IECEx
When equipment is used in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as offshore platforms, refineries, chemical plants, fuel storage, and certain marine environments, safety isn’t just a best practice. It’s regulated.
IECEx is an internationally recognised certification system designed to ensure equipment used in hazardous areas is built, tested, and documented to reduce the risk of ignition. In simple terms: it helps confirm that equipment is suitable for use where flammable gases, vapours, or dust may be present.
What does IECEx focus on?
IECEx focuses on:
- Design and construction standards for hazardous area equipment
- Independent testing and certification against IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards
- Quality assurance in manufacturing
- Clear documentation so end users can select and maintain equipment correctly
For operators, IECEx certification supports safer operations, smoother compliance, and easier global acceptance, especially when equipment is being specified across multiple regions.
The challenge: ignition in hazardous areas
In explosive atmospheres, ignition sources can come from more places than people expect. Common risks include:
- Electrical arcing and sparks
- Hot surfaces
- Static discharge
- Mechanical friction
- Fault conditions during start-up
Engine starting is a key moment of risk because it’s when systems are under load, components move, and energy is being transferred quickly.
That’s why hazardous area regulations often drive engineers to reduce or eliminate electrical components where possible, particularly around the starting process.
IECEX and non-electric engine starting
Non-electric starting systems (hydraulic / air) are often selected specifically because they can reduce reliance on electrical starting circuits in hazardous zones.
While IECEx certification is most commonly associated with electrical equipment, the principle behind IECEx is what matters: controlling potential ignition sources and proving suitability for the environment.
Non-electric starting supports that goal by helping to:
- Minimise electrical ignition sources during engine start
- Reduce complexity in hazardous area installations
- Support safer start capability where electrical systems are restricted, unreliable, or undesirable
- Enable starting in harsh conditions (remote sites, marine, offshore, mining, and heavy industrial environments)
In other words, non-electric starting isn’t just an operational preference, it is a practical design choice aligned with hazardous area safety requirements.
Specifying a system
There are some key considerations when specifying an IECEx starting system, including what zone it will be installed in, space availability and the engine it will be connected to. It’s best to talk to us directly to make sure compliance is achieved.
Speak to our team at sales@powerstart.co.uk or call us on +44(0) 121 818 5080 to start the scoping process.