Guide to Standards and Regulations for Gas Detectors

March 2, 2023

Gas detectors are used to detect potential hazards in the atmosphere, be they oxygen deficiency, toxic gas build-up or the accumulation of potentially explosive gas. Explosion protection is extremely important when dealing with flammable gases and vapours and this especially applies to equipment used in these areas, but also applies to the gas detectors themselves.

Gas detectors are categorised as electrical equipment and must fulfil the relevant requirements for operating in potentially explosive areas. According to the ATEX manufacturer directive 94/9/EC (ATEX 95) and user directive 1999/92/EC (ATEX 137) the electrical safety of all electronic gas detectors and personal monitors used in potentially explosive atmospheres must be tested and marked “ATEX”(EN 60079-0 et seq.). If the gas detector for flammable gases and vapours is used as a safety device “with a measuring function for explosion protection” it must be performance approved by a notified body in addition to the  ATEX”marking. Correspondence with other globally accepted standards (e.g. wheel mark approval) must also be ensured during the construction of the electrical equipment. MSA work tirelessly to build smarter, better gas detectors which people around the world can rely on.

MSA provide a clear illustration of the standards and regulations for their gas detectors, detailing the protection offered clearly. Included are explanations around equipment group and category, types of explosive atmosphere, types of protection, gas groups, temperature classifications and ingress protection.

Standards and regulations poster MSA

For any further information please feel free to contact us info@uksafetyproducts.com | 01493 440464