Elite Oil & Gas

ELITE Certified to ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001 for Safer Workplaces

GUI DEV — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:44:36 +0000

We are excited to share a significant milestone for ELITE — we have successfully completed the Certification Audit for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001. This achievement marks a major step forward in our dedication to delivering quality, protecting the environment, and ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees and clients.

What Do These Certifications Mean?

ISO 9001 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems. It demonstrates our commitment to consistently providing products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements, while continuously improving our processes.
ISO 14001 focuses on Environmental Management Systems. By achieving this certification, ELITE confirms our responsibility to minimize environmental impact, promote sustainable practices, and comply with relevant environmental laws.
ISO 45001 sets the standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. This certification shows our proactive approach to creating a safe and healthy workplace, reducing risks, and preventing work-related injuries and illnesses.

Why This Matters

Achieving these certifications is not just about meeting global standards. It reflects our core values at ELITE International and our ongoing commitment to excellence, sustainability, and safety. These standards guide how we operate every day, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality products and services while we act responsibly toward the environment and the well-being of our people.

Commitment to Excellence

This accomplishment would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the entire ELITE team. We will continue to build on this foundation by maintaining these standards and driving continuous improvement across all areas of our business.

We are proud of this achievement and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our operations and partnerships.

ELITE Partners with TTS.Co Vietnam to Expand EX Training

GUI DEV — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:26:03 +0000

ELITE Partners with TTS.Co Vietnam to Expand EX Training

ELITE partners with TTS Co. Vietnam to offer world-class EX training, enhancing safety and compliance in hazardous environments in Vietnam. Register now!

At ELITE, we’re proud to announce our latest initiative to promote safety and compliance in hazardous environments: This collaboration extends our globally recognized EX training programs to Vietnam, enabling professionals in the region to access industry-leading education and certifications.

Why This Partnership Is a Game-Changer:
As Vietnam’s industrial sector grows, so does the need for robust safety measures in hazardous areas. Partnering with TTS Co. Vietnam, a trusted name in technical training, allows us to meet this demand by offering high-quality, accessible training programs tailored to local industries.

Our Vision for EX Training in Vietnam:

Accessibility: Together with TTS Co. Vietnam, we’re ensuring that world-class EX training is available locally, reducing barriers for professionals across Vietnam.
Compliance Excellence: Our programs are designed to equip participants with the skills and certifications needed to meet global standards in hazardous area safety.
Local Expertise, Global Standards: With TTS Co. Vietnam’s market knowledge and our international expertise, this partnership sets a new benchmark for EX training in the region.

IECEx Certification Courses Available NOW!

IECEx certification courses in Vietnam, to validate professionals’ expertise in working with hazardous area equipment. These internationally recognized courses are essential for anyone working in explosive atmospheres. The available courses include:

IECEx 000 –Basic knowledge & awareness to enter hazardous area site
IECEx 001 – Apply basic principles in explosive atmospheres
IECEx 003 & 006 – Installation and inspection of Ex equipment.
IECEx 004, 007 & 008 – Maintenance and inspection of Ex-certified equipment.
IECEx 009 – Design and selection of Ex equipment.

IECEx 001, 003, 004, 006, 007, 008 – Core Installation, maintenance, testing & Inspection modules all rolled into one class!

Register now to secure your spot!

Looking Ahead:

We are excited to bring ELITE’s renowned training programs to a vibrant and growing market. This is more than just a collaboration—it’s a shared commitment to fostering safety and excellence in hazardous environments.

At ELITE, we believe that empowering professionals with the right training can transform industries. Our partnership with TTS Co. Vietnam represents a significant step forward in our mission to promote safety and compliance worldwide. Fill our the form below to pre-register for our upcoming classes

Coming in May 2025 we’re introducing CompEx certification courses in Vietnam too, available courses will include:

CompEx Foundation – Introduction to hazardous area safety and Ex principles.
CompEx 01-04 – Core qualification for electrical and instrumentation professionals working in explosive atmospheres.
CompEx 12 – Training for application designers and engineers responsible for Ex systems.
CompEx 14 – Focused on the safe selection, installation, and maintenance of Ex motors and drives.
Pre-Register now to secure your spot!

ELITE Expands Ex Training Services to the Philippines

GUI DEV — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:08:01 +0000

ELITE Expands Ex Training Services to the Philippines

ELITE launches IECEx and CompEx Ex Training Courses in the Philippines. Explore training options and pre-register now.

