Ex m Encapsulation | Explosive Atmospheres & Explosion Proof Protection Concepts

Ex m encapsulation

Ex m or Encapsulation is an explosion protection concept where by electrical equipment that could potentially cause an ignition is encapsulated within a compound or resin so as to prevent contact with the explosive atmosphere.

Parts that could ignite an explosive atmosphere in a hazardous area by means of sparks or heat are potted so as to prevent ignition of the explosive atmosphere.

This is achieved by encapsulating the components in a compound resistant to physical – especially electrical, thermal and mechanical – and chemical influences.

The concept also limits the surface temperature of the equipment under normal operating conditions.

DESIGN PARAMETERS – ENCAPSULATION EX M

Encapsulation:

Breakdown strength
Low water absorption
Resistance to various influences
Casting compound must be of the stipulated thickness all round
Cavities are only permitted to a limited extent
As a rule the casting compound is only penetrated by the cable entries

Increased clearance between live parts | The load on the components is limited or reduced

Encapsulation Ex m Applications

Static coils in ballasts
Solenoid valves or motors
Relays and other control gear of limited power
Complete PCBs with electronic circuits

Type of protection to electrical equipment

Type of Explosion Protection	Encapsulation Ex m \| EN IEC 60079-18
Explosion Protection Principles	Protection principle prevents the potentially explosive atmosphere reaching the ignition source
Flammable Material	Gas/vapour (G) \| Dust (D)
Category 1 EPL a – Very high level of Explosion Protection	Ex ma Explosion Protection
Category 2 EPL b – High level of Explosion Protection	Ex mb Explosion Protection
Category 3 EPL c – Normal level of Explosion Protection	Ex mc Explosion Protection

Explosive Atmospheres &

Explosion Protection Concepts

💡 Thorne & Derrick, Specialist Suppliers & Stockists of Electrical and Process Instrumentation Equipment for installation in hazardous area location can assist with your project requirements. Know your Ex Concepts:

For further technical information see | Hazardous Area Zones | Explosive Atmospheres | T Class Ratings

ELECTRICAL & PROCESS INSTRUMENTATION EQUIPMENT

FOR EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES

Ex m Encapsulation

Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of Hazardous Area & Explosion Proof Equipment with IECEx & ATEX Certifications to the onshore and offshore oil, gas, petrochemicals and process industries.