Intrinsically Safe Systems: Equivalency of International Standards Compared to U.S. Mining Approval Criteria

This paper provides a suitability determination of international standards for evaluating electrical and electronic systems and line powered apparatus as an alternative to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) criteria for two-fault intrinsic safety approval. The primary issue is to demonstrate that international equipment evaluation standards will provide at least the same level of protection for miners as the MSHA requirements. The secondary issue is to identify additional benefits that may be derived from the use of the “entity concept” in the approval process, such as potential cost savings, and an easier and quicker path for the introduction of new technology.