IEC 60079-15:2005

IEC 60079-15
Edition 3.0 2005-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres –
Part 15: Construction, test and marking of type of protection "n" electrical
apparatus
Matériel électrique pour atmosphères explosives gazeuses –
Partie 15: Construction, essais et marquage des matériels électriques
du mode de protection «n»
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IEC 60079-15
Edition 3.0 2005-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres –
Part 15: Construction, test and marking of type of protection "n" electrical
apparatus
Matériel électrique pour atmosphères explosives gazeuses –
Partie 15: Construction, essais et marquage des matériels électriques
du mode de protection «n»
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
XC
CODE PRIX
ICS 29.260.20 ISBN 2-8318-7874-8

60079-15  IEC:2005 –– 2 3 –– 60079-15 © IEC:2005

CONTENTS
FOREWORD.7

1 Scope .9

2 Normative references .12

3 Terms and definitions .14

4 General .16

4.1 Apparatus grouping and temperature classification.16
4.2 Potential ignition sources.17
5 Temperatures .17
5.1 Environmental influences .17
5.2 Service temperature .17
5.3 Maximum surface temperature .17
5.4 Surface temperature and ignition temperature .17
5.5 Small components .18
6 Requirements for electrical apparatus .18
6.1 General .18
6.2 Mechanical strength of apparatus.18
6.3 Opening times .18
6.4 Circulating currents .18
6.5 Gasket retention .18
6.6 Degree of protection of enclosure (IP).18
6.7 Clearances, creepage distances and separations .19
6.8 Electric strength . 26
7 Non-metallic enclosures and non-metallic parts of enclosures . 27
7.1 General . 27
7.2 Thermal endurance. 27
7.3 Electrostatic charges on external non-metallic materials of enclosures. 27
7.4 Threaded holes . 27
7.5 Thermal shock. 27
7.6 Resistance to light . 27
8 Enclosures containing light metals . 27

8.1 Material composition. 27
8.2 Threaded holes . 27
9 Fasteners. 28
9.1 General . 28
9.2 Special fasteners. 28
10 Interlocking devices. 28
11 Bushings . 28
12 Materials used for cementing . 28
13 Ex components. 28
13.1 Type of protection “n” . 28
13.2 Mounting . 28
13.3 Internal mounting. 29
13.4 External mounting. 29

60079-15 © IEC:200560079-15  IEC:2005 –– 3 – 5 –

14 Connection facilities and terminal compartments .29

14.1 General .29

14.2 Connection for external conductors .29

14.3 Internal connection facilities.30

15 Connection facilities for earthing or bonding conductors .30

16 Entries into enclosures .30

17 Supplementary requirements for non-sparking electrical machines .31

17.1 General .31

17.2 Connection facilities for external conductors.31

17.3 Neutral point connections .32
17.4 Radial air gap .32
17.5 Ventilation systems.32
17.6 Bearing seals and shaft seals .33
17.7 Rotor cages.33
17.8 Surface temperature limitation .34
17.9 Additional requirements for machines with rated voltage greater than 1 kV .35
18 Supplementary requirements for switchgear .37
19 Supplementary requirements for non-sparking fuses and fuse assemblies .37
19.1 Fuses.37
19.2 Temperature class of an apparatus .38
19.3 Fuse mounting.38
19.4 Fuse enclosures .38
19.5 Replacement fuse identification .38
20 Supplementary requirements for non-sparking plugs and sockets .38
20.1 Plugs and sockets for external connections .38
20.2 Maintaining degree of protection .39
20.3 Plugs and sockets for internal connections .39
20.4 Sockets that do not have plugs inserted in normal operation.39
21 Supplementary requirements for non-sparking luminaires .39
21.1 General .39
21.2 Construction.40
21.3 Other apparatus containing light sources.46
22 Supplementary requirements for apparatus incorporating non-sparking cells and
batteries.46

22.1 Categorization of cells and batteries .46
22.2 General requirements for cells and batteries of types 1 and 2 .47
22.3 Charging of type 1 cells and batteries .49
22.4 Charging of type 2 cells and batteries .49
22.5 Requirements for type 3 secondary batteries.50
22.6 Verification and tests . 53

