Approach of the IECEx System
In addition to the preparation of international standards, the IEC facilitates the operation of the following conformity assessment schemes:
- IEC System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Electrical Equipment (IECEE), which includes the Scheme for Mutual Recognition of Test Certificates for Electrical Equipment (IECEE-CB)
- IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components (IECQ)
- IEC System for Conformity Testing and Certification of Explosion-Protected Electrical Equipment (IECEx)
These three IEC conformity assessment schemes each report to the IEC Conformity Assessment Board (CAB). Regarding the rules and procedures for these conformity assessment schemes, the IECEx System has released the following publications:
- IECEx 01, IEC System for Certification to Standards related to Equipment for use in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx System) -- Basic Rules
- IECEx 02, IEC System for Certification to Standards related to Equipment for use in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx System) -- Rules of Procedure
- IECEx 03, IEC System for Certification to Standards relating to Equipment for use in Explosive Atmosphers (IECEx System) -- IECEx Certified Service Facilities Scheme covering repair and overhaul of Ex equipment - Rules of Procedure
- IECEx 04, IEC Scheme for Certification to Standards relating to Equipment for use in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx Scheme) -- IECEx Conformity Mark Licensing System - Regulations
- IECEx 04, Supplement A, IECEx Guide - Guidance for making Application for and Use of IECEx Conformity Mark
- IECEx 05, IEC System for Certification to Standards relating to Equipment for use in Explosive Atmospheres (IECEx System) -- IECEx Scheme for Certification of Personnel Competencies for Explosive Atmospheres - Rules of Procedure
These rules and procedures detail how to verify compliance of Ex equipment with IEC Standards.
The ultimate aim of the IECEx System continues to be worldwide acceptance of one standard, one certificate and one mark. The "one standard" refers to the IEC 60079, 61241, 61779, and 62086 series of documents, the "one certificate" refers to the ultimate need for only one certificate from one certification body, and the "one mark" refers to the ultimate existence of a single IECEx Mark accepted in all countries. This is arguably a lofty vision, but such a vision helps to focus the efforts within the scheme, while industry travels the long and winding road towards true globalization.
The System is applicable to electrical equipment covered by the IEC explosion-protection technique standards prepared by IEC/TC 31, which include:
| Standard | Title |
| 60079-0 | General requirements |
| 60079-1 | Flameproof enclosures |
| 60079-2 | Pressurized enclosures |
| 60079-5 | Powder filling |
| 60079-6 | Oil-immersion |
| 60079-7 | Increased safety |
| 60079-11 | Intrinsic safety |
| 60079-15 | Construction, test and marking of type of protection 'n' electrical apparatus |
| 60079-18 | Construction, test and marking of type of protection 'm' electrical apparatus |
| 60079-25 | Intrinsically safe systems |
| 60079-26 | Construction, test and marking of Group II Zone 0 electrical apparatus |
| 60079-27 | Fieldbus intrinsically safe concept (FISCO) |
| 60079-28 | Protection of equipment and transmission systems using optical radiation |
| 60079-29-1 | Gas detectors - Performance requirements of detectors for flammable gases |
| 60079-30-1 | Electrical resistance trace heating - General and testing requirements |
| 60079-31 | Equipment dust ignition protection by enclosure 't' |
| 61241 | Series of standards for combustible dust areas |
| 61779 | Series of standards for the detection and measurement of flammable gases |
| 62086 | Series of standards for electrical resistance heat tracing |
Within the scheme, participation by countries is on a standard-by-standard basis. This means that a country can choose to participate in the IECEx System for one or more of the standards listed above. The scheme's rules take into consideration the individual situations of each participating country with respect to their position in the harmonization of their national standards with the IEC, as well as certification and approval requirements.
