IEC 60079-17 applies to users and covers factors directly related to the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations within hazardous areas only. The hazard may be caused by flammable gases, vapours, mists, dust, fibres or flyings. It does not include:
• other fundamental installation and inspection requirements for electrical installations,
• the verification of electrical equipment,
• the repair and reclamation of explosion-protected equipment.
IEC 60079-17 supplements the requirements of IEC 60364-6. In the case of dust, fibres or flyings the level of housekeeping may influence the inspection and maintenance requirements. IEC 60079-17 is intended to be applied where there can be a risk due to the presence of explosive gas or dust mixtures with air or combustible dust layers under normal atmospheric conditions. It does not apply to:
• underground mining areas,
• dust of explosives that do not require atmospheric oxygen for combustion,
• pyrophoric substances.
The text of IEC 60079-17:2013 has been approved in Europe as EN 60079-17:2014 without any changes.