60079-15  IEC:2005 –– 4 – 7 – 60079-15 © IEC:2005

23 Supplementary requirements for non-sparking low power apparatus .53

24 Supplementary requirements for non-sparking current transformers.54

25 Other electrical apparatus.54

26 General supplementary requirements for apparatus producing arcs, sparks or hot

surfaces .55

27 Supplementary requirements for enclosed-break devices and non-incendive

components producing arcs, sparks or hot surfaces .55

27.1 Type testing .55

27.2 Ratings.55

27.3 Construction of enclosed-break devices .56
28 Supplementary requirements for hermetically sealed devices producing arcs,
sparks or hot surfaces .56
29 Supplementary requirements for sealed devices or encapsulated devices
producing arcs, sparks or hot surfaces .56
29.1 Non metallic materials .56
29.2 Opening .57
29.3 Internal spaces.57
29.4 Handling.57
29.5 Resilient gasket and seals .57
29.6 Encapsulating compounds .57
29.7 Thickness of encapsulant.58
29.8 Type tests .58
30 Supplementary requirements for energy-limited apparatus and circuits producing
arcs, sparks or hot surfaces.58
30.1 General .58
30.2 Associated energy-limited apparatus.59
30.3 Energy-limited apparatus .59
30.4 Self protected energy-limited apparatus .59
30.5 Separation of conducting parts.59
30.6 Plugs and sockets .59
30.7 Protection against polarity reversal .60
30.8 Requirements for components on which energy limitation depends .60
30.9 Battery powered apparatus .61
30.10 Marking and documentation .61
31 Supplementary requirements for restricted-breathing enclosures protecting

apparatus producing arcs, sparks or hot surfaces.61
31.1 General .61
31.2 Test point for restricted breathing apparatus .61
31.3 Test point exemption .62
31.4 Gasket and seal requirements.62
31.5 Non-resilient seals.62
31.6 Maintenance considerations.62
31.7 Internal fans .62

60079-15 © IEC:200560079-15  IEC:2005 –– 5 – 9 –

32 General information on verification and tests.62

33 Type tests .62

33.1 Representative samples.62

33.2 Test configuration.63

33.3 Tests for enclosures on which the type of protection depends.63

33.4 Test for enclosed-break devices and non-incendive components .66

33.5 Tests for sealed devices and encapsulated devices.67

33.6 Assessment and test of energy-limited apparatus and circuits.69

33.7 Tests for restricted-breathing enclosures.70

33.8 Test for screw lampholders .70
33.9 Test for starter holders for luminaires.71
33.10 Tests for electronic starters for tubular fluorescent lamps and for ignitors for
high pressure sodium or metal halide lamps .71
33.11 Test for wiring of luminaires subject to high-voltage impulses from ignitors .73
33.12 Mechanical shock test for batteries .73
33.13 Insulation resistance test for batteries .74
33.14 Additional ignition tests for large or high-voltage machines .74
34 Routine verifications and tests .76
34.1 General .76
34.2 Specific routine tests .76
35 Marking .77
35.1 General .77
35.2 Additional marking for batteries.77
35.3 Examples of marking .78
36 Documentation .79
37 Instructions .79

Bibliography .80
E
Figure 1 – Examples for determining clearances and creepage distances .26
Figure 2a) – Example of acceptable spring leaf screwless terminal construction.44
Figure 2b) – Example of non-acceptable spring leaf screwless terminal construction .44
Figure 2 – Spring leaf terminal .44

Table 1 – Relationship of this part to IEC 60079-0 .9
Table 2 – Minimum creepage distances, clearances and separations .21
Table 3 – Tracking resistance of insulating materials .22
Table 4 – Separation in compound-filled cable sealing boxes.22
Table 5 – Assumed working voltage of neutral points.32
Table 6 – Potential air gap sparking risk assessment for cage rotor ignition risk factors.34
Table 7 –Potential stator winding discharge risk assessment – Ignition risk factors.37

