• Published: July 2019
• REF/ISBN: 9781787250840
• Edition: 9th
• Status: Current

This publication is aimed at providing an overview of the issues related to the selection, installation, inspection and maintenance of explosion-protected Ex certified electrical and non-electrical apparatus in the energy industry, specifically in areas where there is a possibility of occurrence of a flammable atmosphere. Where more detailed guidance on specific topics exists, the relevant references are provided.

The document addresses earthing and bonding of electrical and non-electrical apparatus, and its associated cabling and support structures, in order to provide protection against electric shock, and against ignition hazards from apparatus which is not explosion-protected, electrostatic discharge, and lightning protection in hazardous areas. Ignition sources are addressed, including apparatus which is not explosion-protected and the ignition hazards associated with circulating stray currents and cathodic protection systems, as are the hazards associated with temporary electrical supplies.

With respect to the eighth edition, the ninth edition of this model code contains new and additional guidance on the following topics:

• earthing/grounding/bonding in the oil and gas industry;
• above ground storage tanks;
• arc flash risk to personnel working in hazardous environments;
• testing underground electric cables in hazardous environments, and
• ignition threats posed by self-powered electronic devices.

This publication is applicable to both onshore and offshore facilities. It is not applicable to mines, areas where explosives are manufactured, stored or handled and areas subject to flammable dusts and similar materials such as flammable fibres. It is closely associated with EI Model code of safe practice Part 15: Area classification for installations handling flammable fluids.