Advancing trade through international IECEx Certification Scheme
What is the IECEx Certification Scheme?
The IECEx Certification Scheme is an international system for certifying equipment and personnel used in explosive atmospheres, such as in oil, gas, chemical, and mining industries. It is based on standards developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), specifically the IEC 60079 series, which governs electrical and electronic equipment in hazardous locations. It covers the following:
- Equipment Certification: Confirms that electrical and electronic products are safe to use in explosive atmospheres. This includes compliance with stringent testing and design requirements to prevent sparks, heat, or other ignition sources.
- Personnel Certification: Ensures that technicians and engineers working in hazardous environments are trained and competent to perform installation, maintenance, or inspection safely.
- System of Trust: IECEx provides a globally recognized certification system that allows products and personnel to be accepted across multiple countries without redundant testing.
Why is IECEx Certification Important?
IECEx certification is both a safety measure and a business enabler, ensuring equipment and personnel meet internationally accepted standards for hazardous environments.
- Safety Assurance: Minimizes the risk of explosions, protecting workers, assets, and the environment.
- Global Market Access: Products with IECEx certification are widely recognized internationally, facilitating easier exports and compliance with local regulations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many countries reference IECEx standards in their safety regulations for hazardous locations.
- Confidence for Operators: Companies can trust that certified equipment meets rigorous testing standards for reliability and safety.
Discover how the IECEx Scheme streamlines global certification for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, helping manufacturers reduce redundant testing and accelerate market access.
Intertek's IECEx Certification Solutions
Intertek’s IECEx Certification Solutions help businesses ensure their equipment and personnel comply with international safety standards for explosive atmospheres. They provide comprehensive testing, inspection, and certification services that make it easier to enter global markets and maintain regulatory compliance with:
- IECEx Equipment Certification
- Testing & Assessment: Intertek tests electrical and electronic products according to IEC 60079 standards to ensure they are safe for explosive environments.
- Certification Issuance: After successful testing, Intertek issues IECEx certificates accepted internationally.
- Product Marking Support: Guidance on proper labeling and documentation for global recognition.
- IECEx Personnel Certification
- Competency Training: Courses for engineers, electricians, and technicians working in hazardous areas.
- Assessment & Certification: Validates skills in installation, maintenance, and inspection of hazardous area equipment.
- Global Recognition: Certificates are recognized across multiple countries, reducing the need for local exams.
- IECEx System Certification & Consulting
- Quality Management Support: Assistance with management systems required for ongoing compliance with IECEx standards.
- Process Audits: Verification of production and operational processes to maintain certification.
- Regulatory Guidance: Helps businesses understand country-specific regulations tied to IECEx standards.
Knowledge Center
Hazardous Locations & Explosive Atmospheres: Guide to Equipment Certification Requirements Poster
Updates to the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Section 18
Preliminary Design Review for Hazardous Locations
Guide to Hazardous Location Equipment Marking
Hazardous Locations & Explosive Atmospheres Equipment Certification Requirements Webinar Series
UAE ECASEx: Unit Verification Webinar
IEC 60079-25 for Intrinsically Safe Electrical Systems: Edition 3
Product Listing & Marking Strategies
8 Ways to Expedite Intrinsically Safe Product Certification Process
For more expert resources, recordings, and presentations, visit our Hazardous Locations Resources Hub.
Events
North America: Year-round CompEx Course Schedule
Intertek Chester UK facility including CompEx course modules and descriptions
Resources
- Client Testimonials
- ETL Mark The Industry's Fastest Certification Program
- Functional Safety Services
- Field Evaluation
- On-site Design Review
- Certification Program for Industrial Control Panels (ICP)
- EMC Testing
- Intertek Performance Gateway
- Intertek AI² - AI Assured: Smarter, Safer, Trusted