IECEx

IECEx stands for the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres. It is not a feature of a brake, but a globally recognized, international certification system that provides a single, harmonized framework for ensuring equipment is safe for use in hazardous locations.

In the context of an industrial brake, an IECEx Certified brake is one that has been independently tested, assessed, and verified by an approved IECEx Certification Body (ExCB) to conform to the stringent safety standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), specifically the IEC 60079 series.

The core purpose and function of the IECEx scheme are:

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.

Therefore, when a brake is specified as “IECEx Certified,” it provides the end-user with the highest level of confidence that the product is safe, compliant, and suitable for its intended hazardous environment, backed by an internationally respected and transparent certification system.