Why ATEX approval of the complete fireproofing system is vital

Designed for the application of epoxy intumescent fire protection coatings, the Graco XM PFP is the first and only system that is ATEX and IECEx certified for use in explosive atmospheres; it is rated for both electrical and mechanical construction.

Equipment that is certified for use in explosive atmospheres often is stamped with the following approval: “for work in Zone 1 in accordance with BS EN 60079-10-1:2009 ATEX designation CE II2Gc IIB T3.”

That looks impressive, but the phrase includes a small letter that carries a big influence. This is the letter “c” in ATEX designation II2Gc IIB T3. It refers to “mechanical only” approval, NOT electrical. Companies that display this approval often then make a statement such as “This system can be operated on offshore rigs after successful individual certification.”

But what does “individual certification” mean? It means that a customer wishing to use that equipment on, for example, an oil rig, needs to obtain further approval to ensure that it’s approved for both electrical and mechanical construction. This could take several months and cost a significant amount of money.

At Graco we do things differently. We do not expect our customers to shoulder the burden for additional assessments. The Graco XM PFP is a turnkey system, ready to use “straight out of the box” as it carries the "d ia px" approval for both electrical and mechanical construction.

In other words, it has all aspects ATEX approved (Ex II 2 G Ex d ia px IIA 250C T2) including:

• c for mechanical items
  
• d for the flameproof heaters
• ia for the intrinsic safe controls 
• px for the air purged cabinet. 

Competitive products may have heaters, controls, air purged cabinets or connections that require approval. Each of these along with the entire system would have to be approved on site. With Graco the whole machine is safe; you can start spraying immediately out of the box. Contact us to discuss how the Graco XM PFP system can meet your specific requirements.