Introduction to IEC/IEEE 60079-30 1 and 2 trace heating for explosive atmospheres

IEC/IEEE 60079-30 Parts 1 and 2 are standards jointly developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The IEEE sponsor committee is the IEEE/IAS/PCIC. The IEC sponsor committee is IEC TC 31, Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres. The joint development combined the requirements and recommendations of IEEE 515-2011 “IEEE Standard for the Testing, Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Resistance Trace Heating for Industrial Applications” with IEC 60079-30-1, 2007-01, “Electrical Resistance Trace Heating - General and Testing Requirements” and IEC 60079-30-2, 2007-01 “Electrical Resistance Trace Heating - Application Guide for Design, Installation, and Maintenance.” This joint development represents the complete harmonization of the International, IEC and North American certification and design requirements for trace heating in explosive atmospheres. In addition to type tests for product certification, this standard has extensive requirements so that certifying bodies can determine the manufacturer's ability to predict maximum sheath temperatures for trace heaters in explosive atmospheres. This paper provides background for understanding the joint development process and provides an overview of the key technical requirements found in the standards.