RUL EA.1-2012 PDF

Full title and description

St RUL EA.1-2012 — Ruling 1: Drop test fail criterion (Ruling to AS/NZS 60079.29.1:2008). This short ruling provides a formal interpretation of the drop-test fail criterion used in the AS/NZS 60079.29.1:2008 performance standard for gas detectors intended for use in explosive atmospheres.

Abstract

This one-page ruling clarifies how the drop test failure criterion in Clause 5.4.14 of AS/NZS 60079.29.1:2008 should be interpreted and applied to portable gas detectors and remote sensors. The enquiry and reply in the ruling align with an IEC interpretation sheet issued by IEC TC 31 and are intended to ensure consistent test and conformity decisions for equipment performance after drop testing.

General information

• Status: Superseded / Ruling published to support AS/NZS 60079.29.1:2008 (status listed as superseded in standards catalogues; consult the parent standard for the current normative requirements).
• Publication date: 7 March 2012.
• Publisher: Standards Australia (published as a RUL/Enquiry & Reply relating to the AS/NZS 60079 series).
• ICS / categories: Explosive atmospheres / Gas detectors / Performance and conformity testing (related to AS/NZS 60079.29.1 and IEC 60079-29-1).
• Edition / version: RUL EA.1:2012 (first published 2012).
• Number of pages: 1 (short ruling document).

Scope

The ruling addresses the specific fail criterion applied during the drop test for portable gas detection apparatus and remote sensors as defined in Clause 5.4.14 of AS/NZS 60079.29.1:2008 (adopted from IEC 60079-29-1). It provides an authoritative interpretation to be used by test houses, manufacturers and conformity assessors when deciding whether equipment has met or failed the drop-test requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Interpretation of the drop-test fail criterion in Clause 5.4.14 of AS/NZS 60079.29.1:2008.
• Application to portable gas detectors and remote sensors (portable apparatus).
• Alignment with an IEC interpretation sheet from IEC TC 31 (ensures international consistency).
• Guidance for test laboratories and manufacturers on pass/fail decisions after physical impact (drop) testing.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of portable gas detectors, third‑party test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, safety and compliance engineers, and regulators who need a clear interpretation of drop-test outcomes for devices covered by AS/NZS 60079.29.1 (and the corresponding IEC standard). The ruling helps ensure consistent test interpretation and reporting.

Related standards

Directly related to AS/NZS 60079.29.1:2008 (Explosive atmospheres — Gas detectors — Performance requirements of detectors for flammable gases) and the IEC 60079-29-1 series. The parent AS/NZS standard was later updated (AS/NZS 60079.29.1:2017 and later editions); users should consult the current edition of the parent standard and any subsequent rulings or interpretations.

Keywords

RUL EA.1-2012, drop test, fail criterion, AS/NZS 60079.29.1, IEC 60079-29-1, gas detectors, explosive atmospheres, test interpretation, conformity assessment.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: St RUL EA.1-2012 is a short formal Ruling (RUL EA.1:2012) providing an interpretation of the drop-test fail criterion contained in AS/NZS 60079.29.1:2008 for gas detectors.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the meaning and application of the drop-test failure criterion (Clause 5.4.14) for portable gas detection apparatus and remote sensors, clarifying how test results should be judged for pass/fail decisions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, conformity assessors, safety engineers and regulators involved with portable gas detectors and equipment for explosive atmospheres use this ruling to ensure consistent interpretation of drop-test outcomes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The ruling was published on 7 March 2012. It is maintained in standards catalogues but is associated with the 2008 edition of AS/NZS 60079.29.1; the parent standard has later editions (for example 2017), so users should check the current edition of AS/NZS 60079.29.1 and any newer rulings or interpretations for up-to-date normative requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Ruling 1 (EA.1) in the Rulings to Explosive Atmospheres Standards series, which provides formal Enquiry & Reply documents that clarify specific clauses in the AS/NZS/IEC 60079 series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Drop test; fail criterion; gas detector performance; AS/NZS 60079.29.1; IEC 60079-29-1; portable gas detectors; explosive atmospheres; test interpretation.