CERTIFICATION OF EXPLOSION-PROOF EQUIPMENT IN ROMANIA. PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Explosive atmospheres can occur in various industrial fields, in installations in which flammable substances are processed, transferred or stored. The use of electrical equipment in areas classified as with hazard of explosive atmospheres has represented and represents an important topic from the point of view of the implications that an explosion has over the goods and the environment but more important over human or animal life. The purpose of the paper is to present important aspects related to assessment, testing and certification in Romania of electrical equipment designed for use in explosive atmospheres, from the beginning until now, but also to underline the future trends in this very sensitive area. These aspects are presented both in the context of international events relating to the explosion protection researches and realizations (considering the first protection measures adopted to ensure explosion protection of technical equipment) and in relation with the European applicable regulations and standards.