a standardized manner.