IEC 61779-2-1998 PDF

Full title and description

Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of flammable gases - Part 2: Performance requirements for group I apparatus indicating a volume fraction up to 5 % methane in air. Specifies performance and test requirements for portable, transportable and fixed apparatus intended for measurement of methane in mine air (group I apparatus).

Abstract

IEC 61779-2:1998 defines performance requirements and applicable test methods (referencing part 1 where appropriate) for instruments used to detect and measure methane concentrations from 0 % up to, but not exceeding, 5 % by volume in air in mining environments. The publication was later withdrawn and replaced by more recent gas-detection standards.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / Replaced (superseded).
• Publication date: 15 April 1998 (Edition 1.0).
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.060; 29.260.20 (explosive atmospheres / gas measurement).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (1998).
• Number of pages: Approximately 7 pages (short technical specification).

Scope

The standard is limited to Group I apparatus used in mining (firedamp-prone) atmospheres and covers apparatus intended to indicate methane volume fractions from 0 up to 5 % in air. It sets out performance criteria, environmental and functional requirements, and references general test methods given in Part 1 of IEC 61779. The standard does not cover detectors intended for higher concentration ranges or non-mine applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Performance limits and accuracy requirements for methane detection in mine air.
• Environmental and operational requirements for portable, transportable and fixed detectors used in mines.
• Functional testing and test methods referenced to Part 1 (general requirements and test methods for gas-detection apparatus).
• Field calibration kit requirements and provisions for on-site calibration/verification.
• Safety and failure-mode considerations appropriate for equipment used in explosive atmospheres (Group I).

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of mine-grade methane detectors, testing laboratories, mine safety engineers, equipment certifiers, and regulatory or standards committees concerned with underground mine gas monitoring. Typical applications include personal monitors, portable survey instruments and fixed methane detectors for ventilation and safety monitoring in coal mines.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61779 series on electrical apparatus for detection and measurement of combustible gases. IEC 61779-2:1998 was later superseded by IEC 60079-29-1:2007 (Explosive atmospheres — Gas detectors — Performance requirements of detectors for flammable gases) and corresponding EN adoptions (EN 61779-2 / EN 60079-29-1). Users should consult the current IEC 60079-29 series for up-to-date requirements.

Keywords

methane, firedamp, gas detector, mine safety, explosive atmospheres, performance requirements, IEC 61779, gas measurement, portable detectors, calibration.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61779-2:1998 is an IEC international standard that specified performance requirements for group I gas-detection apparatus indicating up to 5 % methane in air, intended mainly for mining applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers performance limits, functional and environmental requirements, field calibration provisions and test methods (with references to part 1) for portable, transportable and fixed detectors used to measure methane concentrations up to 5 % by volume in mine air.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of mine gas detectors, test laboratories, mine operators, safety engineers and conformity assessment bodies involved in certifying or applying methane detection equipment for underground mining.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Superseded — IEC 61779-2:1998 was withdrawn and replaced by later standards in the IEC 60079/60079-29 family (notably IEC 60079-29-1:2007 for gas detector performance requirements). Users should apply the current IEC 60079-29 series for modern requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the IEC 61779 series (electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of combustible gases). The series and its parts were harmonized and, in many regions, replaced by the IEC/EN 60079-29 series covering gas detector performance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Methane, firedamp, gas detection, performance requirements, mine air, Group I apparatus, calibration, explosive atmospheres.