Ex n: Non-incendive

Apparatus is incapable of igniting

an external flammable gas atmosphere
under worst-case
normal operating conditions

Suitable for zone 2 only

Ex n slide 1
 Certification

• Ex N complies with
– BS 4683: Part 3 (1971) or
– BS 6941:1988
• Ex n complies with
– EN 50021:1999 or
– IEC 79-15

• There are also other national standards

Ex n slide 2
 Ex n: Non-incentive
• Non sparking (- the predominant type)
– simplified Ex e (e.g. terminals, junction boxes,
luminaires, motors)
• Exclusion of flammable gas
– simplified Ex p and Ex m
• Energy limitation
– simplified Ex i (e.g. in-cab computers, PLCs)
• Enclosed break
– simplified Ex d (e.g. small volume lamp holders)

Ex n slide 3
 Ex n enclosures
Glands must also maintain IP54;
Case withstands
washer required
3.5 J impact

Material suitable
for environment Gasket or O-ring to
(frequently plastic) give IP54 minimum
Ex n slide 4
 Non-sparking (EEx nA)

• Simplified Ex e
• Enclosure usually IP54 minimum
• Condition of gaskets and O-rings is important
• Common examples are JBs, luminaires and
motors

Ex n slide 5
 Energy limitation (EEx nL)
• Simplified intrinsic safety
• Local protection of switches, etc.
a simplified ‘barrier’ may be used

power
supply

haz. area non-haz. area

Ex n slide 6
 Restricted breathing
(EEx nR)
• Uses include computers, VDUs, lamps, etc.
• Not suitable for frequent start/stop cycles
• Not suitable if dissipating high power
• The apparatus is mounted in an enclosure
which is as gas-tight as possible

Terminal box

Ex n slide 7
 Enclosed break (EEx nC)
• Simplified flameproof
• Max. enclosure volume 20 cm3
• Relatively unimportant - switches, lamp holders, etc.

Lamp
Ex n slide 8
 Encapsulation & hermetically-
sealed (EEx nC)

Such components are

required to pass
a simple sealing test
involving immersion in hot water

[The technique is more often used for small components in a

larger item]

Ex n slide 9
Simplified pressurisation
(EEx nP)

This technique is under development and will be

included in EN 50021 at a later date.

Ex n slide 10
 Cables and glands
• Cables
– as for zone 1
– much rugged industrial cabling is adequate
• Glands
– certification not required
– normally required to be IP54 minimum
– special consideration for glands into restricted
breathing enclosures

Ex n slide 11