Evaluation of equipment used in Ex atmospheres - interdisciplinary field

The risk of explosion becomes significant when, in the industrial field, flammable substances such as gases, vapours, mists, dusts, lint and fibres may be present. If they are present sufficient quantity, is imminent. On other hand, measure shutting down technical equipment, context presence explosive atmospheres, not an acceptable all situations. As examples parts installations that have safety functions: ventilation installations, for monitoring concentration parameters. Explosion protection equipment shall evaluated tested order to validate it. testing process purpose certification situated at confluence several engineering fields: mechanical, electrical, chemical, etc. first part paper deals with presents equipment. systematized presentation tests performed second paper. Among conclusions it mentioned although field atmospheres interdisciplinary one, its coherence ensured by specific standards.