l i a c s y h P l a g e L l i a c n h c e T l i s e p c n i r p l i s e p c n i r p l i s e p c n i r p n o i t c e s l a c i t c a r P n o i t a c i l p p A l s e p m a x e t s i l k c e h C t c u d o r P i w e v r e v o n o i t a t n e m u c o D y r o t u t a t S i l s e p c n i r p 3.8 Types of protection A key aspect of secondary explosion protection is the categorisation of types of protection. These are used as protective measures against explosion for electrical equipment to prevent an explosive atmosphere from ignit- ing. Various types of protection are displayed in the table below along with their principle of function and several application examples. Type of protection Principle of function Increased safety “e” Additional measures are taken on the equipment to prevent impermissibly high temperatures as well as sparks on the inside or on outer parts. Constructional safety “c” Tried and tested technical principles are applied to types of devices which do not have a source of Application examples Motors, terminals and terminal boxes, lights Motors switching devices, terminal boxes, lights Switching devices, motors, transformers, heaters Pressure-proof enclosure “d” Pressurisation “p” ignition during normal operation. This is done such that the risk of mechanical errors, which may result in ignitable temperatures and sparks, is reduced to a very low level. Parts, which may ignite an explosive atmosphere, are enclosed in a housing. This housing withstands the pressure of an explosion in its interior and prevents the explosion from passing to the surrounding explo- sive atmosphere. The formation of an explosive atmosphere inside housings is prevented through use of a protective gas. This protective gas ensures excess pressure over the surrounding atmosphere. Switch and control cabinets, analysis equipment, large motors RL U C RL Intrinsic safety “i” The equipment only has intrinsically safe circuits. These ensure that no sparks or thermal effects can result in ignition of an explosive atmosphere. Powder filling “q” Electrical equipment or parts of electrical equip- Oil immersion “o” Encapsulation “m” Protection by enclosure “t” ment, which may represent a source of ignition, are secured into position and completely surrounded by a fine-grain filler. This prevents an external explosive atmosphere from igniting. Electrical equipment or parts of electrical equip- ment, which may represent a source of ignition, are completely surrounded by a protective liquid (e.g. oil). This prevents an external explosive atmosphere from igniting. Electrical equipment or parts of electrical equip- ment, which may represent a source of ignition, are completely surrounded by a casting compound. This prevents an external explosive atmosphere from igniting. The seal integrity of the housing prevents dust from entering or limits it to a safe level. Ignitable equip- ment can therefore be installed in the housing. The temperature of the housing must not cause the surrounding atmosphere to catch fire. Measurement and control technology, communication technology, sensors Capacitors Starting resistances, transformers Sensors, switching devices Switching devices and systems, control, connection and terminal boxes, motors, lights 18