Amendments to the regulations on devices operating in an explosion hazardous environment are subject to discussion

Until October 7, 2021, there is a public discussion on the draft decision of the Eurasian Economic Commission on amendments No. 1 to the technical regulations TR CU 012/2011 "On the safety of equipment operating in an explosion hazardous environment”. 

Requirements for cables used for external electrical circuits

The main change discussed in this article is the introduction of objects of the rules for regulating cables used for external electrical circuits intended for use in an explosion hazardous environment to the technical regulations.

The provisions of the technical regulations will be supplemented with relevant requirements for this type of cable. It should be remembered that their placing on the market is possible only after passing appropriate, legally required conformity assessment procedures. During the conformity assessment, the cables will be checked for compliance with the following requirements:

  • surface electrical resistance
  • partial longitudinal tightness
  • impact resistance
  • advanced shutdown methods

How should the cables be labeled?

Cables intended for external electrical circuits, which will undergo the conformity assessment procedure and are intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, should be marked with a uniform mark of circulation on the market. Moreover, the marking of cables should include the designation "Vz-".

Other changes to the project

It is also planned to supplement the scope of the technical regulations TR CU 012/2011 with Ex components and non-electrical devices for operation in an explosion hazardous environment. These are devices that are part of personal protective equipment, as well as sea, inland and navigation ships and platforms, different types of floating equipment, including machinery and equipment used on ships, as well as vehicles intended for public transport.

Lists of standards under discussion

In addition to the above-mentioned changes, the relevant lists of standards in the scope of the technical regulations TR CU 012/2011 were also presented for discussion. These are:

  • standards for cable requirements
  • standards specifying test methods and rules for sampling to meet the requirements for cables set out in the regulations