TR CU 012/2011 – Explosion Protection

TR CU 012/2011 is the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union on the safety of equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It establishes mandatory safety requirements for products intended for use in explosive atmospheres within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

TR CU 012/2011 provides the regulatory basis for EAC-Ex Certification. The regulation is comparable to the European ATEX framework in terms of its scope. The terms EAC ATEX / EAC Explosion Protection (TR CU 012/2011) are commonly used in connection with the certification of explosion-protected equipment. However, ATEX and TR CU 012/2011 are separate regulatory systems. European ATEX Certification therefore does not replace the EAC Certificate required under TR CU 012/2011.

The regulation is intended in particular to:

  • ensure effective Explosion Protection,
  • prevent the occurrence of effective ignition sources,
  • reduce risks associated with explosive atmospheres,
  • ensure the safe use of equipment and protective systems,
  • establish uniform safety requirements within the EAEU.

Depending on the product design and intended use, TR CU 012/2011 may apply, among other things, to:

  • electrical equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres,
  • measuring and control equipment as well as sensors,
  • pumps, valves and fittings,
  • drives and gearboxes,
  • explosion-protected machinery and equipment,
  • non-electrical equipment with potential ignition sources,
  • protective systems for potentially explosive atmospheres.

The applicability of the regulation depends in particular on the intended area of use, the potentially explosive atmosphere, the equipment group and the intended explosion protection level. Correct Product Classification is therefore particularly important for determining the applicable requirements and establishing the required Certification Procedure.

Depending on the product, the essential safety requirements may include:

  • assessment of potential ignition sources,
  • determination and assessment of the type of explosion protection,
  • determination of the equipment group and explosion protection level,
  • assessment of temperature classes and permissible surface temperatures,
  • assessment of safety-relevant materials and components,
  • mechanical and electrical safety,
  • proper Ex and EAC Marking.

As part of the Conformity Assessment, depending on the product, the following characteristics and properties may be tested or assessed:

  • explosion protection concept and type of protection,
  • explosion protection level,
  • temperature class or maximum surface temperature,
  • electrical and mechanical properties,
  • degree of protection provided by the enclosure,
  • materials and structural design,
  • potential electrical and non-electrical ignition sources,
  • behaviour under the intended operating conditions.

Depending on the product and the applicable Certification Scheme, Product Testing, laboratory testing and explosion protection testing, where applicable Material Testing, and assessment of production conditions may be required. For Serial Production Certification, a Factory Audit, measures relating to Production Surveillance and subsequent Inspection Control may also be required.

The results of the tests performed are documented in a Test Report or other appropriate test documentation. The required tests are carried out by a Testing Laboratory appropriately accredited for the respective tests.

Within the EAC conformity system, Technical Documentation is an essential part of Ex Certification. The Explosion Protection Documentation provides the technical evidence required to assess the explosion protection characteristics of the equipment. Depending on the product and the applicable procedure, the documentation may include technical descriptions, drawings, bills of materials, information on materials and components, Test Reports, Ex-related technical evidence and Operating Instructions.

For machinery and complex industrial equipment, a Technical Passport and, where required by the applicable regulations, a Safety Justification may also form part of the technical documentation.

For explosion-protected machinery and complex technical installations, it is particularly important to determine precisely which Technical Regulations (TR EAEU / TR CU) apply. In addition to TR CU 012/2011, the following regulations may, for example, be relevant:

Which Technical Regulations actually apply depends on the product type, its technical characteristics and its intended use.

Following successful completion of the prescribed Certification Procedure, an EAC-Ex Certificate is issued. The marking of the products covered must comply with the requirements of TR CU 012/2011 and include both the prescribed EAC Marking and the required explosion protection marking.

The Ex marking provides essential information about the intended use and explosion protection characteristics of the product, particularly the equipment group, explosion protection level and type of protection, as well as the temperature class where applicable.

Particular attention should be paid to correct Product Classification, assessment of potential ignition sources and complete Technical Documentation. Incorrect classification, insufficient Ex-related evidence, unsuitable test documentation or incorrect Ex marking may require additional testing and delay the certification process.

Existing ATEX documentation, test reports and technical evidence may be useful for the technical assessment. However, whether and to what extent they can be used in the EAC-Ex Certification procedure must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

We support the Manufacturer of explosion-protected equipment, as well as plant engineering companies and exporters, with EAC-Ex Certification according to TR CU 012/2011. This includes Product Classification, technical assessment, review and preparation of Ex-related Technical Documentation, test coordination and cooperation with accredited Testing Laboratories and Certification Bodies.

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