We’re expanding! ELITE will now be offering CompEx and IECEx training in the Philippines, providing professionals with globally recognized certifications for working in hazardous areas.

Pre-register now to secure your spot!

CompEx Training in the Philippines

CompEx is the global standard for proving competency in explosive atmospheres. It was originally designed for the oil & gas industry in the UK but has now expanded worldwide, covering various sectors where hazardous areas are a concern. Whether you’re an electrician, engineer, or technician, CompEx training ensures you have the right skills to work safely and stay compliant with international standards.

CompEx Courses currently available in the Philippines:

CompEx Foundation – Introduction to hazardous area safety and Ex principles.
CompEx 12 – Training for application designers and engineers responsible for Ex systems.
CompEx 14 – Focused on the safe selection, installation, and maintenance of Ex motors and drives.

Will be available soon:
CompEx 01-04 – Core qualification for electrical and instrumentation professionals working in explosive atmospheres.

IECEx Certification Courses

For professionals seeking IECEx certification, we provide training aligned with the IECEx Certified Persons Scheme. This qualification demonstrates expertise in hazardous area equipment and installations, meeting strict international regulations. IECEx certification is highly valued in global markets and is a key credential for those working with explosive atmospheres

The IECEx Certified Persons Scheme provides independent validation of competency for individuals working in hazardous areas. It ensures that professionals meet the strict requirements of international IEC standards, covering everything from installation and inspection to maintenance and risk management.

IECEx Courses soon to be available in the Philippines:

IECEx 000 –Basic knowledge & awareness to enter hazardous area site
IECEx 001 – Apply basic principles in explosive atmospheres
IECEx 003 & 006 – Installation and inspection of Ex equipment.
IECEx 004, 007 & 008 – Maintenance and inspection of Ex-certified equipment.
IECEx 009 – Design and selection of Ex equipment.
IECEx 001, 003, 004, 006, 007, 008 – Core Installation, maintenance, testing & Inspection modules all rolled into one class!

Why Train with ELITE?

Expert Instructors – Learn from industry-leading trainers with hands-on experience.
State-of-the-Art Facilities – Train using the latest Ex-certified equipment.
Internationally Recognized Certifications – Enhance your qualifications and career opportunities.

Be among the first to access our new training programs in the Philippines!

Pre-register now to secure your spot!

Meet OneEx: Your New Go-To for Smarter Inspections

GUI DEV — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:57:23 +0000

Exciting News: Our New Inspection App is Now Live!

At ELITE, we’ve always been committed to helping businesses navigate the complexities of hazardous area safety. With over 25 years of experience, we understand the challenges you face in managing inspections, ensuring compliance, and staying organized. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our brand-new hazardous area inspection App, designed to make your electrical and mechanical inspection processes simpler, faster, and more reliable.

Why We Built the App

We know how crucial it is to stay compliant with the various hazardous area regulations around the globe, especially when working in these potentially explosive atmospheres. Traditional inspection methods can be time-consuming, prone to human error, and hard to manage. That’s where our app comes in—it’s designed to streamline every aspect of the inspection process, so you can focus on what matters most: safety!

Here’s What You’ll Get With Our New App:

Efficient and User-Friendly Interface: Whether you’re in the field or at your desk, our app is intuitive and easy to navigate. It’s designed by practicing Ex professionals for Ex personnel who need quick access to key information and the ability to manage inspections on the go.
Real-Time Updates and Notifications: Forget waiting for reports to be submitted or chasing down paperwork. With our app, you’ll get instant updates and notifications, making it easier to stay on top of your inspections, hazardous area equipment register, equipment certificates, and any potential rectification work required.
Seamless Documentation and Reporting: No more worrying about losing inspection records or misplacing any previous or on-going reports. Everything is securely stored in the main portal, ready for you to access whenever you need it. You can even generate “punch list” inspection reports with just a few taps.
Stay Compliant with Industry Standards: Our app is built with the latest global hazardous area regulations in mind, so you can be confident that your inspections meet the required standards.
Secure and Reliable: We understand the importance of data security, especially when it comes to safety-critical information. Our app uses top-tier encryption to ensure your data is safe and accessible only by authorized personnel.

Why This Matters to You

We know that managing hazardous area inspections is no small task. Whether you’re an operations manager, safety officer, or technician, the pressures of ensuring compliance and keeping teams safe are constant. With our OneEx Inspection App, you’ll have everything you need to stay in compliance, improve efficiency, and reduce the risk of errors—ultimately making your workplace safer for everyone.

