AS NZS 60079.14-2022 PDF

Full title and description

AS/NZS 60079.14:2022 — Explosive atmospheres, Part 14: Design, selection, erection and initial inspection. This joint Australian/New Zealand adoption of IEC 60079-14 provides specific requirements for the design, selection, erection and initial inspection of electrical installations in, or associated with, explosive atmospheres, and applies to fixed, portable, transportable and personal equipment as well as permanent and temporary installations.

Abstract

This standard (third edition, 2022) adopts IEC 60079-14 and sets out requirements for documentation, zone classification interfaces, selection of equipment according to zone and Equipment Protection Level (EPL), protection concepts and types, wiring and cable systems, cable entries, earthing, protection against incendiary sparking, intrinsically safe and pressurized systems, inspection and initial verification. It includes national appendices (for example periodic verification and certification-scheme information) and guidance on hybrid dust/gas mixtures.

General information

• Status: Current.
• Publication date: 24 June 2022.
• Publisher: Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (joint adoption).
• ICS / categories: Explosion protection (13.230); Electrical apparatus for explosive atmospheres (29.260.20).
• Edition / version: 3rd edition (2022).
• Number of pages: 182 (published edition as listed by Standards New Zealand).

Scope

Specifies requirements for the design, selection, erection and initial inspection of electrical installations in explosive gas and dust atmospheres (or associated with them). The standard covers selection of equipment by EPL and zone, installation practices for cables, wiring and cable glands, protection types (d, e, i, p, t, n, op, etc.), equipment for portable/transportable use, rotating machines, luminaires, heating systems, protection from incendiary sparking, static, lightning and electromagnetic influences, and verification/initial inspection procedures. It does not apply to certain specialized situations such as firedamp-prone underground coal mines, rooms used for medical purposes, or hazards from flammable mists, unless explicitly referenced.

Key topics and requirements

• Zone classification interfaces and selection of equipment by Zone and EPL (Ga/Gb/Gc, Da/Db/Dc) and guidance for mapping EPLs to protection types.
• Documentation, initial inspection, and assurance of conformity for certified and non‑certified equipment.
• Requirements for wiring, cable selection, routing, terminations, and cable entry systems including glands and blanking elements.
• Detailed provisions for types of protection (flameproof d, increased safety e, pressurization p, intrinsic safety i, protection by enclosure t, restricted breathing n, optical radiation op, etc.).
• Measures to prevent ignition from static electricity, lightning, electromagnetic radiation and incendiary sparking.
• Special requirements for rotating machines, luminaires, electric heating systems, batteries and portable/transportable/personal equipment.
• Guidance on hybrid dust/gas mixtures and national appendices for periodic verification and certification schemes (AUSEx, ANZEx, IECEx).

Typical use and users

Used by electrical engineers, designers, installation contractors, safety and compliance officers, plant operators and inspectors working in petrochemical, oil & gas, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, grain handling, mining (surface operations where applicable), manufacturing and any workplace with flammable gas, vapour or combustible dust hazards. It is referenced by regulators, certifiers and asset owners for compliance and safe design of electrical installations in hazardous areas.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 60079 series and is typically used alongside AS/NZS 60079.0 (general requirements), AS/NZS 60079.10.x (area classification), AS/NZS 60079.1 (flameproof enclosures), AS/NZS 60079.17 (inspection & maintenance) and other parts of the 60079 series. National appendices link to local certification schemes (AUSEx, ANZEx) and IECEx guidance.

Keywords

explosive atmospheres, hazardous areas, Ex, electrical installations, zone classification, equipment protection level (EPL), flameproof, increased safety, intrinsic safety, pressurization, cable glands, initial inspection, IEC 60079-14.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS/NZS 60079.14:2022 is the joint Australian/New Zealand adoption of IEC 60079-14 that specifies requirements for design, selection, erection and initial inspection of electrical installations in explosive atmospheres.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers documentation and conformity assurance, equipment selection by zone/EPL, wiring and cable systems, cable entries, types of protection (d, e, i, p, t, n, op, etc.), protection against ignition sources (static, lightning, electromagnetic), special equipment (motors, luminaires, heaters, batteries), and requirements for initial inspection and verification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Electrical designers, installation contractors, compliance and safety personnel, plant operators, certifiers and inspectors in industries with flammable gases, vapours or combustible dusts (e.g., oil & gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, grain handling, selected mining and manufacturing sectors).

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2022 edition is the current published edition (third edition, published 24 June 2022). A ruling (Rul 1:2024) addressing a specific interpretation/clarification was published in December 2024; users should check for any further rulings or amendments when applying the standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 14 of the IEC/AS/NZS 60079 series on explosive atmospheres and is intended to be used together with other parts of the 60079 family (for example AS/NZS 60079.0, 60079.10.x, 60079.1, 60079.17, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: explosive atmospheres, hazardous areas, Ex, zone classification, equipment protection level (EPL), flameproof (Ex d), increased safety (Ex e), intrinsic safety (Ex i), pressurization (Ex p), cable glands, initial inspection.