Ex db, Ex eb, Ex ec what? Where did Ex d, e and nA go?

Electrical Equipment Classification

In approximate terms the Explosion Protection Levels (EPL) Ga, Gb, Gc correspond to the Equipment Categories 1G, 2G and 3G which align with the Zones 0, 1 and 2. The latest IEC standards mean that nA (non sparking) will become ec (for EPL increased - zone 2); e (increased safety) will become eb (for EPL high - zone 1) and d (flameproof) will become db (for EPL high – zone 1). This terminology is mandatory from 2018.

Ex d --> Ex db (Explosion proof  with high protection level)

Ex e --> Ex eb (Increased safety with high protection level)

Ex nA --> Ex ec (Non Sparking with increased protection level)

ATEX

<Ex> II 2G Ex d e IIC T6 Gb

<Ex> II 2G Ex d e ia IIC T6 Gb

<Ex> II 2D Ex m IIIC T80oC Db

IECEx

Ex db eb IIC T6 Gb

Ex db eb ia IIC T6 Gb

Ex mb IIIC T80oC Db