Ready to experience the future of OneEx Pro?

For now, the OneEx Inspection App is available exclusively on Android. Have any questions or need help getting set up? Our team is more than happy to show you how the app works and help you get the most out of it. Simply reach out to us, and we’ll guide you through the process.

ELITE Partners with R.Stahl to offer Instant Access to Customisable, Certified Terminal Boxes

GUI DEV — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:19:15 +0000

ELITE Partners with R.Stahl to offer Instant Access to Customisable, Certified Terminal Boxes

Explore how ELITE enhances safety and efficiency with Stahl products and ELITE Connect.

We’re excited to announce that ELITE has partnered with R.Stahl, a global leader in hazardous area products, to become a local stockist, distributor, and assembly provider for their high-performance Series 8150 and 8146 terminal boxes.

This partnership merges R.Stahl’s dependable reliability with ELITE’s acclaimed expertise in hazardous area solutions and exceptional customer service, delivering a revolutionary solution for our customers in the USA.

Why This Partnership is a Game-Changer?

Time is critical in the world of hazardous area operations. Traditionally, waiting for terminal boxes could take up to 14 weeks. Not anymore. As a local distributor & stockist of these customisable R.Stahl boxes, ELITE can now offer unmatched lead times, meaning you can get the terminal boxes you need faster than ever before—no more waiting, no more delays.

But that’s not all. Here’s where the wow factor comes in:

Turnkey Solutions: Customisation and Certification in One Place

At ELITE, we don’t just deliver the products—you get fully customisable solutions built in-house by our expert team. Whether you need specific modifications to the terminal boxes for your project, we’ve got you covered. All boxes are certified before delivery, ensuring that your products arrive ready for immediate installation with no additional steps required.

Faster Delivery Skip the long lead times. Get what you need when you need it, all from local stock.
Complete Customisation Modify the terminal boxes to fit your exact requirements without the long wait for third-party customisation.
Full Certification Enjoy peace of mind knowing that every product is certified, ensuring compliance and safety.
Streamlined Projects With turnkey solutions, we handle the entire process, making your project smoother and faster to execute.

ELITE’s Expertise + R.Stahl’s Unmatched Reliability

By partnering with R.Stahl, we bring trusted quality and fast delivery together, empowering your team to work more efficiently and effectively. When you are working in a hazardous area environment in oil & gas, engineering, manufacturing , or other critical industries, this collaboration ensures that your hazardous area operations are equipped with the best products, supported by ELITE’s expert team.

The ELITE Advantage

This partnership allows you to optimise your operations with tailored solutions that meet your specific needs, all while reducing your lead times and streamlining your workflows. From stock availability to certification and customisation, we’re now your one-stop solution for the most reliable terminal boxes on the market.

Ready for a Better Way to Execute Projects?

With R.Stahl’s Series 8150 and 8146 terminal boxes available for fast delivery, customisation, and certification, ELITE is changing the game for hazardous area operations. Contact our team today to find out how we can help you with faster project execution, reduced lead times, and turnkey solutions that ensure your equipment is ready for immediate installation.

Series 8150 Ex e Terminal Boxes

Art. No.: 275135 Series 8150 Ex e terminal boxes

Product Type: 8150/1-0300-0200-150-3311

Product description: Ex e terminal box

max. ambient temperature: +40 °C

min. ambient temperature: -60 °C

Certificates: ATEX (PTB), IECEx (PTB), Korea (KGS), Taiwan (ITRI), USA (UL)

Enclosure material: Stainless steel 1.4404

Type of terminals 1: 1 x Phoenix UT
2-conductor, 2.5 mm2, grey

Series 8146/1 Ex e Terminal Boxes

Art. No.: 136714

Product Type: 8146/1061

Product description: Ex e terminal box

max. ambient temperature: +40 °C

min. ambient temperature: -60 °C

Certificates: ATEX (PTB), Brazil (ULB), Canada (UL), Canada / USA (UL), China (NEPSI), IECEx (PTB), India (PESO), Korea (KGS), Taiwan (ITRI), USA (UL)

Type of terminals 1: 1 x Phoenix UT

CompEx vs. IECEx Assessments – What to Expect

GUI DEV — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:17:00 +0000

CompEx vs. IECEx Assessments – What to Expect

In this blog, we discuss the differences between CompEx and IECEx assessments and what to expect from each one. Ready to get certified?

