Ex ia ex ib intrinsically safe cable glands designed in such a way that the energy of any spark is lower than that can ignite a flammable mixture.
Cable used in explosion proof wiring.
The permissible wiring methods are selected by the code making panel with safety being the most critical consideration.
As you might suspect explosion proof wiring is typically much more expensive than intrinsically safe wiring.
Imposes strict requirements for wiring methods in these locations.
Tmc2x cable connector for armoured cables 0 50 hub size aluminum 0 69 0 99 csa.
In europe and elsewhere suitably rated cable is connected directly to the equipment using certified flame proof cable glands.
If heat or sparks from faulty equipment within the enclosure ignite flammable gas present with it the resulting explosion is contained within the enclosure.
Explosion proof seals 0 fiber optic seals 1 hermetic wire feedthrough 1 high current feedthrough 0 non hermetic seals 0 stock items 15 terminal seals 0 thermocouple vacuum feedthrough 0 vacuum cable feedthrough 0 wire cable seals 3.
In north america metal conduit must be used for field wiring.
So cable glands and seals may need to be considered but they are of lighter construction as they are not required to cool exploding gases only to prevent the flow of gases.
Ia is designed to a higher integrity and can be used in zone 0 hazardous area locations whereas ib is only suitable for zone 1 2 locations.