IEC 60079-11 update: important news manufacturers need to know

The IEC 60079-11 standard for intrinsic safety has recently been updated with new requirements that affect encapsulation, transformers, and batteries. These changes apply to both new and existing certificates.

The IEC 60079-11 standard, covering equipment protection by intrinsic safety “i”, has recently been updated with important changes that directly impact certificate holders. Moreover, with the publication of EN IEC 60079-11:2024, these changes will also affect already certified ATEX equipment once the standard is harmonized in the Official Journal of the European Union. This means that even equipment currently holding valid ATEX certificates will need to be reviewed and, if necessary, updated to comply with the new requirements.

Discover the key changes and their implications.

  1. Routine verification of encapsulation added

A new routine verification requirement has been introduced for encapsulated parts. This means that, during manufacturing, the application of encapsulant must now be routinely verified, in addition to routine testing already in place. In practice, this involves a visual inspection of all molded parts to detect bubbles, cracks, or other imperfections.

Impact:

  • Applies to all certificates – both new and existing.
  • All manufacturers using molding/encapsulation must update their certificates to include routine verification (only for ATEX certificates when EN IEC 60079-11:2024 is harmonized).
  • Ensures greater consistency and reliability of encapsulated components used in Ex “i” equipment (the requirement is already included in the ISO/IEC 80079-34 standard, covering manufacturing system).

 

  1. Requirements for transformers for Ex “ic” Equipment

When the Ex “nl” requirements were transferred into IEC 60079-11 as Ex “ic”, certain component specifications were not fully addressed. The revised standard now introduces specific requirements for transformers for Ex “ic”, ensuring correct alignment with the intended level of protection.

Impact:

  • Any product with transformers, on which intrinsic safety depends, for level of protection “ic” certification must undergo a review.
  • Manufacturers must ensure their equipment meets the updated Ex “ic” transformer requirements.

 

  1. Modified test requirements for cells and batteries

Updates have also been made to electrolyte leakage and surface temperature test requirements for cells, batteries, and supercapacitors.

The changes cover:

  • Increased number of samples to be tested.
  • Defined test temperatures.

Testing must now be performed at both minimum and maximum temperatures, using multiple battery samples.

Impact:

  • All products containing batteries must be reassessed against the new standard.
  • If current Ex Test Reports (ExTRs) do not cover the revised requirements, additional testing is mandatory.

 

What this means for certificate holders

These updates are significant and require immediate attention from manufacturers and certificate holders when EN IEC 60079-11:2024 is harmonized:

  • Encapsulation: Certificates must be updated to reflect the new routine verification requirement.
  • Transformers (Ex “ic”): Products with level of protection “ic” certification need a compliance review.
  • Batteries: All equipment containing cells or batteries must be re-evaluated and potentially re-tested.

How DNV can help

As one of the leading Notified Body for ATEX and Certification Body for IECEx, DNV supports manufacturers in navigating these changes, updating certificates, and ensuring compliance with the latest IEC 60079-11 and EN IEC 60079-11 requirements.

Our experts can help you:

  • Assess the impact of the new requirements on your products, resulting in a gap report.
  • Update existing certificates.
  • Plan and execute any additional testing needed.

Ensuring compliance now will not only safeguard your certification status but also reinforce trust and safety in the markets you serve.

10/20/2025 1:07:00 PM