In the past training blog, we discussed the differences between CompEx and IECEx training, for this one, we will walk you through how assessments for each one take place.

For CompEx, even I would be experiencing a few butterflies, as the Ex01 is 3 hours 45 minutes, and there is a lot to pack in. Begin with a brief inspection of the pre-installed equipment, cables, and glands. Preparation of the permits required to enter that Hazardous Area following a Safe System of Work (PTW, Isolation, LOTO, proving dead). Followed by 3 cables to install, electrically test, and terminate. Then note any specific conditions of use, and de-isolate, power up, and go live to prove your installation. Phew! Where did all the time go???

Go have lunch and carry out a similar, but thankfully less intense assessment for Instrument Installation. Now you realize why this is for Electrical Crafts persons!

IECEx is a little more relaxed. Where you are assessed on your ability to conform to a Safe System of Work (PTW, Isolation, LOTO, proving dead), the assessment only requires the installation, testing, and termination of one cable for each assessment, and as such both assessments combined are approximately 3 hours. You need to get a move on though, as for most candidates, it is tight on time.

Thursday afternoon for IECEx (generally Friday morning for CompEx), will be two inspection assessments. This is where CompEx and IECEx assessments align briefly, with a slight deviation in the forms that we at ELITE use. Under a Safe System of Work, carry out Visual, Close, and Detailed inspections of preinstalled equipment, which have already been seeded with a certain number of faults/non-conformances, for the candidates to recognize and note down. IECEx splits Visual and Close inspection under module EX007, and Detailed inspection under module EX008, thus the internal marking is slightly different.

For Friday, (CompEx would be the Inspections in the morning, as already mentioned), followed by 1 hour 30 minutes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) online test. For IECEx is a full day of exam papers. These are open book, and split to Part A (MCQ), and Part B (short written answers). I did calculate the combined length of the exams, and it is approximately 4 hours 45 minutes, so all morning and a good chunk of the afternoon. If you are more an academic personality, this route may suit your skills set better.

The final certification gives you and equivalent competency from both tracks, with the additional benefit of dust certification as part of IECEx. Both are valid for 5 years.

The final question I would have is acceptance! Are they both equally accepted? If you work in Europe, or on construction projects for equipment to European ATEX Spec, then there is a strong argument for CompEx, but equally so that IECEx should be recognized as an international personal competency standard.

If you are working outside of the European Union member states, then IECEx should take precedence. Countries such as Australia and New Zealand, only recognize the IECEx competency in their national frameworks, and indeed what relevance does the ATEX or CE marking have to a country halfway around the globe.

Once the assessments are completed, you may be wondering what is next? Well, in my next blog, we will look at the certification process for IECEx. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog so you get a notification once the next blog is out. Our blogs go out on a monthly basis.

See you then!

If you are ready to get trained, tested, and certified, go book your seat at one of our upcoming CompEx and IECEx Training dates at the most convenient location for you. We look forward to seeing you in the classroom!

A Closer Look at CompEx and IECEx Certification

GUI DEV — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 11:02:22 +0000

A Closer Look at CompEx and IECEx Certification

Unsure about taking CompEx or IECEx certification? Find out the differences in this blog.

A few weeks ago I asked on my personal LinkedIn page a question “Would you consider IECEx Certificate of Personal Competency Training ?”, and of the 187 respondents, 43% were for a yes, and 34% wanted to know what the difference is. So, in this blog, I intend to reveal the ancient mysteries behind CompEx and IECEx.

Both schemes follow the same set of standards. IEC 60079 series, and in the main, IEC 60079 parts 14 (selection, erection, and initial inspection), and part 17 (maintenance and inspection). Nothing too different there, however, CompEx stresses the European certification scheme ‘ATEX’ and European conformity standard ‘CE’, where the IECEx scheme takes a more uniform, international stance.

We should remember that IEC 60079 and EN 60079 are identical, except for some additional annexes. The body of the standards are the same.

The main differences are in the way the course modules are laid out. I am sure many people have been frustrated that they failed one section of their CompEx and had to re-sit that section and gain a pass before their CompEx competency was validated and the certificate issued.

This can be a particular problem with Inspectors, who are not involved in the installation, and installation technicians, who are experts at glanding and terminating, but the wheels fall off when they are tasked to do an inspection, as part of their competency test.

