SIST EN 60079-29-1:2017

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2017
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 60079-29-1:2008
Eksplozivne atmosfere - 29-1. del: Javljalniki plina - Zahteve za delovanje
javljalnikov vnetljivih plinov (IEC 60079-29-1:2016, spremenjen)
Explosive atmospheres - Part 29-1: Gas detectors - Performance requirements of
detectors for flammable gases (IEC 60079-29-1:2016 , modified)
Explosionsfähige Atmosphäre - Teil 29-1: Gasmessgeräte - Anforderungen an das
Betriebsverhalten von Geräten für die Messung brennbarer Gase (IEC 60079-29-
1:2016 , modifiziert)
Atmosphères explosives - Partie 29-1: Détecteurs de gaz - Exigences d'aptitude à la
fonction des détecteurs de gaz inflammables (IEC 60079-29-1:2016 , modifiée)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 60079-29-1:2016
ICS:
13.320 Alarmni in opozorilni sistemi Alarm and warning systems
29.260.20 (OHNWULþQLDSDUDWL]D Electrical apparatus for
HNVSOR]LYQDR]UDþMD explosive atmospheres
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 60079-29-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2016
ICS 29.260.20 Supersedes EN 60079-29-1:2007
English Version
Explosive atmospheres - Part 29-1: Gas detectors - Performance
requirements of detectors for flammable gases
(IEC 60079-29-1:2016 , modified)
Atmosphères explosives - Partie 29-1: Détecteurs de gaz - Explosionsfähige Atmosphäre - Teil 29-1: Gasmessgeräte -
Exigences d'aptitude à la fonction des détecteurs de gaz Anforderungen an das Betriebsverhalten von Geräten für
inflammables die Messung brennbarer Gase
(IEC 60079-29-1:2016 , modifiée) (IEC 60079-29-1:2016 , modifiziert)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2016-09-19. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2016 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 60079-29-1:2016 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 General requirements . 5
5 Test methods . 5
Annexes . 6
Annex ZA (normative) Normative references to international publications with their
corresponding European publications . 7
Annex ZZ (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Directive 2014/34/EU [2014 OJ L96] aimed to be covered . 8
Bibliography . 9

European foreword
The text of document 31/1257/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 60079-29-1, prepared by IEC/TC 31
"Equipment for explosive atmospheres" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and
approved by CENELEC as EN 60079-29-1:2016.
A draft amendment, which covers common modifications to IEC 60079-29-1 (31/1257/FDIS), was
prepared by SC 31-9 "Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of combustible gases to
be used in industrial and commercial potentially explosive atmospheres", of CLC/TC 31 "Electrical
apparatus for potentially explosive atmospheres" and approved by CENELEC.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has
(dop) 2017-06-23
to be implemented at national level by
publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national
(dow) 2019-12-23
standards conflicting with the document
have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 60079-29-1:2007.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.
Clauses, subclauses, notes, tables, figures and annexes which are additional to those in
IEC 60079-29-1:2016 are prefixed “Z”.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive.
For the relationship with EU Directive see informative Annex ZZ, which is an integral part of this
document.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 60079-29-1:2016 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard with agreed common modifications.

