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KKemp  
#1 Posted : 20 May 2012 18:02:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
KKemp
Hello,

A question, we have IP 65 rated controls in zoned areas in our facility. I know under DSEAR, these type controls need to be ATEX rated, but surly IP 65 is as good as, as this is dust tight?

Is this sufficient or do we still need to change?

Thanks for your help
Katie
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JJ Prendergast  
#2 Posted : 20 May 2012 20:47:24(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JJ Prendergast
IP ratings are closely linked to ATEX ratings, as you have no doubt aware.

I think you still will need to show what the equivalent ATEX rating is for the components you have,

Following the ATEX Directive, the components must have the 'Ex' symbol on them, along with the Gas Group Rating and T rating (T1-T6) for maximum surface temperatue.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_Code

http://www.extronics.com...nicsWallchart_160708.pdf
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paul.skyrme  
#3 Posted : 20 May 2012 22:19:17(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme
Katie,
The short answer is no!
If they are in DSEAR zoned areas then they must be appropriately classified & certified.

JJ,
Beware Wikipedia! ;)
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malcarleton  
#4 Posted : 21 May 2012 05:10:36(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
malcarleton
I agree with Paul you cant make direct comparisons between ingress protection factors and ATEX zoning requirements the 2 just aren't compatible. You should have your facility assessed by someone with appropriate ATEX zoning qualifications and experience.
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JJ Prendergast  
#5 Posted : 21 May 2012 08:18:53(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JJ Prendergast
I'm well aware of the limitations of Wikipedia - but as a base referrence to IP rating it suffices.

Never used as a formal referrence for informtation - more as a pointer of information.

Don't think the my advice is incorrect. Only ATEX approved/certified equipment is acceptable in zoned areas.
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teh_boy  
#6 Posted : 21 May 2012 08:55:19(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
teh_boy
KKemp wrote:
Hello,

A question, we have IP 65 rated controls in zoned areas in our facility. I know under DSEAR, these type controls need to be ATEX rated, but surly IP 65 is as good as, as this is dust tight?

Is this sufficient or do we still need to change?

Thanks for your help
Katie


No
Equipment conforming with the ATEX rating will also pay consideration to surface temperature of the equipment. A motor might be dust tight, but could still get hot!

Hope that helps
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KKemp  
#7 Posted : 21 May 2012 21:17:48(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
KKemp
thanks for the feedback, i thought as much, but just wanted to ask someone else's opinion.

Katie
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phow  
#8 Posted : 22 May 2012 16:58:45(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
phow
Katie. Atex, Dsear and EPS regs are complicated. Was your site up and running before 2006? Are you only dealing with Dusts risk? Dust protected equipment was not readily available then and often engineers installed the best they could and used high spec IP equipment or Gas spec protection. Certainly it may not be Atex - EPS approved. It will have grandfather rights to remain in use provided that the Competent person has verified that it is safe to continue using it. . Has someone extended zoning "to be safe" and thus included previously safe area equipment? Suggest you get and expert in. Regards Peter
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