IEC 61779-1-1998 PDF

Full title and description

Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of flammable gases — Part 1: General requirements and test methods. Specifies general requirements for construction, marking and documentation, and describes the test methods applicable to portable, transportable and fixed apparatus intended for the detection and measurement of flammable gas or vapour concentrations in air, including apparatus intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and in mines susceptible to firedamp.

Abstract

This standard (IEC 61779-1:1998) sets out the fundamental requirements and standardized test procedures for gas-detection apparatus used to detect and measure flammable (combustible) gases and vapours in air. It covers design and construction considerations, environmental and electromagnetic tests, functional and safety tests, and requirements for documentation and marking. The part provides the baseline test methods referenced by the series' parts that deal with specific performance groups or applications.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / replaced (historical standard).
• Publication date: 23 April 1998.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.060; 29.260.20.
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1998).
• Number of pages: 55 pages (as published).

Scope

Defines general requirements and test methods for electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of flammable gases in air. The scope explicitly covers portable, transportable and fixed apparatus (or parts thereof) intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and in mines susceptible to firedamp; detailed performance requirements for particular groups or applications are provided in companion parts of the 61779 series.

Key topics and requirements

• General construction and design requirements for safe operation in potentially explosive atmospheres.
• Standardized test methods (environmental, mechanical, electromagnetic compatibility, endurance and safety tests).
• Requirements for marking, documentation and user information.
• Classification of apparatus groups and references to parts giving performance requirements for specific gases/applications.
• References and normative links to related IEC/EN test standards used in verification.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of gas-detection instruments to design and verify compliance of products; testing and certification laboratories to run standardized tests and produce reports; conformity assessment and certification bodies; safety and process engineers in industries handling flammable gases (petrochemical, mining, utilities, HVAC); and regulators implementing product safety and explosion-protection requirements.

Related standards

Replaced/superseded standards and closely related documents include IEC 60079-29-1 (which later consolidated gas detector performance requirements), EN 61779-1:2000 (published as the European equivalent) and subsequent national adoptions; companion parts of the IEC 61779 series (for specific performance groups) and IECEx test-report forms associated with IEC 61779-1.

Keywords

flammable gas detection, combustible gas, gas detector test methods, explosive atmospheres, firedamp, mine gas detectors, performance requirements, IEC 61779, gas-sensor testing, EMC tests.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61779-1:1998 is the first part of the IEC 61779 series titled "Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of flammable gases" and contains the general requirements and test methods applicable to portable, transportable and fixed gas-detection apparatus.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers construction, marking, documentation, and the test procedures (environmental, mechanical, EMC and functional tests) used to assess the safety and basic performance of apparatus intended to detect and measure flammable gases in air, including use in potentially explosive atmospheres and mines. Specific performance limits for particular gases or applications are given in other parts of the series.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Instrument manufacturers, test laboratories, conformity-assessment and certification bodies, mining and process-safety engineers, and national standards/adoption committees.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61779-1:1998 has been withdrawn and replaced by newer consolidated standards (notably IEC/EN 60079-29-1 series for gas detector performance). The IEC webstore records a withdrawal and replacement history (replacement by IEC 60079-29-1:2007 for this subject area). National/adopted versions (EN/UNE/etc.) were also superseded in subsequent harmonizations. Check the issuing national or regional standards body for the current normative reference to use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61779 is a multipart series; Part 1 contains general requirements and test methods and other parts of the series (for example parts dealing with specific performance groups or mine apparatus) provide application- or gas-specific performance requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Flammable gas detection, gas sensors, combustible gas, explosive atmospheres, firedamp, test methods, EMC tests, IEC 61779, gas-detector performance.