COMMON MODIFICATIONS
Introduction
Replace "IEC 60079-29" by "EN 60079-29".
Replace "IEC 60079-29-2" by "EN 60079-29-2".
Replace "IEC 60079-29-3" by "EN 60079-29-3".
Replace "IEC 60079-29-4" by "EN 60079-29-4".
1 Scope
Replace "IEC 60079-29" by "EN 60079-29" (7 times).
Replace "IEC 60079-29-4" by "EN 60079-29-4".
Replace "IEC 60079-0" by "EN 60079-0" (twice).
Replace "IEC 60079-29-1" by "EN 60079-29-1" (twice).
Delete NOTE 1 and renumber NOTE 2 to NOTE 3 as NOTE 1 to NOTE 2.
2 Normative references
Add the following references:
EN 50270, Electromagnetic compatibility - Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of
combustible gases, toxic gases or oxygen
EN 50271, Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of combustible gases, toxic gases
or oxygen - Requirements and tests for apparatus using software and/or digital technologies
Replace "IEC 60079-0" by "EN 60079-0".
Replace "IEC 60068-2-6" by "EN 60068-2-6".
Replace "IEC 60079-20-1" by "EN 60079-20-1".
Delete IEC 61326-1:2012.
3 Terms and definitions
In the first paragraph, replace "IEC 60079-0" by "EN 60079-0".
In 3.1.3, replace "IEC 60079-29" by "EN 60079-29" (twice).
In 3.1.4, replace NOTE 1 by the following:
"Note 1 to entry: This is also known as lower explosive limit (LEL)."
In 3.1.6, replace NOTE 1 by the following:
"Note 1 to entry: This is also known as upper explosive limit (UEL)."
4 General requirements
In 4.1.1, replace "IEC 60079-29" by "EN 60079-29".
In 4.1.2, at the end of the first paragraph, replace "… in the other relevant parts of the IEC 60079
series" by "…in the appropriate regulations for explosion protection".
Replace the whole subclause 4.2.9 up to 4.2.9.7 included by the following:
"4.2.9 Apparatus using software and/or digital technologies
The equipment shall fulfil the requirements of EN 50271.
Software-controlled accessories shall be included where related to safety."
In 4.3, replace "IEC 60079-0" by "EN 60079-0" (once) and "IEC 60079-29-1" by "EN 60079-29-1"
(twice).
In 4.4, list item c) 5), replace "IEC 60079-29-2" by "EN 60079-29-2".
In 4.4, list item f), replace "IEC 60079-20-1" by "EN 60079-20-1".
In 4.4, list item q), replace "IEC 60529" by "EN 60529".
5 Test methods
In 5.2.1, replace "IEC 60079-20-1" by "EN 60079-20-1".
In 5.4.12.1 and in 5.4.12.2.1, replace "IEC 60068-2-6" by "EN 60068-2-6".
In 5.4.20.2, NOTE 2, replace "IEC 60079-29-2" by "EN 60079-29-2".
Replace the whole subclause 5.4.21 by the following:
"5.4.21 Electromagnetic compatibility
The equipment shall be set up under normal conditions, in accordance with 5.3, and then shall be
subjected to the tests specified in EN 50270."
Replace the whole subclause 5.4.23 by the following:
"5.4.23 Verification of software and digital components
Design and function of the equipment using software and/or digital technologies shall be evaluated
and tested in accordance with EN 50271."
Annexes
In Table A.1 – Performance requirements, replace the row referring to 5.4.21 by:
Sub- Test Group I equipment limits Group II equipment limits
clause (whichever value is greater) (whichever value is greater)
Volume Volume Volume Volume Volume
fraction up to fraction up to fraction up to fraction up to fraction up to
5 % methane in 100 % methane 20 % lower 100 % lower 100 % gas
air indication in air flammable limit flammable limit indication
indication indication indication
5.4.21 Electromagnetic According to According to According to According to According to
compatibility EN 50270 EN 50270 EN 50270 EN 50270 EN 50270

