IECEx introduces app to identify devices in explosive atmospheres

06 March 2013

IECEx, the IEC System for Certification to Standards relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres, has launched the first mobile application to show international certificates for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. This free app, for iOS, Android tablets and smart phones, can be found at the Apple App Store and Google Play.

It installs a simplified version of the main IECEx online Certificate System covering Certified Ex Equipment and allows the user to synchronize the Ex Mobile App with the IECEx online Certificate System, as required. The person in the field can now look at a piece of installed equipment and the app provides them with the ability to confirm that there is a valid certificate for the apparatus on the IECEx online Certificate System.

The offline mode provides advanced search capability and CoC (Certificates of Conformity) abstracts (simplified details), while the online version gives the full details of CoC.

With the simplified details the user is able to determine that the equipment has been installed in compliance with the relevant International Standards. They can immediately verify the authenticity of a CoC as the IECEx online Ex Equipment Certificate System holds the definitive original certificate.

Search criteria include the certificate number, certification body, type of protection for equipment, apparatus and applicant.

“The application is a powerful tool that can now be used in the field, onsite, sitting at a desk or in meetings. It provides users with the ability to search the system offline so that products really live up to Ex safety needs,” said Chris Agius, Executive Secretary of IECEx.

In the coming months, IECEx will launch a new application for Windows 8 Mobile OS so that all IECEx Certified Ex Equipment System users are supported. IECEx is also planning to add three other IECEx Certification Schemes to make sure that industry can search and find the basic information it needs to ensure product safety.

About the IEC

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is the world's leading organization that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies and administers Conformity Assessment Systems that certify that components, equipment and systems conform to them.

The IEC brings together 163 countries, and nearly 13 000 experts cooperate on the global IEC platform to ensure that products work everywhere safely with each other. IEC work enables global value chains; allows industry and companies of all sizes to access global markets faster and at less cost, and permits nations to better protect their citizens.

IEC work covers a vast range of technologies: power generation (including all renewable energy sources), transmission, distribution, Smart Grid, batteries, home appliances, office and medical equipment, all public and private transportation, semiconductors, fiber optics, nanotechnology, multimedia, information technology, and more. It also addresses safety, EMC, performance and the environment. http://www.iec.ch

About IECEx

IECEx, the IEC System for Certification to Standards relating to Equipment for use in Explosive Atmospheres, is the internationally accepted certification system that operates separate certification schemes covering:

The design and manufacturer of equipment, components and systems;
The installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of equipment and systems; and
The competence of persons.