60079-15  IEC:2005 –– 6 – 11 – 60079-15 © IEC:2005

Table 8 – Creepage distances and clearances at peak values of pulse voltages greater

than 1,5 kV .43

Table 9 – Types and use of cells and batteries .47

Table 10 – Minimum creepage distances, clearances and separations for low power

apparatus . 54

Table 11 – Insertion torque . 71

Table 12 – Minimum removal torque. 71

Table 13 – Text of warning markings . 79

60079-15 © IEC:2005 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

___________
ELECTRICAL APPARATUS FOR EXPLOSIVE GAS ATMOSPHERES –

Part 15: Construction, test and marking of type of protection,

"n" electrical apparatus
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard IEC 60079-15 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 31:
Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition, published in 2001, and constitutes
a technical revision.
The significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
– Linking the standard to IEC 60079-0 and adding Table 1 to show the connections
– References to third party testing stations removed

60079-15  IEC:2005 –– 8 – 15 – 60079-15 © IEC:2005

– Adding the definition of associated energy limiting apparatus [nL] and [Ex nL]

– Definitions eliminated that also appear in IEC 60079-0

– Elimination of n-pressurization, all pressurization requirements now covered by

IEC 60079-2
– Air gap spark test requirement added for motors over 100 kW

– Added risk assessment tables for motors over 1 kV and over 100 kW

– Requirements changed for motors operating with frequency converters

– References to other IEC standards updated for luminaires

– Caplights and handlights addressed by reference to IEC 60079-0

– Creepage and clearance requirements for low powered apparatus between 60 V a.c. up to
250 V a.c. added in Table 10
– Requirement for plugs and sockets to maintain the degree of protection expanded
– Cable clamping test eliminated
– Insertion and removal torque values for E40/E39 lamp caps adjusted downward
– High-voltage impulse test for ballasts eliminated
– Changes made to test and acceptance criteria in luminaire starter and ignitor tests
– Ignition tests for large or high-voltage machines added
– Marking and documentation sections changed to reflect changes elsewhere in the
standard
– Manufacturer’s responsibility section dropped and replaced with instructions section
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
31/558/FDIS 31/569/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This International standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 60079-0.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the maintenance result date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in

the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed;
• withdrawn;
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60079-15 © IEC:200560079-15  IEC:2005 –– 9 – 17 –

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS FOR EXPLOSIVE GAS ATMOSPHERES –

Part 15: Construction, test and marking of type of protection

"n" electrical apparatus
1 Scope
This part of IEC 60079 specifies requirements for the construction, testing and marking for
Group II electrical apparatus with type of protection, "n" intended for use in explosive gas
atmospheres.
This part is applicable to non-sparking electrical apparatus and also to electrical apparatus
with parts or circuits producing arcs or sparks or having hot surfaces which, if not protected in
one of the ways specified in this standard, could be capable of igniting a surrounding
explosive gas atmosphere. This standard describes several different methods by which this
can be achieved which may be combined with other methods described in IEC 60079-0.
This part supplements the general requirements in IEC 60079-0. The relationship of
IEC 60079-0 to this part is as indicated in Table 1.
Table 1 – Relationship of this part to IEC 60079-0
Clause of IEC 60079-0 IEC 60079-0 clause application to IEC 60079-15
Associated
Non
Restricted Energy energy
Type of sparking
breathing limited limited
protection apparatus
apparatus apparatus apparatus
nC nA and
nR nL [nL] and
nA nL
[Ex nL]
4 Apparatus grouping and Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
temperature classification
5 Temperatures
5.1 Environmental influences Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
5.2 Service temperature Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
5.3 Maximum surface temperature Yes Yes Yes Yes No
5.4 Surface temperature and ignition No No No No No
temperature
5.5 Small components Yes Yes Yes Yes No
6 Requirements for all electrical
apparatus
6.1 General Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
c)
6.2 Mechanical strength of apparatus Yes Yes Yes Yes No
6.3 Opening times No No Yes No No
6.4 Circulating currents Yes Yes Yes No No
6.5 Gasket retention Yes Yes Yes Yes No

60079-15  IEC:2005 –– 10 – 19 – 60079-15 © IEC:2005

Clause of IEC 60079-0 IEC 60079-0 clause application to IEC 60079-15

Associated
Non
Restricted Energy energy
Type of sparking
breathing limited limited
protection apparatus
apparatus apparatus apparatus
nC nA and
nR nL [nL] and
nA nL
[Ex nL]
7 Non-metallic enclosures and
non-metallic parts of enclosures

