ExNB

Co-ordination of Notified Bodies

Directive 2014/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (ATEX) Equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmosphere

ExNB/19/574

Template for CS

(Step 5.2.2)

Status:

Step*5.2.2

Initial proposal by

Xavier Lefebvre (HAS -  ATEX Consultant)

Date:2019-02-07

*Step refers to ExNB Rules

This new proposed draft Clarification Sheet is issued for your consideration according to subclause 5.2.2 of the ExNB-rules of 2017.

 Please submit your comments by using the attached COMMENTS TABLE until

 2019-02-04

 to the Technical Secretary (Hermann.Dinkler@vdtuev.de; Fax: +(30) 76 00 95-541, VdTÜV, Friedrichstrasse 136, D-10117 Berlin).

 If comments have not been received by the above date this document will be published as a Clarification Sheet.

 It’s planned to discuss this item during the 22nd ExNBG meeting.

Requirements for batteries according to EN 1755:2015 Industrial Trucks - Safety requirements and verification - Supplementary requirements for operation in potentially explosive atmospheres

Question:

Is it possible to use an industrial battery?

Background:

The standard provides specific requirements for electrical equipment including batteries.

Answer:

No.

Electrical equipment shall meet the equipment category of the truck in accordance with EN 60079-0, consequently, as in EN 1755:2015, battery and battery connectors shall meet the category of the truck and marked accordingly by the manufacturer.

Batteries intended to use in explosive atmosphere shall fulfil, other than industrial features, specific requirements to avoid the risk of ignition during normal operation (Category 3) and expected malfunctions (Category 2).

Batteries used in trucks are subjected to mechanical shock and vibration in normal operation and the risks due to hydrogen emission shall be considered.

Consequently, several tests like mechanical shock and vibration, to grant the integrity of the battery cells and ventilation test, to verify the maximum hydrogen concentration into the battery container, need to be performed as required in EN 60079-0, EN 60079-15 or EN 60079-7 and EN 60079-31 for Dust application