Atex Ex d panels for a customer in Cuba.

Types of protection for explosive atmospheres

In an explosive atmosphere (ATEX atmosphere), different types of protection are used for electrical equipment and boxes to prevent the ignition of flammable gases or dusts. The most common types of protection include:

1. Protection “Ex d” (Explosion-proof): This type of protection is used for boxes and equipment designed to contain a possible internal explosion and prevent it from spreading to the surrounding environment. Ex d boxes are designed to withstand the pressure generated during an internal explosion without the production of flames or sparks that could ignite the explosive atmosphere.
2. “Ex e” Protection (Increased Safety): Enclosures with Ex e protection are used to prevent ignition of the explosive atmosphere by using construction methods that reduce the risk of sparks or electric arcs. This type of protection is not designed to contain an explosion, but minimizes the risk of ignition by limiting electrical energy.
3. «Ex i» (Intrinsically Safe) Protection: Ex i boxes and equipment are designed to operate with very low current and voltage, which minimizes the risk of sparks or heat sufficient to ignite the explosive atmosphere. This approach is based on the idea that the electrical energy provided to the equipment is so low that it cannot cause an ignition.
4. «Ex n» (Non-Incendiary) Protection: Ex n boxes use construction methods that prevent the formation of sparks or electric arcs inside the box. Although they are not designed to contain an explosion, they minimize the risk of ignition in hazardous areas.
5. Protection «Ex p» (Pressurization): This type of protection involves keeping the inside of the box at a pressure higher than that of the environment, thus preventing flammable gases or dust from entering the enclosure and coming into contact with electrical components.
6. «Ex o» Protection (Immersed Oil): Boxes with Ex o protection are immersed in dielectric oil to prevent the ignition of flammable gases or dusts around electrical components.
7. “Ex m” Protection (Encapsulation): In this approach, hazardous electrical components are encapsulated in a protective covering that prevents direct contact with the explosive atmosphere.
8. “Ex q” Protection (Safe Rooms): This type of protection involves the use of safe rooms where electrical equipment is installed in hazardous areas and ensuring that any spark or heat generated cannot escape into the explosive environment.

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