Add the following annexes.
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
NOTE 1 When an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is
available here: www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
- - Electromagnetic compatibility - Electrical EN 50270 -
apparatus for the detection and
measurement of combustible gases,
toxic gases or oxygen
- - Electrical apparatus for the detection EN 50271 -
and measurement of combustible gases,
toxic gases or oxygen - Requirements
and tests for apparatus using software
and/or digital technologies
IEC 60050-426 -  International Electrotechnical - -
Vocabulary -
Part 426: Equipment for explosive
atmospheres
IEC 60068-2-6 -  Environmental testing - EN 60068-2-6 -
Part 2-6: Tests - Test Fc: Vibration
(sinusoidal)
IEC 60079-0 -  Explosive atmospheres - EN 60079-0 -
Part 0: Equipment - General
requirements
IEC 60079-20-1 -  Explosive atmospheres - EN 60079-20-1 -
Part 20-1: Material characteristics for
gas and vapour classification - Test
methods and data
Annex ZZ
(informative)
Relationship between this European Standard and the essential requirements
of Directive 2014/34/EU [2014 OJ L96] aimed to be covered
This European Standard has been prepared under a Commission’s standardization request [Full
1)
reference to the request “M/xxx” to provide one voluntary means of conforming to essential
requirements of Directive 2014/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February
2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to equipment and protective
systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres [2014 OJ L96].
Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union under that Directive,
compliance with the normative clauses of this standard given in Table ZZ.1 confers, within the limits of
the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity with the corresponding essential requirements
of that Directive, and associated EFTA regulations.
Table ZZ.1 – Correspondence between this European Standard and
Annex II of Directive 2014/34/EU [2014 OJ L96]
Essential Requirements of Clause(s) / sub-clause(s)
Remarks / Notes
Directive 2014/34/EU of this EN
1.5.5 - 1.5.7 whole standard except 4.2.9
and 5.4.23
1.5.8 4.2.9, 5.4.23
WARNING 1 — Presumption of conformity stays valid only as long as a reference to this European
standard is maintained in the list published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Users of this
standard should consult frequently the latest list published in the Official Journal of the European
Union.
WARNING 2 — Other Union legislation may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the scope of
this standard.
———————
1)
Mandate not yet available.
Bibliography
Add the following notes for the standards indicated:
IEC 60529 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60529.
IEC 60079-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-1.
IEC 60079-2 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-2.
IEC 60079-5 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-5.
IEC 60079-6 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-6.
IEC 60079-7 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-7.
IEC 60079-10-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-10-1.
IEC 60079-11 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-11.
IEC 60079-15 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-15.
IEC 60079-18 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-18.
IEC 60079-25 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-25.
IEC 60079-26 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-26.
IEC 60079-29-2 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-29-2.
IEC 60079-29-3 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-29-3.
IEC 60079-29-4 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-29-4.
2)
ISO 6142 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6142 .
ISO 6145-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-1.
ISO 6145-4 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-4.
ISO 6145-5 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-5.
ISO 6145-6 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-6.
ISO 6145-7 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-7.
ISO 6145-9 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-9.
ISO 6145-10 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-10.
———————
2)
Superseded by EN ISO 6142-1 (ISO 6142-1).
IEC 60079-29-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2016-07
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Explosive atmospheres –
Part 29-1: Gas detectors – Performance requirements of detectors for flammable

gases
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 29.260.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-3539-3

– 2 – IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016
CONTENTS
FOREWORD. 4
INTRODUCTION . 8
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 10
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 General requirements . 15
4.1 Overview . 15
4.1.1 Manufacturer claims . 15
4.1.2 Equipment ratings . 16
4.2 Construction . 16
4.2.1 General . 16
4.2.2 Indicating devices . 16
4.2.3 Alarm signals . 18
4.2.4 Fault signals . 18
4.2.5 Adjustments . 19
4.2.6 Battery-powered equipment . 19
4.2.7 Gas detection transmitter for use with separate gas detection control
units . 19
4.2.8 Separate gas detection control units for use with gas detection
transmitter(s) . 19
4.2.9 Software-controlled equipment . 20
4.3 Marking . 21
4.4 Instruction manual . 21
5 Test methods. 23
5.1 Overview . 23
5.2 General requirements for tests . 24
5.2.1 General . 24
5.2.2 Samples and sequence of tests . 24
5.2.3 Preparation of equipment before testing . 24
5.2.4 Mask for calibration and tests . 25
5.3 Normal conditions for test . 25
5.3.1 General . 25
5.3.2 Test gas(es) . 25
5.3.3 Standard test gas . 26
5.3.4 Flow rate for test gases . 26
5.3.5 Voltage . 26
5.3.6 Temperature . 26
5.3.7 Pressure . 27
5.3.8 Humidity . 27
5.3.9 Acclimation time . 27
5.3.10 Orientation . 27
5.3.11 Communications options . 27
5.3.12 Gas detection equipment as part of systems . 27
5.4 Test methods . 27
5.4.1 General . 27
5.4.2 Unpowered storage . 28
5.4.3 Calibration and adjustment . 28

IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 3 –
5.4.4 Stability . 29
5.4.5 Alarm set point(s) . 30
5.4.6 Temperature . 30
5.4.7 Pressure . 31
5.4.8 Humidity of test gas . 31
5.4.9 Air velocity . 31
5.4.10 Flow rate for aspirated equipment . 32
5.4.11 Orientation . 32
5.4.12 Vibration . 32
5.4.13 Drop test for portable and transportable equipment . 33
5.4.14 Warm-up time . 33
5.4.15 Time of response . 34
5.4.16 High gas concentration operation above the measuring range . 34
5.4.17 Battery capacity . 34
5.4.18 Power supply variations . 35
5.4.19 Addition of sampling probe . 35
5.4.20 Other gases and poisons . 35
5.4.21 Electromagnetic compatibility . 36
5.4.22 Field calibration kit . 36
5.4.23 Software function . 36
Annex A (normative) Performance requirements . 37
Annex B (informative) Determination of time of response . 43
B.1 Aspirated equipment . 43
B.1.1 Test rig . 43
B.1.2 Equipment without internal pump . 43
B.1.3 Equipment with internal pump. 43
B.2 Equipment that samples by diffusion . 44
B.2.1 Calibration mask method . 44
B.2.2 Diffusion or flow methods . 44
Bibliography . 45

Figure 1 – Warm-up time in clean air (typical) . 15
Figure 2 – Warm-up time in standard test gas (typical) . 15
Figure B.1 – Schematic example of test rig for use with aspirated equipment . 44

Table A.1 – Performance requirements (1 of 6). 37

– 4 – IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 29-1: Gas detectors – Performance requirements
of detectors for flammable gases

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
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
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 60079-29-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 31:
Equipment for explosive atmospheres.
This second edition of IEC 60079-29-1 cancels and replaces the first edition of
IEC 60079-29-1:2007 series and constitutes a technical revision.
Significant technical changes between IEC 60079-29-1, Edition 1 (2007), and
IEC 60079-29-1, Edition 2 (2016), is as listed below:
Significant changes with respect to IEC 60079-29-1:2007

IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 5 –
Type
Changes Clause Minor and Extension Major
editorial technical
changes changes
Measuring range up to 20 %LEL All X
(Modified requirements)
Definitions 3 X
(Additional clarifications)
Manufacturer’s claims 4.1.1 X
(special applications requirements)
General construction 4.2.1  C1
(Malfunction effects on safety related function)
General indicating devices 4.2.2.1  C2
(portable equipment with visual and audible indication)
Suppression of indication and measured values below zero 4.2.2.5  C3
(functional limits)
Fault signals 4.2.4  C4
(Fault indication below minimum voltage limit, sensor
disconnection and zero drift condition)
Adjustments 4.2.5  C5
(Zero and sensitivity adjustments)
Marking 4.3 X
(Portable equipment protective case)
Instruction Manual 4.4  C6
(Additions and clarifications)
Samples and sequence of tests 5.2.2 X
(Optical filter special sensitivity limits, and modification
considerations)
Preparation of equipment before testing 5.2.3 X
(separate gas detection control units)
Test gas 5.3.2  C7
(methane, and propane or butane for general purpose gas
detector)
General test methods 5.4.1 X
(selectable range and wiring worst case conditions)
Calibration curve 5.4.3.2  C8
(fixed volume fractions)
Response to different gases 5.4.3.3  C9
(semiconductor and catalytic high gas concentration
exposure)
Stability 5.4.4 X
(duration of test method)
Alarm set point(s) 5.4.5 X
(alarm set point test method)
Temperature (portable) 5.4.6  C10
(temperature range and stabilization period)
Temperature (all other equipment) 5.4.6 X
(temperature range and stabilization period)
Pressure 5.4.7 X
(tolerance on pressure measurement)
Humidity of test gas 5.4.8 X
(test method clarification)
Air velocity 5.4.9 X
(test method clarification)
Flow rate for aspirated equipment 5.4.10 X
(test method clarification)
Vibration 5.4.12 X
(test method clarification)
– 6 – IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016
Type
Changes Clause Minor and Extension Major
editorial technical
changes changes
Drop test for portable and transportable equipment 5.4.13 X
(Automatic re-starting or shut-down requirement
clarification)
Warm-up time 5.4.14  C11
(user prompt requirement)
High gas concentration operation above the measuring 5.4.16 X
range
(test method and requirement clarification)
Battery capacity 5.4.17 X
(test method clarification)
Power supply variation 5.4.18  C12
(minimum supply voltage fault limit)
Poisons (applicable only to Group I apparatus with catalytic 5.4.20.2 X
or semiconductor sensors)
(test method clarification)
Electromagnetic compatibility 5.4.21  C13
(test methods and requirements)
Field calibration kit 5.4.22 X
(test method clarification)
Software function 5.4.23 X
(supporting documentation)
Determination of time of response Annex B X
(test method clarification)
NOTE 1 The technical changes referred to include the significance of technical changes in the revised IEC
Standard, but they do not form an exhaustive list of all modifications from the previous version. More guidance may
be found by referring to the Redline Version of the standard.
Explanations:
A) Definitions
Minor and editorial changes
Clarification decrease of technical requirements minor technical change editorial
corrections.
These are changes which modify requirements in an editorial or a minor technical way.
They include changes of the wording to clarify technical requirements without any
technical change, or a reduction in level of existing requirement.
Extension
Addition of technical options
These are changes which add new or modify existing technical requirements, in a way that
new options are given, but without increasing requirements for equipment that was fully
compliant with the previous standard. Therefore, these will not have to be considered for
products in conformity with the preceding edition.
Major technical changes
Addition of technical requirements increase of technical requirements.
These are changes to technical requirements (addition, increase of the level or removal)
made in a way that a product conforming to the preceding edition will not always be able
to fulfil the requirements given in the later edition. These changes have to be considered
for products conforming to the preceding edition. For these changes additional information
is provided in B) below.
NOTE 2 These changes represent current technological knowledge. However, these changes should not
normally have an influence on equipment already placed on the market.

IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 7 –
B) Information about the background of ‘Major technical changes’
C1 Addition of malfunction effects not adversely affecting the safety related function
(4.2.1).
C2 Addition of visual and audible indication for portable equipment (4.2.2.1).
C3 Addition of functional limits for suppression of indication and for measured values
below zero (4.2.2.5).
C4 Addition of requirements for fault indication below minimum voltage limit, sensor
disconnection and zero drift condition (4.2.4).
C5 Addition of requirements for zero and sensitivity adjustments (4.2.5).
C6 Addition and clarification requirements for inclusion within the instruction manual
(4.4).
C7 Addition of methane and propane or butane as required test gases for general
purpose gas detector (5.3.2).
C8 Specification of fixed volume fractions which are expressed as a percentage of the
measuring range (5.4.3.2).
C9 Addition of requirement for semiconductor and catalytic sensors to be exposed to
high gas concentration on response to different gases (5.4.3.3).
C10 Addition of temperature range and stabilization period (5.4.6).
C11 Addition of requirement where equipment prompts the user (5.4.14).
C12 Addition of requirement for output functionality above the minimum supply voltage
fault limit (5.4.18).
C13 Addition of test methods and requirements for electromagnetic compatibility tests
(5.4.21).
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
31/1257/FDIS 31/1266/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 publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 60079 series, under the general title Explosive atmospheres, can
be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC website 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.
A bilingual version of this publication may be issued at a later date.

– 8 – IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 60079-29 specifies general requirements for construction, testing and
performance, and describes the test methods that apply to portable, transportable and fixed
equipment for the detection and measurement of flammable gas or vapour concentrations with
air.
Guidance for the selection, installation, use and maintenance of gas detecting equipment is
set out in IEC 60079-29-2: Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-2: Gas detectors – Selection,
installation, use and maintenance of detectors for flammable gases and oxygen.
Guidance for functional safety of fixed gas detection systems is set out in IEC 60079-29-3:
Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-3: Gas detectors – Guidance on functional safety of fixed
gas detection systems.
General requirements for construction, testing and performance of open path detectors for
flammable gases are set out in IEC 60079-29-4: Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-4: Gas
detectors – Performance requirements of open path detectors for flammable gases.

IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 9 –
EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 29-1: Gas detectors – Performance requirements
of detectors for flammable gases

