Protection Method Overview

Arm yourself with knowledge and get your products on the right path

It is essential to determine which protection method is right for your products. To choose your protection method, identify the intended and potential applications for your product. Understanding the area classification as well as divisions and zones will be key to helping identify the method of protection that is most suited to your needs. For additional technical information, download our Poster, Guide to Equipment Certification Requirements for Hazardous Locations.

The charts below provide an overview of all protection methods according to the Class of the environment as well as the region.

North America

Gas, Vapor, Mist (Class I)	Dust, Fibers, Flyings (Class II, III)
Increased Safety	Dust Ignition Proof
Non-Incendive	Dust Protected
Non-Sparking	Protection by Enclosure
Explosion Proof	Fibers and Flyings Protection
Flame Proof	Encapsulation
Powder Filled	Pressurization
Enclosed Break	Intrinsic Safety
Intrinsic Safety
Limited Energy
Pressurization
Restricted Breathing
Encapsulated
Oil Emersion

Europe (ATEX) and International (IECEx)

Gas, Vapor, Mist (Class I)	Dust (Class II)	Non-Electrical
Optical Radiation	Enclosure	Flow Restricted Enclosure
Increased Safety	Intrinsic Safety	Flame Proof Enclosure
Non-Sparking	Encapsulation	Constructional Safety
Flame Proof	Pressurization	Control of Ignition Source
Enclosed Break		Pressurization
Quarts/sand Filled		Liquid Immersion
Intrinsic Safety
Pressurization
Sealing/Hermetic Sealing
Restricted Breathing
Encapsulated
Oil Emersion