7.1 General Yes Yes Yes Yes No

7.2 Thermal endurance Yes Yes Yes Yes No
7.3 Electrostatic charges on external Yes Yes Yes Yes No
non-metallic materials of
enclosures
7.4 Threaded holes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
8 Enclosures containing light
metals
8.1 Material composition Yes Yes Yes Yes No
8.2 Threaded holes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
9 Fasteners
9.1 General Yes Yes Yes Yes No
9.2 Special fasteners No No No No No
9.3 Holes for special fasteners No No No No No
10 Interlocking devices No No No No No
11 Bushings Yes Yes Yes Yes No
12 Materials used for cementing No No No No No
13 Ex components No No No No No
14 Connection facilities and No No No No No
terminal compartments
15 Connection facilities for earthing Yes Yes Yes Yes No
or bonding conductors
16 Entries into enclosures Yes Yes Yes Yes No
17 Supplementary requirements for No Yes No No No
rotating electrical machines
18 Supplementary requirements for Yes Yes Yes No No
switchgear
19 Supplementary requirements for No No No No No

fuses
20 Supplementary requirements for No No No No No
plugs and sockets
21 Supplementary requirements for No No No No No
luminaires
22 Supplementary requirements for Yes Yes Yes No No
cap lights and handlights
23 Apparatus incorporating cells Yes Yes Yes Yes No
and batteries
24 Documentation Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

60079-15 © IEC:200560079-15  IEC:2005 –– 11 – 21 –

Clause of IEC 60079-0 IEC 60079-0 clause application to IEC 60079-15

Associated
Non
Restricted Energy energy
Type of sparking
breathing limited limited
protection apparatus
apparatus apparatus apparatus
nC nA and
nR nL [nL] and
nA nL
[Ex nL]
25 Compliance of prototype or Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
sample with documents
26 Type tests
26.1 General Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
26.2 Test configuration Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
26.3 Tests in explosive test mixtures Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
26.4 Tests of enclosures
26.4.1 Order of tests No No No No No
26.4.2 Resistance to impact Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.4.3 Drop test Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.4.4 Acceptance criteria for test for Yes Yes Yes Yes No
resistance to impact and drop
test
26.4.5 Degree of protection IP by No No No No No
enclosures
26.5 Thermal tests
26.5.1 Temperature measurement Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.5.2 Thermal shock test Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.5.3 Small component ignition test Yes Yes No Yes No
26.6 Torque test for bushings Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
26.6.1 Procedure Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
26.6.2 Acceptance criteria Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
26.7 Non-metallic enclosures or of
non-metallic parts of enclosures
26.7.1 General Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.7.2 Temperatures during tests Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.8 Thermal endurance to heat Yes Yes Yes Yes No

26.9 Thermal endurance to cold Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.10 Resistance to light Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.11 Resistance to chemical agents No No No No No
for Group I electrical apparatus
26.12 Earth continuity Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.13 Surface resistance test of parts Yes Yes Yes Yes No
of enclosures of non-metallic
materials
26.14 Charging tests to verify the Yes Yes Yes Yes No
inability to store a dangerous
charge
60079-15  IEC:2005 –– 12 – 23 – 60079-15 © IEC:2005

Clause of IEC 60079-0 IEC 60079-0 clause application to IEC 60079-15

Associate
Non
Restricted Energy d energy
Type of sparking
breathing limited limited
protection apparatus
apparatus apparatus apparatus
nC nA and
nR nL [nL] and
nA nL
[Ex nL]
26.15 Measurement of capacitance to Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
verify the inability to store a
dangerous charge
26.15.1 Procedure Yes Yes Yes Yes No
26.15.2 Acceptance criteria Yes Yes Yes Yes No
27 Routine verifications and tests Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
28 Manufacturer's responsibility Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
28.1 Certificate Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
28.2 Responsibility for marking Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
29 Marking Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
30 Instructions Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
a)
An entry of “Yes” in the table indicates the requirements of the referenced section of IEC 60079-0 apply. An
entry of “No” indicates the requirements either do not apply or have been modified by IEC 60079-15.
b)
Type of protection nC includes encapsulated devices, enclosed break devices, non-incendive components,
sealed devices and hermetically sealed devices.
c)
Clause 6.2 is a calling clause for the tests in 26.4 which are different for both portable and fixed apparatus.