1 Scope
This part of IEC 60079-29 specifies general requirements for construction, testing and
performance, and describes the test methods that apply to portable, transportable and fixed
equipment for the detection and measurement of flammable gas or vapour concentrations with
air. The equipment, or parts thereof, is intended for use in explosive atmospheres and in
mines susceptible to firedamp.
This part of IEC 60079-29 is applicable to flammable gas detection equipment with a
measuring range up to any volume fraction as declared by the manufacturer, and which is
intended to provide an indication, alarm or other output function; the purpose of which is to
indicate a potential explosion hazard and in some cases, to initiate automatic or manual
protective action(s).
For the purposes of this part of IEC 60079-29, the term “indicating up to a volume fraction of
X % or X %LFL” includes equipment with an upper limit of the measuring range equal to or
less than X % or X %LFL.
This part of IEC 60079-29 is applicable to equipment, including the integral sampling systems
of aspirated equipment, intended to be used for commercial, industrial and non-residential
safety applications.
This part of IEC 60079-29 does not apply to external sampling systems, or to equipment of
laboratory or scientific type, or to equipment used only for process monitoring and/or control
purposes. It also does not apply to open path (line of sight) detectors which are within the
scope of IEC 60079-29-4. Only equipment with very short optical paths intended for use
where the concentration is uniform over the optical path are within the scope of this standard.
For equipment used for sensing the presence of multiple gases, this part of IEC 60079-29
applies only to the detection of flammable gas or vapour.
This part of IEC 60079-29 supplements and modifies the general requirements of
IEC 60079-0. Where a requirement of this standard conflicts with a requirement of
IEC 60079-0, the requirement of IEC 60079-29-1 takes precedence.
NOTE 1 IEC 60079-29-1 is intended to provide for the supply of equipment giving a level of safety and
performance suitable for general purpose applications. However, for specific applications, a prospective purchaser
(or an appropriate authority) can additionally require the equipment to be submitted to particular tests or approval.
For example, Group I equipment (i.e. equipment to be used in mines susceptible to firedamp) might not be
permitted to be used without the additional, prior approval of the relevant authority in mines under its jurisdiction.
Such particular tests/approval are to be regarded as additional to and separate from the provisions of the
standards referred to above and do not preclude certification to or compliance with these standards.
NOTE 2 All equipment calibrated on specific gases or vapours can not be expected to correctly indicate on other
gases or vapours.
For the purposes of this standard, the terms "lower flammable limit (LFL)" and "lower
explosive limit (LEL)" are deemed to be synonymous, and likewise the terms "upper
flammable limit (UFL)" and "upper explosive limit (UEL)" are deemed to be synonymous. For
ease of reference, the two abbreviations LFL and UFL may be used hereinafter to denote
these two sets of terms. It should be recognized that particular authorities having jurisdiction

– 10 – IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016
may have overriding requirements that dictate the use of one of these sets of terms and not
the other.
NOTE 3 Indication of concentration in %(v/v) or vol ppm can also be available for equipment which measures up
to 100 %LFL or 20 %LFL. In that case, units of measurement might need to be selected in agreement with the
manufacturer when verifying the performance requirements of Annex A.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-426, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 426: Equipment for explosive
atmospheres
IEC 60079-0, Explosive atmospheres – Part 0: Equipment – General requirements
IEC 60068-2-6, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60079-20-1, Explosive atmospheres – Part 20-1: Material characteristics for gas and
vapour classification – Test methods and data
IEC 61326-1:2012, Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC
requirements – Part 1: General requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60079-0 and the
following apply. Additional definitions applicable to explosive atmospheres can be found in
IEC 60050-426.
3.1
gas properties
3.1.1
ambient air
normal atmosphere surrounding the equipment
3.1.2
clean air
air that is free of gases or vapours which the sensor is sensitive to or which influence the
performance of the sensor
3.1.3
flammable gas
gas or vapour which, when mixed with air in a certain proportion, will form an explosive
atmosphere
Note 1 to entry: For the purposes of this part of IEC 60079-29, the term "flammable gas" includes flammable
vapours.
Note 2 to entry: For the purposes of this part of IEC 60079-29, the terms "combustible gas" and "flammable gas"
are equivalent.
3.1.4
lower flammable limit
LFL
concentration of flammable gas or vapour in air, below which an explosive gas atmosphere
does not form
IEC 60079-29-1:2016 © IEC 2016 – 11 –
Note 1 to entry: This is also known as lower explosive limit (LEL).
Note 2 to entry: The concentration may be expressed as either a volume fraction or a mass per unit volume.
3.1.5
poisons
substances that lead to temporary or permanent change of
performance, particularly loss of sensitivity of the sensing element
3.1.6
upper flammable limit
UFL
concentration of of flammable gas or vapour in air, above which an explosive gas atmosphere
does not form
Note 1 to entry: This is also known as upper explosive limit (UEL).
Note 2 to entry: The concentration may be expressed as either a
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