a␣ Office 150

EEx Explanatory Notes for the "Office 150"

Target group
These Explanatory Notes define the term "explosion protection" and describe the EEx norms with which the DECT
handset complies. The Notes are intended for staff working in the areas Sales and Customer Service who supply EEx
equipment (EEx = explosion-protected, electrical equipment to European standard).

What does explosion protection mean?

Explosion protection is defined as equipment design measures aimed at lowering sparking or heat release into a
gaseous or dusty atmosphere to a standardised level.

Markets with a demand for explosion-protection equipment

• Paint or paint-processing industry
• Food industry
• Chemicals industry
• Refineries
• Service station industry

Table 1: Examples of hazardous, explosive substances, their classification and where they occur.
Market Substances Gas Groups Max. Surface Temperature
Oil pumping industry Natural gas IIA T1/T2
Chemicals industry Ethylene IIB T2
Light petroleum IIA T3
Butane IIA T2
Printing industry Toluene IIA T1
Ethanol IIA T2
Ethyl acetate IIA T1
Pharmaceutical industry Ethanol IIA T2
Acetone IIA T1
Light petroleum IIA T3

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Explosion protection of the "Office 150" handset

The handset complies with the following explosion-protection specifications: EEx ib IIC T4. The meaning of the
abbreviations is explained below. The points with which the "Office 150" handset complies are identified by means
of a check mark (✓).

Meaning of "EEx i"

The "Office 150" is tested in accordance with EN 50014, EN 50018, EN 50020.
EEx-i explosion protection is achieved by equipment with an intrinsically safe circuit, i.e. current and voltage values
rated so low that an explosive spark cannot occur.

Meaning of "ib"
The equipment may be used in Zones 1 and 2. This category of equipment should not cause any hazards in the event
of malfunction.
Table 2: Description of the protection zones (EEx ib IIC T4)
Zone Description Authorised safety classes

0 Explosive mixtures occur frequently or constantly under normal EEx ia

operating conditions. An explosion would have particularly
serious consequences.
1✓ Explosive mixtures occur occasionally under normal operating EEx d, EEx e, EEx ia, EEx ib, EEx m,
conditions. EEx p, EEx q
2✓ Explosive mixtures occur briefly and only in exceptional cases All safety classes allowed,
under normal operating conditions. as in Zone 1, and EEx o

The customer classifies the zone and its extent. The customer is also responsible for acquiring the appropriate
equipment.
Equipment with safety class EEx ia can be used in all EEx zones. The EEx ib safety class can only be used in Zones 1
and 2.

Meaning of "IIC"
Specifies the ignition temperature of gas classes that can occur in the equipment’s operating environment. The
equipment may also be used in class IIA and IIB environments.
Table 3: Gas group ignition temperature (EEx ib IIC T4)
Gas Groups Representative Gas Types Temp. Classes Ignition Temp. in °C
I Methane – –
IIA Propane T1 470
IIB Ethylene T2 425
IIC✓ Hydrogen (H2) T1 560

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Meaning of "T4"
Specifies the maximum permitted surface temperature that can occur on the equipment. Due to the "low" surface
temperature on the equipment (T4=135␣ °C), approval of the "Office 150" in accordance with EEx ib IIC T4 is not a
problem.
Table 4: Temperature classes (EEx ib IIC T4)

Temperature Class Max. approved surface temperature in °C

T1 450
T2 300
T3 200
T4✓ 135
T5 100
T6 85

Explosion protection of the DECT base station

The DECT base station is not explosion-protected in accordance with EEx and therefore may not be installed in EEx
zones without special precautions. A qualified specialist is to be used for all work aimed at achieving the explosion
protection of the base station.
Possible measures for achieving explosion protection:
1. Planning and installation outside the EEx-designated zone
2. Installation of the DECT base station in a suitably EEx-tested protective housing.

Important notice
The battery specially manufactured for EEx use and identified as such is screwed securely onto the "Office 150" and
must not be replaced within the EEx zone.
The "Office 150" must not be charged or operated on the charging unit within the EEx zone as the charging unit
does not have EEx approval. Charging must take place outside the EEx zone.
Do not under any circumstances connect any electrical accessories (headset) that have not been approved in
accordance with EEx regulations together with the "Office 150". At present no EEx-approved accessories are
available.

Service
Repairs to the "Office 150" are to be carried out only by specially trained and certified specialists or by the original
manufacturer.

Liability
The customer is responsible for the correct choice of equipment and its correct handling.

Source: TD 90842GB Tateco AB

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