CompEx has Ex01, 02, 03, and 04, which are Electrical Installation, then Inspection, and Instrument Installation and Inspection, but IECEx has EX001, 003, 004, 006, 007, 008 (actually there is a 002, 005, 009 and 010, but let’s deal with the basics first).

Whoa, too many numbers! The IECEx scheme allows you to pick and choose what you need to be certified to, and should you take the full 1,3,4,6,7,8, and fail a module, you can either re-sit the module you failed, or choose to be certified to the other modules you passed, and leave it at that.

EX001 is defined as “competence to apply the basic principles of protection requirements for an electrical worker/engineer/technician” and is a pre-requisite for all the other modules in the scheme.

The training section can be carried out online, but I would recommend face-to-face. It takes me 2 and a half days to impart the knowledge required for Ex001. A few of the differences from CompEx are that IECEx EX001 covers flammable/explosive dust installations, which is additional in CompEx and covered under the Ex05-06 course.

It also goes more in-depth into maintenance and the IECEx repair facilities scheme covered under 60079-19. The competency test for this module comprises two exam papers. One multiple choice question (MCQ) exam (taken online), and a short written answers exam, taken on paper at the current time of writing. The pass mark is 75% for those who like to know the metrics. Oh, and IECEx allows for open-book exams!

That covers Monday through Wednesday, and the competency testing begins afresh with your assessor on Thursday morning, where you will have some time for glanding practice, and then follow on with an Electrical and Instrument installation practical assessment which we will cover in my next blog post. Make sure to subscribe to ELITE blog so you get notified when a new blog has been published.

Another final little reminder here. Neither CompEx nor IECEx is a training course. They have some instruction, but they are a competency validation scheme for Electrical Crafts persons, Technicians, or Engineers, who already hold valid Industrial Electrical qualifications and are experienced in a relevant industry (for IECEx they require at least 3 years).

Below is a table for a side-to-side comparison of both.

IECEx CoPC	CompEx 01-04
Certification of Personnel Competence Part of the IECEx Scheme recognized globally for personnel who work in an explosive atmosphere	CompEx is an international scheme for competency validation and certification of personnel who work in explosive atmospheres
Open-book exams, standards, and course notes permitted	Closed book exam
Delivered by individually accredited IECEx Certification Bodies and assessment centers	Delivered by a network of independent training and assessment centers the CompEx scheme supports practitioners in a range of industrial sectors
Does not stipulate training but requires at least 3 years of industry experience before the assessment	Assessment only can be selected although training immediately before assessment is normal practice
Encompasses all gas and dust protection techniques	Training covers all gas & dust protection techniques
Broken into units depending on personnel requirements (electrical worker or engineer) Ex 001: Apply basic principles of protection in explosive atmospheres Ex 002: Perform classification of hazardous areas Ex 003: Install explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems Ex 004: Maintain equipment in explosive atmospheres Ex 005: Overhaul and repair of explosion-protected equipment Ex 006: Test electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres Ex 007: Perform visual and close inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres Ex 008: Perform detailed inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres Ex 009: Design electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres Ex 010: Perform audit inspection of electrical installations in or associated with explosive atmospheres	Theory assessment Covers Gas and dust atmospheres – Practical assessment covers IEC60079 Requirements for: EX01: Installation & testing (d, e, n) EX02: Inspection & maintenance (d, e, n) EX03: Installation & testing (i) EX04: Inspection & maintenance (i)
Individual theory assessment for each unit multiple choice and short answer can be completed concurrently for multiple units. Practical assessments for 003, 004, 005, 006, 007,008. Can be completed concurrently	EX 01-04 Multiple choice theory assessment
5 years expiry	5 years expiry
Outcome – IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence (visible on IECEx website) includes photo of individual and wallet card.	Outcome – CompEx Certificate of Core Competence (validity can be checked on CompEx website).
ADVANTAGES 1. Ability to do single modules – for example Installer 003 2. Ability to view certificates online	DISADVANTAGES 1. Inability to do single modules – for example Installer needs to do Installation & Inspection 2. Inability to view certificate online

ELITE offers both IECEx and CompEx training. Click here to view our training catalog and refer to this link for upcoming training dates at our different training centers.

Do you have any training questions?

Wired for Safety: Cable Options For Hazardous Areas

GUI DEV — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:28:33 +0000

Wired for Safety: Cable Options For Hazardous Areas

Learn the responsibilities of cable manufacturers, gland manufacturers, and installers/operators. Stay informed to prevent explosion hazards!

