Welcome to iRM Quarterly Insights
Welcome to the Q4 2025 edition of the iRM Regulatory Intelligence Newsletter.
In this issue, we spotlight a key international standard update impacting manufacturers operating in explosive atmospheres—IEC 60079-28:2025, covering the protection of equipment and transmission systems using optical radiation.
Our goal with this newsletter is simple:
Help compliance, engineering, and product teams stay informed about critical regulatory changes, understand their implications early, and prepare for upcoming transitions with clarity.
Regulatory Spotlight: IEC 60079-28:2025 Published
Standard Overview
- Title : Explosive atmospheres – Part 28: Protection of equipment and transmission systems using optical radiation
- Published by : International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
- Publication Date : 21 November 2025
- Previous Edition : IEC 60079-28:2015 (Edition 2)
- Latest Edition : IEC 60079-28:2025 (Edition 3)
This standard addresses safety requirements for equipment and systems using optical radiation—such as lasers, LEDs, and optical fibre systems—intended for use in hazardous (Ex) environments.
Why This Update Matters
Optical radiation is increasingly used in sensing, monitoring, communication, and control systems in hazardous locations. Updates to IEC 60079-28 directly impact:
- Product design and safety concepts
- Certification strategies (ATEX / IECEx)
- Technical documentation and verification approaches
With Edition 3 now published, manufacturers should begin evaluating how these changes affect new designs and future certifications, even while ATEX harmonisation in the EU is still pending.
Key Changes Introduced in Edition 3
The 2025 edition introduces several important updates:
- Removal of the ignition test previously required under IEC 60079-28:2015
- Clarified scope applicability for laser equipment, optical fibre systems, and optical radiation systems
- Revised requirements for situations where optical radiation enters or leaves equipment enclosures
- Introduction of a new clause on type verification and tests
- Addition of an “Optical detector” subclause
- Editorial and structural alignment with the current IEC 60079 standards framework
These changes collectively aim to improve clarity, consistency, and technical robustness across the IEC 60079 series.
ATEX Harmonisation Status (EU)
- Current harmonised standard: EN 60079-28:2015
- Directive: 2014/34/EU (ATEX)
- Status of Edition 3:
EN IEC 60079-28 (based on Edition 3) has not yet been cited in the EU Official Journal.
What this means
- Existing ATEX-certified products may continue to rely on EN 60079-28:2015 for presumption of conformity
- A transition date will only be defined once the new EN edition is cited in the Official Journal
- Until then, manufacturers should monitor harmonisation updates closely while treating IEC 60079-28:2025 as state of the art
Potential Impact on Manufacturers
Manufacturers may need to consider the following actions :
- Review product designs using optical radiation for alignment with revised scope and enclosure-related clauses
- Prepare for documentation updates, particularly where ignition testing was previously referenced
- Evaluate implications for new product designs, design changes, or new certifications, as Notified Bodies may expect alignment with Edition 3 requirements
- Assess optical path design and interfaces, especially where radiation crosses enclosure boundaries
Early awareness can reduce certification risks and avoid last-minute compliance challenges.
Transition Timeline at a Glance
- IEC level:
IEC 60079-28:2025 is effective immediately from November 2025 - EU ATEX level:
Transition timeline to be confirmed once EN IEC 60079-28 (Edition 3) is cited in the EU Official Journal
How iRM Supports You Today
iRM helps teams stay on top of critical regulatory developments by providing:
- Regulatory Library with access to the latest IEC and EN standards and official sources
- Visibility into version changes,including current, previous, and upcoming editions
- Monitoring of ATEX harmonisation status and Official Journal citations
- Structured regulatory updates, enabling teams to track what’s changed and when
By centralising regulatory intelligence, iRM helps manufacturers anticipate changes early and plan with confidence.
Looking Ahead
As optical technologies continue to evolve in hazardous environments, staying aware of regulatory changes like IEC 60079-28:2025 becomes essential—not only for compliance, but for safer and future-ready product design.
We will continue to track:
- EU ATEX harmonisation progress
- End-of-presumption dates once announced
- Related IEC 60079 series developments
Official Reference
IEC 60079-28:2025 – Explosive atmospheres – Part 28
Stay informed. Stay prepared.
Your iRM Regulatory Intelligence Team
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