NOTE 1 A non-incendive component is limited in use to the particular circuit for which it has been shown to be
non-ignition capable and, therefore, cannot be separately assessed as complying with this standard.
NOTE 2 Compliance with this standard does not imply any removal of, or lowering of the requirements of any
other standard with which the electrical apparatus complies.
NOTE 3 This part supplements, and may enhance, the requirements for apparatus for normal industrial
applications. Where compliance with other IEC standards is indicated, such as IEC 60034 for motors and
IEC 60598-2 for luminaires, proving compliance to those standards is normally the responsibility of the
manufacturer.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document.
For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

IEC 60034 (all parts), Rotating electrical machines
IEC 60034-1, Rotating electrical machines – Part 1: Rating and performance
IEC 60034-5, Rotating electrical machines – Part 5: Degrees of protection provided by the
integral design of rotating electrical machines (IP Code) – Classification
IEC 60034-7, Rotating electrical machines – Part 7: Classification of type of construction,
mounting arrangements and terminal box position (IM Code)
IEC 60034-25, Rotating electrical machines – Part 25: Guide for the design and performance
of cage induction motors specifically designed for converter supply

60079-15 © IEC:200560079-15  IEC:2005 –– 13 – 25 –

IEC 60061 (all parts), Lamp caps and holders together with gauges for the control of
interchangeability and safety
IEC 60068-2-27:1987, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Ea and guidance: Shock

IEC 60079-0:2004, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres – Part 0: General

requirements
IEC 60079-1, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres – Part 1: Flameproof

enclosures "d"
IEC 60079-11:1999, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres – Part 11: Intrinsic

safety "i"
IEC 60079-17, Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres – Part 17: Inspection and
maintenance of electrical installations in hazardous areas (other than mines)
IEC 60081, Double-capped fluorescent lamps – Performance specifications
IEC 60112, Method for the determination of the proof and the comparative tracking indices of
solid insulating materials
IEC 60155, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60238:1998, Edison screw lampholders
IEC 60269-3, Low-voltage fuses – Part 3: Supplementary requirements for fuses for use by
unskilled persons (fuses mainly for household and similar applications)
IEC 60400, Lampholders for tubular fluorescent lamps and starterholders
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60598-1:1996, Luminaires – Part 1: General requirements and tests
IEC 60598-2 (all parts), Luminaires – Part 2: Particular requirements
IEC 60664-1, Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems – Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60927:1996, Auxiliaries for lamps – Starting devices (other than glow starters) –
Performance requirements
IEC 60998-2-4:1993, Connecting devices for low-voltage circuits for household and similar
purposes – Part 2-4: Particular requirements for twist-on connecting devices

IEC 61048, Auxiliaries for lamps – Capacitors for use in tubular fluorescent and other
discharge lamp circuits – General and safety requirements
IEC 61184, Bayonet lampholders
IEC 61347-1, Lamp controlgear – Part 1: General and safety requirements
IEC 61347-2-1, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-1: Particular requirements for starting devices
(other than glow starters)
___________
A consolidated version of this standard exists.

60079-15  IEC:2005 –– 14 – 27 – 60079-15 © IEC:2005

IEC 61347-2-2, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-2: Particular requirements for d.c. or a.c. supplied
electronic step-down convertors for filament lamps

IEC 61347-2-3, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-3: Particular requirements for a.c. supplied

electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps

IEC 61347-2-4, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-4: Particular requirements for d.c. supplied

electronic ballasts for general lighting

IEC 61347-2-7, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-7: Particular requirements for d.c. supplied

electronic ballasts for emergency lighting

IEC 61347-2-8, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-8: Particular requirements for ballasts for
fluorescent lamps
IEC 61347-2-9, Lamp controlgear – Part 2-9: Particular requirements for ballasts for discharge
lamps (excluding fluorescent lamps
EN 50262, Metric cable glands for electrical installations
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60079-0 and the
following apply.
3.1
(battery) container
enclosure to contain the battery
NOTE The cover is a part of the battery container.
3.2
cable sealing box
auxiliary enclosure provided specifically for the purpose of sealing the insulation of a cable
(for example, oil insulated cable) where it is connected to an apparatus. The enclosure may
also provide for the connection of separate cable tails to the cable
3.3
clearance
shortest distance in air between two conductive parts
[IEC 60664-1, definition 1.3.2]

3.4
creepage distance
shortest dista
...