The choice of cables for applications in potentially explosive environments holds critical importance. Cables are essential for electrical distribution, but the complexity lies in the fact that explosion protection, primarily addresses the certified equipment used rather than the connecting cable itself. (i.e. you do not get ATEX or IECEx Certified cable!)

Safety of equipment is typically ensured through specific ignition protection types outlined in relevant standards. For instance, the IEC 60079-1 on “Flameproof Enclosure” however there is no explicit requirement for cables to be certified as flameproof (Exd).

Manufacturers and testing laboratories responsible for device certification, are not obligated to specify or test cable glands in detail and therefore typically test flameproof devices without cables.

Improper cables or cable glands can compromise the protection class of the device, leading to explosion hazards.

International standards (IEC) are gradually addressing these concerns by specifying detailed requirements for cables in applicable ignition protection categories. The responsibility hierarchy is established as follows:

The device manufacturer is responsible for the cable gland introduction.
The cable gland manufacturer is responsible for the safety of cable glands for defined cable types
The installer and/or operator is responsible for selecting the suitable cable and matching it with the appropriate cable gland.

General Requirements for Cables / Mechanical Design:

The IEC 60079-14 standard outlines general requirements for cables, emphasizing mechanical robustness. Circular and compact cables are crucial, ensuring proper sealing of cable entries. However, permissible tolerances for circularity are not explicitly defined.

Key points include:

Jacket material: Thermoplastic, thermosetting, or elastomeric material.
Shape of the cable: Circular and compact for effective sealing and compressive strength.
Embedding and fillers: Extruded bedding or sheath with non-hygroscopic fillers.
Potential flame transmission: Prevent gaps that may allow flame transmission.

Risk Management for Flame Transmission:

Flame resistance: Cables must be flame-retardant to prevent ignition and explosion.

UV resistance: UV-resistant cables are recommended to maintain robustness in sunlight-exposed areas.
Surface temperature: Cables must not exceed the temperature class of the system.
Ambient temperature: Use cables within the manufacturer-specified ambient temperature range.
Oil and mud resistance: Cables should withstand pollutants without compromising explosion protection.
Installation:

Installation

The IEC standard deals with the installation issues in Chapter 9.3.7 “Avoidance of damage”. The main rules are:

When laying cables, protect them in such a way that they withstand all possible mechanical, chemical, and environmental risks.
Pay attention to the maximum permitted bending radii (min. 8 x Da).
Do not bend the cable directly behind the gland. Leave a few centimeters (min. 2.5 cm) of a straight cable behind the gland.

Popular cables that ELITE stocks

NEK 606

NEK 606 is a specification by the Norwegian Electrotechnical Committee, covering requirements for halogen-free, mud-resistant low and high-voltage power, control and telecommunication cables.

NEK 606 MUD-resistant cables have distinct requirements in relation to the insulation, screening, braiding, bedding, and sheathing compound.

BFOU cables contain a mica glass tape making them flame-resistant.

RFOU cables are flame retardant.

The following table is a guide to NEK 606 cable code designation

Type P

Type P Cables are specially designed for installation and use in harsh environments found mostly on drilling rigs. These extreme environments can include severe cold and heat, constant heavy vibrations, mechanical stress, mud, and salt corrosion.

Type P is typically constructed with Irradiated Cross-Linked Polyolefin insulation (Hence the P) and is also often jacketed with CPE (Chlorinated Polyethylene) increasing its resistance to sun, flame, chemicals, and oil. High strand counts can make the cable more flexible and resistant to vibration. Type P cable is available in armored and unarmored versions as well as a wide range of constructions:

TYPE P VFD IEEE 1580 UL1309 CSA
Power, Control, and signal cables, ranging from 20awg to 1111MCM
Conductors/Pairs: Single conductor, multi-conductor, multi-paired
Shielding: Shielded and unshielded; individual and overall screened
Armor: unarmored, aluminum, tinned copper, and bronze armored constructions available
Voltage: 300, 600/1000 volts, and 2KV
Industry Approvals: Cables available with ABS, Coast Guard, Lloyds, and/or DNV approvals.

Metal Clad ( CLX Cable Types )

Metal-clad cables are designed for installation in various environments and applications. They are commonly used in commercial, industrial, and residential settings where a combination of mechanical protection and electrical conductivity is required.

