GB 3836.16-2024 Explosive atmospheres―Part 16: Specification of electrical installations inspection and maintenance
1 Scope
This document specifies the general requirements for the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in hazardous areas within explosive atmospheres.
This document is applicable to areas where, under atmospheric conditions, explosive gas or explosive (combustible) dust mixed with air, or layers of combustible dust, may be present in a manner that creates hazards.
This document is not applicable to:
——Underground coal mines (however, this document may be referred to for the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations in underground coal mines);
Note: For specific requirements, refer to Safety regulations in coal mine.
——Explosive dust;
——Pyrophoric substances.
2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
GB/T 3836.1 Explosive atmospheres - Part 1: Equipment - General requirements
GB 3836.15 Explosive atmospheres - Part 15: Electrical installations design, selection and erection
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in GB/T 3836.1 and the following apply.
Note: For other terms and definitions applicable to explosive atmospheres, see GB/T 2900.35.
3.1
hazardous area
area in which explosive atmospheres are present, or may be expected to be present, in such quantities as to require special precautions for the construction, erection, and use of equipment
Note: The area referred to in this document is a three-dimensional area or space.
3.2
non-hazardous area
area in which explosive atmospheres are not expected to be present in such quantities as to require special precautions for the construction, erection, and use of equipment
3.3
inspection
close examination carried out to conclude that the equipment can safely and reliably operate, performed without dismantling or with partial dismantling of the equipment as necessary, and supplemented by certain measurements or other means where appropriate
3.4
maintenance
combination of routine activities undertaken to keep an erected installation in a fully operable condition
3.5
live maintenance
maintenance activities performed while the associated apparatus, intrinsically safe devices, and circuits remain energized
Note: Live maintenance shall comply with the relevant explosion protection certification requirements.
3.6
Ex skilled personnel
personnel who meet the specific qualification requirements for personnel
3.7
technical person with executive function
Ex skilled personnel responsible for the technical management of other skilled personnel, possessing sufficient knowledge in explosion protection, being familiar with local conditions and the erection, and bearing full responsibility and executive authority for the inspection system of electrical apparatus used in hazardous areas
3.8
types of inspection
3.8.1
initial inspection
inspections carried out on all electrical apparatus, systems, and installations before they are put into service
3.8.2
periodic inspection
routine inspections carried out on all electrical apparatus, systems, and installations
3.8.3
continuous supervision
regular servicing, inspection, repair, monitoring, and maintenance of electrical installations performed by Ex skilled personnel experienced in the specific installation and its environment, in order to maintain the explosion protection integrity of the installation
3.8.4
third party inspection agency
inspection agency with appropriate qualifications that is independent of both the manufacturer and the owner
3.8.5
sample inspection
inspection carried out on a representative portion of the electrical apparatus, systems, and installations
3.9
grade of inspection
3.9.1
visual inspection
inspection intended to identify visible defects (e.g. missing bolts) by the naked eye without the use of access equipment or tools
3.9.2
close inspection
inspection that includes visual inspection and inspection for visible defects (such as loose bolts) that can only be identified using access equipment
Example: Portable ladders (where necessary) and tools.
Note: Generally, a close inspection does not require the enclosure to be opened or the equipment to be de-energized.
3.9.3
detailed inspection
inspection that includes close inspection and inspection for visible defects (such as loose terminals) that can only be identified by opening the enclosure and/or, where necessary, using tools and test equipment
4 General
4.1 Documents
For the purposes of inspection and maintenance, the following documents (verification dossier) shall be provided, including but not limited to any modification records:
a) Hazardous area classification and the Equipment Protection Level (EPL) required for each area;
Note: For hazardous area classification, refer to GB 3836.14 and GB/T 3836.35.
b) For gas: Equipment grouping (IIA, IIB, and IIC) and required temperature class;
c) For dust: Equipment grouping (IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC) and required maximum surface temperature;
d) Equipment characteristics, such as: Ambient temperature range, type of protection, degree of protection of enclosure (IP code), and corrosion resistance;
e) Records demonstrating that the maintained explosion-protected equipment continues to conform to its type of protection (e.g. a complete and accurate equipment list with equipment locations, necessary spare parts, certificate or copy of the certificate, and technical documents);
f) Previous inspection records, including those of the initial inspection as specified in GB 3836.15;
g) Equipment repair records (for equipment that has been repaired).
4.2 Personnel competence and qualification
4.2.1 General
Inspection and maintenance of electrical installations covered by this document shall only be carried out by Ex skilled personnel. Personnel shall possess the knowledge, skills, and qualifications specified in this subclause. Such personnel shall also receive appropriate training or continuing education regularly and shall have relevant experience as well as credentials for certified competence through training.
Enterprises (owners) engaged in production activities in explosive atmospheres shall be staffed with such personnel.
Foreword I
Introduction IV
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 General
4.1 Documents
4.2 Personnel competence and qualification
4.3 Complete equipment system
4.4 Fasteners and tools
4.5 Environmental conditions
4.6 Isolation of equipment
5 Inspection requirements
5.1 General
5.2 Grades of inspection
5.3 Types of inspection
5.4 Periodic inspection
5.5 Continuous supervision
5.6 Inspection checklist
5.7 Additional requirements for inspection checklists
6 Maintenance requirements
6.1 General
6.2 Maintenance
6.3 Removal
6.4 Live maintenance of intrinsically safe devices
Annex A (Normative) Inspection checklists
Annex B (Informative) Typical inspection procedure for periodic inspections
Annex C (Informative) Inspection examples for motors
Annex D (Informative) Severe operating conditions
