The means of protection relating to equipment in this category ensure the requisite level of protection, even in the event of frequently occurring disturbances or equipment faults which normally have to be taken into account.
Equipment in this category must comply with the supplementary requirements referred to in point 2.2 of Annex II.
(c) Equipment category 3 comprises equipment designed to be capable of functioning in conformity with the operating parameters established by the manufacturer and ensuring a normal level of protection.
Equipment in this category is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapours, mists, or air/dust mixtures are unlikely to occur or, if they do occur, are likely to do so only infrequently and for a short period only.
Equipment in this category ensures the requisite level of protection during normal operation.
Equipment in this category must comply with the supplementary requirements referred to in point 2.3 of Annex II.
ANNEX II
ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS INTENDED FOR USE IN POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES
Preliminary observations
A.
Technological knowledge, which can change rapidly, must be taken into account as far as possible and be utilised immediately.
B.
For the devices referred to in point (b) of Article 1(1), the essential health and safety requirements shall apply only in so far as they are necessary for the safe and reliable functioning and operation of those devices with respect to the risks of explosion.
1.
Common requirements for Equipment and protective systems
1.0.
General requirements
1.0.1.
Principles of integrated explosion safety
Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must be designed from the point of view of integrated explosion safety.
In this connection, the manufacturer must take measures:
— above all, if possible, to prevent the formation of explosive atmospheres which may be produced or released by equipment and by protective systems themselves,
— to prevent the ignition of explosive atmospheres, taking into account the nature of every electrical and non-electrical source of ignition,
— should an explosion nevertheless occur which could directly or indirectly endanger persons and, as the case may be, domestic animals or property, to halt it immediately and/or to limit the range of explosion flames and explosion pressures to a sufficient level of safety.
1.0.2. Equipment and protective systems must be designed and manufactured after due analysis of possible operating faults in order as far as possible to preclude dangerous situations.
Any misuse which can reasonably be anticipated must be taken into account.
1.0.3.
Special checking and maintenance conditions
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