Mechanical Protection: Metal-clad cables have a robust outer armor, typically made of steel or aluminum, which provides excellent protection against physical damage, impact, and abrasion. This makes them ideal for installations where the cables may be exposed to harsh conditions or potential mechanical stresses.
Electrical Conductivity: Metal-clad cables have a metallic armor that acts as a grounding conductor, ensuring proper electrical grounding and minimizing the risk of electrical shock or damage. This makes them suitable for installations that require reliable electrical conductivity and grounding, such as power distribution systems.
Flexibility: Metal-clad cables are designed to be flexible and easy to install. The interlocked armor allows for bending and maneuverability, making them suitable for installations that require cable routing in tight spaces or around corners.

Metal-clad cables (MC cables) are designed and manufactured to meet various industry standards to ensure their safety, performance, and compliance with electrical codes. Some of the common standards that metal-clad cables adhere to include:

National Electrical Code (NEC): The NEC is a widely recognized standard for electrical installations in the United States. Metal-clad cables must comply with the NEC requirements, including those related to ampacity, grounding, protection against physical damage, and installation methods.
UL 1569: This standard is issued by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and specifies the safety requirements for metal-clad cables. It covers various aspects such as construction, materials, insulation, conductor size, ampacity, and fire resistance.
UL 83: UL 83 is another standard by Underwriters Laboratories that specifically applies to metal-clad cables used for general-purpose wiring in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It covers aspects like construction, conductor insulation, ampacity, and mechanical protection.
Canadian Electrical Code (CEC): The CEC is the national electrical code in Canada. Metal-clad cables used in Canada must meet the requirements specified in the CEC, including those related to ampacity, grounding, installation methods, and protection against physical damage.
CSA C22.2 No. 51: This standard, issued by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), specifies the safety requirements for metal-clad cables used in Canada. It covers aspects such as construction, materials, insulation, conductor size, ampacity, and fire resistance.

Do you need assistance to find a suitable cable for your hazardous area application?

Safety Beyond the Surface: A guide to Compliant Ex Inspections

GUI DEV — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 11:13:39 +0000

Safety Beyond the Surface: A guide to Compliant Ex Inspections

Learn five key points to be considered as basic for an “Ex Inspection” in hazardous areas.

There is more to an EX-inspection than completing a check sheet!

Without the underlying skills, knowledge, and ability to interpret standards and then document compliance – an inspection just literally becomes a box-ticking exercise!

Before an inspection takes place, we need to know the area’s characteristics.

Zone (and extents)
Gas (or dust) group
Temperature class
As well as the often-disregarded Ambient temperature range

We should also know what environmental conditions will be present during operations (or cleaning) to determine whether the appropriate IP rating applicable for the area (again an often-disregarded characteristic).

In addition, we need to understand the equipment manufacturers’ intent.

We would hope details are contained within their Operations & Maintenance Manual as well as a Specific condition for use (if the certificate number has the suffix “X”) and a Descriptive system document for any intrinsically safe systems.

Here are 6 key points that would be considered as basic for an ‘EX’ inspection:

KNOW WHAT ZONE YOU ARE INSPECTING

Gas Zones (0, 1, 2)

Zone 0: Areas where explosive atmospheres are present continuously or for long periods.
Zone 1: Areas where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur during normal operations.
Zone 2: Areas where explosive atmospheres are not likely to occur but, if they do, will only persist for a short period.

Dust Zones (20, 21, 22)

Zone 20: Areas where explosive atmospheres are present continuously or for long periods due to dust.
Zone 21: Areas where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur occasionally during normal operations.
Zone 22: Areas where explosive atmospheres are not likely to occur but, if they do, will only persist for a short period due to dust.

Unless you know what zone you are operating within you do not know if the installed equipment is suitable for compliant use!

UNDERSTAND AREA GAS/SUBGROUP:

Group I (Methane) – Mines: This group includes gases and vapors that are likely to be present in mines.
Group II (Surface Industries): Group II is further divided into three subgroups based on the ignition energy and the autoignition temperature of the gases and vapors:
- Group IIA: Includes gases with a high autoignition temperature and low risk.
- Group IIB: Includes gases with a moderate autoignition temperature and moderate risk.
- Group IIC: Includes gases with a low autoignition temperature and high risk.

For example, equipment designed for Group IIC would be suitable for environments with gases that have a higher risk of ignition, while equipment designed for Group IIA may be used in areas with gases that pose a lower risk.

