IECEx

IECEx es la <strong International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres. No es una característica de un freno, sino un sistema de certificación internacional reconocido mundialmente que proporciona un marco único y armonizado para garantizar que el equipo sea seguro para su uso en lugares peligrosos.

En el contexto de un freno industrial, un freno IECEx Certificado es aquel que ha sido probado, evaluado y verificado de forma independiente por un Organismo de Certificación IECEx (ExCB) aprobado para cumplir con las rigurosas normas de seguridad de la International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), específicamente la serie IEC 60079.

El propósito y función esenciales del esquema IECEx son:

1. Harmonized Safety Standard: It establishes one internationally accepted set of safety standards for “Ex” equipment, replacing the need for multiple, differing national certifications.
2. Verification of “Explosion-Proof” Claims: It provides the independent, third-party proof that a brake’s “Explosion-Proof” (or other protection method, such as “Increased Safety” or “Intrinsically Safe”) design is not just a manufacturer’s claim, but has been rigorously tested and validated to contain an internal ignition and prevent it from igniting a surrounding flammable atmosphere.
3. Facilitating Global Trade: An IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is recognized by all member countries, significantly reducing technical barriers to trade. A brake manufacturer can obtain a single IECEx certification that is accepted in numerous markets worldwide.
4. Ensuring Lifecycle Safety: Beyond just product design, the IECEx system also includes schemes for certifying the quality management systems of manufacturers (Quality Assessment Report – QAR) and the competence of personnel who repair and overhaul Ex equipment, ensuring safety is maintained throughout the product’s entire lifecycle.

Por lo tanto, cuando se especifica que un freno está “IECEx Certificado”, proporciona al usuario final el máximo nivel de confianza de que el producto es seguro, cumple con las normativas y es apto para su entorno peligroso previsto, respaldado por un sistema de certificación internacionalmente respetado y transparente.