An alternative international-standards-based approach for the evaluation of intrinsically safe systems in U.S. mines

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 (IS) 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.