Inspection, maintenance and repair of Ex apparatus

Explosion (Ex) protection of electrical apparatus has developed over the years. As a result of a mining disaster in 1913 at Senghennydd, with the loss of the lives of 439 miners, the first type of explosion protection of electrical apparatus was developed. This was the flameproof concept and apparatus made to that method is still in safe use. However, advances in technology and experience have since given many other different ways of achieving explosion protection. The standards have developed accordingly. If equipment is made to the relevant standards it may be used, if chosen and installed correctly, to provide a safe installation. It will remain this way if it is maintained and repaired in compliance with the relevant standards and codes.