Increased Safety Testing (Ex e)

Independent testing and technical evaluation of Ex e equipment to support ATEX and IECEx conformity assessment.

Danem Test & Certificate provides Ex e testing and assessment services for manufacturers of electrical equipment intended for hazardous area installations. Increased safety protection focuses on preventing arcs, sparks, and excessive temperatures during normal operation through robust design, selection of components, and controlled clearances.

We support clients from early design reviews through test planning, sample readiness checks, and technical evaluations. Our approach is tailored to the equipment type, intended marking, and installation conditions, helping manufacturers identify compliance gaps early and reduce the risk of late-stage redesign.

From the outset, we define the testing scope, documentation needs, and expected timelines. This creates a predictable path from initial assessment to clear test evidence suitable for certification.

What Is Increased Safety Testing (Ex e)?

Increased safety testing (Ex e) evaluates whether electrical equipment is designed to operate safely in hazardous areas by eliminating potential ignition sources in normal service. The assessment typically focuses on temperature limits, insulation and creepage/clearance distances, mechanical integrity, and component suitability for the intended rating and environment.

Testing and evaluation are commonly performed against internationally recognized requirements such as IEC/EN 60079-7, and the outcomes influence design details, selected materials and components, and the documentation used for conformity assessment and marking.

Typical Ex e products include terminal boxes, junction boxes, control stations, lighting and electrical accessories, and equipment assemblies intended for use in explosive gas atmospheres.

Ex e Testing Process

Our Ex e testing process is structured to keep requirements clear and minimize unnecessary iterations.

1. Technical Review and Scope Definition

We review the product design and intended application to identify applicable IECEx standards, protection concepts, and certification requirements.

2. Testing and Documentation Assessment

Testing activities are coordinated as required, and technical documentation is assessed against IECEx criteria.

3. Certification Assessment

The conformity assessment is completed in accordance with IECEx rules, leading to issuance of the relevant IECEx certificates.

4. Certification Completion and Project Support

Once certification is completed, the product is ready for use in IECEx-recognized markets and international projects.

1. Technical review and scope definition

We review the product design, intended marking, ambient conditions, and installation assumptions to confirm the applicable requirements and test plan.

3. Testing and verification (as applicable)

Where required, verification testing is performed to confirm critical parameters and ensure compliance with the relevant Ex e requirements.

2. Documentation and design assessment

We assess drawings, insulation systems, clearances, temperature limitations, and key components to verify readiness for testing and compliance review.

4. Reporting and certification support

We provide clear test results and technical outputs suitable for ATEX/IECEx conformity assessment and technical file preparation.

Ready to Confirm Your Ex e Design?

Get independent testing and technical evaluation to verify clearances, temperature limits, and component suitability for ATEX and IECEx compliance.

What documents should we prepare before starting Ex e testing?

Provide drawings, bill of materials, component datasheets, intended marking and ambient range, wiring/terminal details, and installation assumptions. Early confirmation of enclosure type, insulation class, and temperature limits helps define the correct scope.

What are common issues that cause delays in Ex e evaluation?

Typical issues include insufficient creepage/clearance distances, unclear temperature rise justification, unsuitable terminals or components, and mismatches between documentation and the assembled product. Pre-checking the technical file and sample build reduces rework.

Can Ex e assessment cover product families or multiple variants?

Often yes, when variants share the same safety-critical design elements and differences are controlled. The final approach depends on how changes affect insulation, temperature limits, terminals, and internal layout.

Do Ex e products always require laboratory testing?

The required testing scope depends on the equipment type, intended marking, and applicable standard requirements. We confirm what testing is needed during the initial review to avoid unnecessary work.

Can Ex e testing start before the final design is fully confirmed?

Yes. Early-stage technical reviews are recommended to confirm clearances, component selection, and temperature assumptions before committing to tooling or final production builds.