ATEX Inspection (IEC 60079-17) | Ex Inspection

ATEX · IECEx · Ex inspection

ATEX Inspection (Ex) to IEC 60079-17

Independent ATEX inspection (Ex / hazardous area inspection) to IEC 60079-17 — visual, close and detailed grades, photo-documented, with a prioritised report. For plants where flammable gas, vapour or dust may be present and the explosion protection has to be verified, not assumed.

Request a quoteFree preliminary needs assessment Inspection grades

On-site Ex inspection of equipment in a hazardous area

IEC 60079-17the inspection standard

3 gradesvisual · close · detailed

CompExcertified inspector

Photo reportprioritised findings

What it is

What is an ATEX / Ex inspection?

An ATEX inspection (also called an Ex or hazardous area inspection) checks that electrical (and related) equipment installed in explosive atmospheres is still selected, installed and maintained correctly — so it cannot become an ignition source. It is a periodic, standard-based activity under IEC 60079-17, and the backbone of a defensible Ex maintenance regime.

New to the topic? Start with what is a hazardous area and reading Ex markings, or see how zones are defined in hazardous area classification.

Depth

The three inspection grades

IEC 60079-17 defines visual, close and detailed inspection. The right mix depends on the equipment, its type of protection and the risk — a page of switchgear and a single Ex d motor are not inspected the same way.

IEC 60079-17 inspection grades: visual, close and detailed

More detail on the standard and inspection intervals: IEC 60079-17 periodic inspection.

Scope

What gets inspected

Enclosures & protection

Ex d flame paths, Ex e terminations, Ex i loops, IP integrity, gaskets, fasteners and corrosion.

Cabling & entries

Glands, entries, stopping plugs, segregation, mechanical protection and earthing/bonding.

Marking & documentation

Equipment marking, certificate consistency with the zone, and the maintenance records behind them.

Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) in a hazardous area

IECEx/ATEX Ex motor nameplate showing equipment markings

Putting it right

From findings to a compliant fix

Finding a defect is only half the job — I help you close it out. Where a repair is needed it is done the right way: to IEC/EN 60079-19, with the manufacturer's approved methods and parts so the Ex certification stays valid, and I support you through the whole process. On larger installations the cleanest fix is often a like-for-like replacement of a certified component — for example a water-ingress-damaged Ex junction box swapped for a new certified unit — which restores the system's integrity immediately. Where a job genuinely needs the OEM or an authorised Ex repair facility, I flag it clearly and help coordinate it, so nothing falls between the cracks.

Ex d flameproof enclosure flame path condition during inspection — Ex d flameproof flame path — a typical close/detailed inspection point.

Where

Industries served

Oil & gas (offshore/onshore)Chemical & solventsPharmaceutical Food & combustible dustPrinting & coatingPaint & solvent handling Storage & terminalsBiogas & wastewater

Sector pages: oil & gas, chemical & solvents, printing, pharmaceutical, wood & paper, biogas & wastewater and food.

Deliverables

What you get

Prioritised report

Photo-documented findings per item
Severity and recommended action
Repair items scoped and coordinated (IEC 60079-19)

Beyond the report

Input to your inspection strategy and intervals
Support for audit, insurer and duty-holder questions
Management-level summary

Request an ATEX inspection quote

Describe the plant, the technology, the zones and the approximate equipment population. I will advise whether a focused or broader inspection fits, and provide a quote.

Request a quote

Independent CompEx certified inspection and explosion protection support. Final scope and fee are agreed individually. Email: info@atexfullcare.com.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How often is a hazardous area inspection required?

IEC 60079-17 works on periodic inspection with intervals set by risk and condition, plus initial and sample inspections. The interval is part of the inspection strategy — see IEC 60079-17.

What is the difference between ATEX and Ex inspection?

ATEX is the EU legal framework; the inspection itself follows the IEC/EN 60079 series. Internationally the work is usually called Ex or hazardous area inspection. See IECEx vs ATEX.

Do you provide a written report?

Yes — a photo-documented, prioritised report with clear actions and any items that need authorised Ex repair under IEC 60079-19.

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