Welcome to iRM Quarterly Insights
Welcome to the Q3 2026 edition of the iRM Regulatory Intelligence Newsletter.
In this issue, we spotlight a major update to one of the most important standards supporting equipment certification for hazardous locations—IEC 60079-0:2026, covering the general requirements for construction, testing, and marking of Ex Equipment and Ex Components intended for use in explosive atmospheres.
Our goal with this newsletter is simple:
Help compliance, engineering, quality, and product teams stay informed about critical regulatory changes, understand their implications early, and prepare for upcoming transitions with confidence.
Regulatory Spotlight: IEC 60079-0:2026 Published
Standard Overview
- Title: Explosive atmospheres – Part 0: Equipment – General requirements
- Published by: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- Publication Date: 16 June 2026
- Previous Edition: IEC 60079-0:2017 (Edition 7)
- Latest Edition: IEC 60079-0:2026 (Edition 8)
This standard specifies the general requirements for construction, testing, and marking of Ex Equipment and Ex Components intended for use in or associated with explosive atmospheres. It serves as the foundation for the broader IEC 60079 series and supports protection concepts such as flameproof, intrinsic safety, increased safety, encapsulation, and others.
Why This Update Matters
IEC 60079-0 is the cornerstone standard used across IECEx, ATEX, and UKEX certification schemes. Changes to this document can affect:
- Product design and material selection
- Equipment markings and labels
- Certification strategies
- Technical documentation requirements
- Testing and conformity assessment activities
Edition 8 introduces technical revisions intended to enhance safety, consistency, and clarity across hazardous-area equipment requirements.
Manufacturers planning new certifications, product redesigns, or certificate updates should begin evaluating these changes promptly.
Key Changes Introduced in Edition 8
The 2026 edition introduces several important updates, including:
- Ambient temperature marking is now required even for the commonly used range of −20°C to +40°C.
- Temperature ranges of Ex Components must now be included in the Schedule of Limitations.
- Clarification of IP rating marking requirements.
- New provisions for digital/electronic marking of Ex equipment and Ex components.
- Additional requirements for non-metallic materials and electrostatic risk control.
- New electrostatic bonding requirements for dissipative non-metallic enclosures.
- Updated surface resistance testing requirements for non-metallic materials.
- Clarified transferred charge testing requirements for conductive parts.
- New requirements for rotating machines using auxiliary cooling fans.
- Updated requirements for converter-driven Type “e” motors.
- New section covering factory wiring between enclosures.
- Additional requirements for plugs, sockets, cable glands, and sealing arrangements.
- Sodium nickel chloride batteries added as an accepted secondary cell technology.
These revisions collectively improve clarity, traceability, and consistency while addressing evolving technologies used in hazardous environments.
IECEx / ATEX Regulatory Status
- IEC Standard Status: IEC 60079-0:2026 is published and effective immediately.
- Previous Edition Replaced: IEC 60079-0:2017 (Edition 7) has been superseded by Edition 8.
- EU ATEX Harmonisation: Future harmonised EN adoption and Official Journal citation timelines should be monitored separately through the ATEX harmonisation process.
- IEC Stability Date: IEC currently lists a stability date of 2029 for this publication.
What this means
- Existing certified products generally remain valid under the terms of their existing certifications.
- Newly certified products will increasingly reference IEC 60079-0:2026 Edition 8.
- Manufacturers should assess impacts on future design changes, recertifications, and new product developments.
Potential Impact on Manufacturers
Manufacturers should consider the following actions:
- Review product marking and labeling practices against the revised requirements.
- Assess non-metallic material specifications and electrostatic safety evaluations.
- Update technical files and certification documentation as needed.
- Review design requirements for Ex Components, batteries, enclosures, cable glands, and electrical connections.
- Evaluate impacts on motor designs and auxiliary cooling arrangements.
- Assess future certification projects against Edition 8 requirements.
Early evaluation can help avoid certification delays, redesign costs, and compliance risks later in the product lifecycle.
Transition Timeline at a Glance
- 16 June 2026 – IEC 60079-0:2026 Edition 8 published, becomes the current IEC standard.
- 2029 – Current IEC stability date listed for the publication.
- ATEX/EN Harmonisation Timeline – To be monitored separately through future European standardisation and Official Journal publications.
How iRM Supports You Today
iRM helps teams stay on top of critical regulatory developments by providing:
- Regulatory Library with access to the latest standards and official sources applicable to your products
- Structured regulatory updates, enabling teams to track what’s changed and when
- Global Market Access with guidance on new market entry regulatory requirements for products
- Certification support to identify and meet applicable product certification requirements
By centralising regulatory intelligence, iRM helps manufacturers anticipate changes early and plan with confidence.
Looking Ahead
As hazardous-area technologies continue to evolve, maintaining awareness of foundational standards such as IEC 60079-0:2026 remains essential for:
- Safer product design
- Streamlined certification activities
- Reduced compliance risk
- Improved product lifecycle management
We will continue to monitor:
- IEC 60079 series developments
- IECEx certification updates
- ATEX harmonisation activities
- Future corrigenda, amendments, and European adoptions related to IEC 60079-0.
Official Reference
IEC 60079-0:2026 – Explosive atmospheres – Part 0: Equipment – General requirements
Official Website: IEC 60079-0:2026 Publication
Stay informed. Stay prepared.
Your iRM Regulatory Intelligence Team
