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5 For further information www.norgren.com/us How can an explosion be prevented? Most important is the prevention of the formation of an explosive atmosphere. If this is not possible, potential sources of ignition must be avoided. Ignition protection categories For electrical equipment for use with gases, vapours and mists special design methods are described in comprehensive works standards and are assigned to "ignition protection categories". Several ignition protection categories can be combined in one unit. The methods of protection with explosive dusts concentrates mainly on the sealing of the housing (IP protection). Principles and requirements for non-electrical equipment for use in explosive areas are described in the new EN 13463-1. Standards for appropriate types of ignition protection are currently in preparation. Measures that can be taken to reliably exclude potential sources of ignition, depend upon the equipment category required. In the foreground is usually the consideration of the permissible light metal alloys, electrostatic charge, possible arcing and heat due to friction. Which certificates are required? A Declaration of Conformity must be provided by the manufacturer for each product. The Declaration of Conformity explains how the manufacturer fulfils all the relevant safety requirements. The CE mark is subsequently attached to the product. For electrical equipment in Category 1 and 2, an EC Type Examination Certificate issued by a notified body is required. One of the notified bodies is the PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt). For non electrical equipment an EC Type Examination Certificate is only required for Category 1. These certificates are also obligatory for non- electrical equipment. However, if the risk analysis of explosion hazards show that no potential sources of ignition exist, the item does not fall under the ATEX directive in which case a Declaration of Conformity and Ex marking is not required. This may apply to products used in purely pneumatic systems, i.e. for valves, service units, sound absorbers. Prevent explosions with IMI Precision Engineering ATEX approved equipment As a manufacturer of pneumatic equipment, IMI Precision Engineering offers an extensive range of certified devices in Categories 2 and 3 for use in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres containing gases and dusts: > Solenoid valves, solenoids (Type of protection Ex m, Ex me, Ex md,Ex d, Ex ia, Ex nA) > Pressure switches (Type of protection Ex de, Ex nAC) > Valves, cylinders, (Type of protection Ex c) Figure 1 EC Declaration of Conformity for valve solenoids Figure 2 EC Type Test certificate for a solenoid valve series Figure 3 Certificate for the Quality Assurance System Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3