Standards for equipment used in hazardous locations continue to evolve, and the coming 2026–2027 window represents one of the most active update cycles in recent years. Several parts of the IEC 60079 series are being revised, newly published, or prepared for harmonisation with the ATEX Directive. These developments have direct consequences for manufacturers, design engineers, and compliance managers seeking to maintain uninterrupted global market access.
Getting ahead of these changes is not only good practice — it prevents redesign delays, certification bottlenecks, and documentation gaps.
The IEC 60079 standards are foundational to electrical equipment intended for explosive atmospheres. They define how equipment is designed, constructed, tested, documented, and maintained so that ignition hazards are controlled throughout its life cycle. Any update to these standards can influence:
Manufacturers who monitor and act on these updates early will maintain smoother certification efforts under ATEX, IECEx and North American HazLoc schemes.
The latest edition brings several important refinements to the “Ex i” protection concept. Some of the most impactful changes include:
For ATEX, the European adoption (EN IEC 60079‑11:2024) is published, but harmonisation in the Official Journal is pending. Until cited, the older EN 60079‑11:2012 remains the presumption‑of‑conformity reference. A transition period is expected once citation occurs.
Bottom line:
If you produce intrinsically safe equipment, you should already be reviewing your designs and documentation for Edition 7 alignment.
An updated amendment aligns the European annexes with ATEX requirements to support OJEU citation. This helps ensure clarity for Zone 2 equipment strategies and supports manufacturers relying on Ex n for cost‑efficient designs.
Edition 8 is one of the most influential updates because it applies across many protection types. Expected changes affect:
Early preparation is essential — once published, Edition 8 will become the baseline for future conformity assessments.
Updated requirements for encapsulation “m” reinforce:
If you use epoxy or potting compounds, this edition significantly impacts your material control and production routines.
Although often overlooked, this standard is critical for lifecycle compliance. It helps ensure that repaired or refurbished Ex equipment maintains its certified safety integrity. Service providers and operators should verify that maintenance procedures are aligned to the newest edition.
Assemblies — such as skids, systems, and integrated packages — must be assessed not only component‑by‑component but also as complete units. The standard formalises:
This is particularly important for OEMs producing integrated systems or panel assemblies.
IEC 60079‑0 Edition 8 – Explosive atmospheres — Part 0: General Requirements
IEC 60079‑1 Edition 8 – Explosive atmospheres — Part 1: Equipment Protection by Flameproof Enclosures “d”
IEC 60079‑2 Edition 7 – Explosive atmospheres — Part 2: Equipment Protection by Pressurized Enclosure “p”
IEC 60079‑26 Edition 5 – Equipment with Separation Elements / Combined Levels of Protection
IEC 60079‑28 Edition 3 – Protection of Equipment and Transmission Systems Using Optical Radiation
IEC 60079‑29‑0 Edition 1 – Gas Detection Equipment — General Requirements & Test Methods
IEC 60079‑42 Edition 1 – Electrical Safety Devices for Potential Ignition Sources for Ex Equipment
IEC 60079‑46 Edition 1 – Equipment Assemblies
1. Map Your Certificates and Referenced Editions
Create an overview of every product and the exact IEC/EN editions referenced in its documentation. This makes it easy to understand which updates will trigger redesign or retesting.
2. Conduct a Gap Analysis
Assess your designs against the updated clauses. Prioritise areas known to change technically: intrinsic safety, encapsulation, flameproof joints, and assemblies.
3. Monitor EU Harmonisation
For ATEX, the harmonised standard is the legal anchor. Track OJEU updates to anticipate when older editions lose presumption of conformity.
4. Update Documentation Early
Technical files, EU Declarations of Conformity, marking plates, installation instructions, and QA procedures should reflect the upcoming editions well before the transition deadlines.
5. Design New Products to the Latest IEC Editions
Even if ATEX harmonisation lags behind, designing to the latest IEC editions reduces long‑term certification costs and avoids future redesign cycles.
Forward‑Planning Minimises Risk
Standard evolution is essential for improving safety in hazardous environments, but it also introduces complexities for manufacturers. The organisations that succeed are those that act early:
Nemko provides complete global support across ATEX, IECEx, and North American HazLoc, including:
Whether you are updating a single product or planning a portfolio‑wide revision, Nemko helps you navigate changes efficiently and confidently.