Manufacturers, users, and inspectors need to be aware of the gas group classification when working with equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Unless you know what Gas or Dust group you are operating within you do not know if the installed equipment is suitable for safe/compliant use!

QUANTIFY TEMPERATURE CLASSES:

The temperature class is used to indicate the maximum surface temperature that a piece of electrical equipment can reach under normal or fault conditions. This classification is crucial for selecting and installing equipment in areas where potentially flammable gases, vapors, or dust may be present.

The temperature class is denoted by a number, which corresponds to a specific maximum surface temperature. The IEC temperature classes are:

T1: Maximum surface temperature not exceeding 450°C

T2: Maximum surface temperature not exceeding 300°C

T3: Maximum surface temperature not exceeding 200°C

T4: Maximum surface temperature not exceeding 135°C

T5: Maximum surface temperature not exceeding 100°C

T6: Maximum surface temperature not exceeding 85°C

Unless you know what Temperature class you are operating within you do not know if the installed equipment is suitable for safe/compliant use!

COMPREHEND THE EFFECT OF AMBIENT TEMPERATURE;

By default, the standards for equipment ambient temperature is -20°C to +40°C, but often manufacturers will apply extended ratings for hot or cold environments.

For example, in the UK the ambient temperature is unlikely to exceed 40°C, and therefore standard ambient temperature should suffice – However in the UAE for example, the ambient temperature may exceed 40°C.

What does this mean?

Although not technically linear, an example could be that a T6 (85°C) piece of equipment certified for a standard ambient temperature of -20°C to +40°C, installed in an area where the ambient reaches +60°C, the maximum surface temperature could theoretically reach +105°C (becoming unsuitable for a T6 area).

Unless you know the maximum ambient temperature you are operating within you do not know if the installed equipment is suitable for safe/compliant use!

UNDERSTAND IP RATINGS

The IP code was developed to rate and grade the resistance of enclosures of electric and electronic devices against the intrusion of dust and liquids and also defines the tests to be performed to verify that the enclosure meets these requirements.

The IP code is composed of two numerals:

The first numeral refers to the protection against solid objects and is rated on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (no ingress of dust).

The second numeral rates the enclosure’s protection against liquids and uses a scale from 0 (no protection) to 9 (high-pressure hot water from different angles).

If the environment being worked in has NO/LOW dust or moisture levels a basic IP54 can be utilized however if the environment being worked in has HIGH dust or moisture levels more stringent protection is required as can be seen in the table below.

Unless you know what IP code suits the environment you are operating within you do not know if the installed equipment is suitable for safe/compliant use!

INFORMATION IS POWER:

Always refer to:

The manufacturer’s Operations & Maintenance Manual or User manual – this is prepared by the manufacturer to provide important information regarding the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of certified equipment.
The ATEX/IECEx equipment certificate – this is prepared by the certification body to show compliance with standards and directives and provide any specific conditions of installation or operations.
The Descriptive system documents for any intrinsically safe systems – this should be prepared by the manufacturer/designer to prove the intrinsically safe parameters are within safe limits of us.

Unless you know the intended use and limits of equipment you do not know if the installed equipment is suitable for safe/compliant use!

SUMMARY:

Ex inspections are driven by relevant standards and certification schemes.

Many Industries follow the IEC 60079 series of standards and mandate the use of the IECEx certification scheme – These standards & schemes require ‘Ex’ equipment located in a hazardous area to be inspected before use (initial inspection) to ensure it is safe to energize in a hazardous area and that the Ex integrity has not been compromised during selection or installation.

Also, regular periodic inspections are mandated to ensure that the equipment has not been damaged and that its ‘Ex properties’ have not been compromised by corrosion, decay, wear and tear, etc.

ABOUT ELITE INSPECTIONS

ELITE sees an average 40% failure rate on new installations which mostly can be avoided by introducing specific checks by experienced competent persons – a conflict of interest is often seen if a manufacturer/supplier/installer is inspecting and certifying their own work therefore Inspectors should be different to Installers and be experienced practitioners with the appropriate competency Certification ( i.e.. IECEx CoPC or CompEx)

Use of an IECEx Accredited Inspection company that is well-established with a comprehensive successful track record is recommended – ELITE is an IECEx-certified service facility for inspection.

EUTEX PRESS RELEASE

nadeem.dm2019 — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:37:59 +0000

Elite Oil & Gas

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