EXFIRE360 and ATEX Certification: Another Step Forward!

On May 15, 2013, the EXFIRE360 control panel obtained certification according to the EN 60079-29-1 standard, which defines the general and performance requirements for flammable gas detectors intended for use in explosive atmospheres — but which also directly concerns gas detection control panels.

This derives from a specific provision of the ATEX Directive, which, in its first article, establishes that the directive also applies to control devices used outside explosive risk areas, provided they are necessary for the safe operation of equipment and protective systems.

More precisely, the Directive requires that for products belonging to Group II, Categories 1 and 2, a mandatory EC Type Examination must be carried out — that is, a conformity assessment performed by a notified body.
 For this reason, the EXFIRE360 control panel, through this certification, stands as one of the first systems suitable for both fire and gas detection applications.

What Are the Advantages of the New Certification?

Through certification in accordance with EN 60079-29-1, the EXFIRE360 control panel can fully exploit the advantages of its modular architecture, allowing it to manage flammable gas detection systems of any size.

The core functional unit is the EX2GSI board, which features:

  • Two 4–20 mA analog inputs with internal channel redundancy and configurable pre-alarm and alarm thresholds
  • Two supervised 24 VDC outputs, with a maximum load of 2 A (for gas valve shut-off systems, activation of acoustic and/or visual indicators, etc.)
  • Two relay outputs rated up to 2 A at 24 VDC
  • Seven open collector outputs, freely programmable for various applications

This board — currently undergoing validation for achieving SIL 3 (Safety Integrity Level 3) — can be installed inside the main control panel or in remote chassis.

The combination of these characteristics makes the EXFIRE360 a truly unique product in the landscape of modern fire detection and protection systems.

How to Read the Control Panel Marking

CE Ex II(2)G
 [Ex Gb] II

  • II: indicates that the intended use is surface installation, not in mining environments.
  • (2): means that the control panel can be connected to Category 2 sensors (installed in Zone 1).
  • G: specifies that the device has been evaluated with regard to risks caused by potentially explosive gas atmospheres.
  • [Ex Gb]: the presence of “Ex” in square brackets means that the control panel can be connected to other devices located in hazardous areas; “Gb” refers to those connected devices of Category 2.

II: confirms that the control panel is suitable for gas applications, without reference to a specific gas type.