learn > A simple guide to equipment assemblies as per IEC TS 60079-46

A simple guide to equipment assemblies as per IEC TS 60079-46

There has been an increase in demand for unit verification services mostly due to the publication of IEC TS 60079-46. This technical specification specifies requirements for the design, construction, assembly, testing, inspection, marking, documenting, and assessment of equipment assemblies for use in explosive atmospheres under the responsibility of the manufacturer of the equipment assembly.

The requirements of this document apply to individual items according to the IEC 60079 series or ISO 80079 series that comprise the assembly and that have individual certificates.

These individual items are then integrated as part of the equipment assembly.

Also included are requirements to address aspects for the assembly which may be beyond the certificates of the individual items forming the provides a level of overall protection from all forms of ignition, such as mechanical, heat or friction, for the skid

For over 20 years EUTEX has been providing IECEx, ATEX, NEC (& latterly UKCA) product certifications. To provide our clients with clear guidance and information, we follow three essential steps to ensure we provide a solution to achieving the certification first time, and to give them a quick, clear route to being certified.

Step one – Design review

At the beginning of the process, we perform an assessment of the design documentation for each component being reviewed. This step is essential as it clarifies upfront if the components assembled are suitable for certification. Each area of the asset must be self-attested or certified against all ignition risks for a given environment where it will be used.

Step two – Inspection and testing

This stage is paramount as it ensures that the installation of each component corresponds with its design and has been installed in line with the correct set of standards. We perform inspection, testing, and assembly reviews to confirm that no potential ignition sources are present on the assembly and that only certified electrical equipment is installed.

This step in the process allows any components to be verified for compliance ahead of the certification. Ultimately, if the inspection and testing are complete to satisfactory standards the installation can be certified.

Step three – Certification

EUTEX works with key industry certification partners. Our team works to provide all the assessment documentation required straight to the certifying body and we pride ourselves on being able to certify our clients’ designs the first time (due to steps 1 & 2). The steps in this process ensure we save our clients time and money as our experts can advise on any components which may need to be replaced or altered ahead of submitting.

EUTEX Most Recent Project

EUTEX recently carried out a unit verification project, proving compliance with the applicable Essential Health and Safety Requirements regarding EN/IEC 60079-0:2018 IEC/TS 60079-46:2017 for our client HPU skid in Thailand.

Their challenge was that although the skid had been assembled mostly with certified electrical equipment, no documentation was available to prove installation was installed as per EN/IEC 60079-14 and no account had been taken for non-electrical sources of ignition.

Certification solutions that don’t include review, inspection, and testing upfront can lead to more time being needed to reassess and resubmit the information to the certification provider. Our steps described above ensure that efficiency is considered throughout, whilst maintaining the safety and regulations of assets.

About the author: Fraser Heggie has worked for Eutex for almost 10 years having previously spent over 15 years working for a leading international spirits manufacturing company whose operations included top tier COMAH sites in the UK – His experience in the management, construction, installation, maintenance, repair, inspection and testing of E&I equipment within the distilling + oil and gas industries - along with his drive to understand all things “Ex” plus his ability to keep pace with technology, makes him a perfect fit as EUTEX CTO.
Fraser Heggie
Chief Technical Officer

ABOUT EUTEX INTERNATIONAL

EUTEX International is the leading electrical supplier of hazardous area products and services around the globe!

EUTEX is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company that provides hazardous area electrical products including cables, glands, and accessories. The company holds IECEx service facility status which allows our staff to provide hazardous area inspection and maintenance services along with staff training and assembly certification to ensure safe operations in potentially explosive environments.

Working in potentially explosive areas involves multiple risks, so minimizing those risks for the staff and assets is our highest priority.

We have been serving the energy industry since 1998 consistently working towards a safer work environment. EUTEX has built an extensive global footprint by supporting customers who really care about safety by making sure the products and services are a good fit for their purpose and compliant with international and local standards.

To date, EUTEX has registered offices and training centers in Australia, Canada, India, Myanmar, Scotland, Singapore, Thailand, and United Arab Emirates to better serve our global clientele.