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TECH FEATURE SAFETY more closely aligns with international standards. This sys- based on the frequency and duration of the presence of an tem is based on the frequency and duration of the presence explosive atmosphere: of explosive atmospheres. For example: • Zone 0 = continuous presence, such as inside pro- cess vessels or storage tanks. • Zone 1 = likely presence during normal operation — e.g., areas around pumps, compressors or loading/un- loading stations. • Zone 2 = presence only under abnormal conditions To be used in specifc zones, equipment must be certi- — e.g., adjacent areas where releases are unlikely. fed with levels of protection depending on the risk. ATEX

NEC and CEC also outline protection methods for further divides equipment into groups based on their in- equipment used in these hazardous locations — each one tended use — for example, Group I refers to underground designed to prevent ignition in explosive atmospheres. Ex- mining equipment while Group II refers to surface indus- amples include: tries — as well as categories based on the level of protec- • Intrinsic Safety (Ex i): Low-energy circuits limit tion they offer: the energy available for ignition. • Category 1: Very high level of protection • Explosion-proof (XP): Housing can contain (for Z ones 0 or 20). explosions, preventing external ignition. • Category 2: High level of protection • Pressurized Enclosure (Ex p): Protective gas (for Z ones 1 or 21). inside prevents explosive gas entry. • Category 3: Normal level of protection • Flameproof Enclosure (Ex d): Robust enclosure (for Z ones 2 or 22). can withstand internal explosions.

Te Importance of Terminal Block Compliance

ATEX and IECEx: Scope and Protection Types in Oil and Gas

ATEX and IECEx classify hazardous areas into zones Within any electrical installation in an oil and gas hazard-

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 65