New International Standard for Flame Arresters:
ISO/IEC 80079‑49:2024
EN ISO/IEC 80079-49:2024 – New International Standard for Flame Arresters
“Flame arresters – Performance requirements, test methods and limits for use”
The standard ISO/IEC 80079‑49:2024 for flame arresters is already valid as an international standard.
The corresponding EU standard EN ISO/IEC 80079‑49:2024 is not yet harmonized under ATEX, but harmonization is expected in the short term.
Previously, flame arresters were covered by EN ISO 16852:2016. With the new standard, many customers ask whether their existing devices remain compliant and safe.
- Previous standard: EN ISO 16852:2016
- New international standard: ISO/IEC 80079‑49:2024
- Effective date: 3 May 2024
Flame arresters are safety devices that prevent flame transmission in explosive atmospheres (ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU).
Safety and Testing:
No Significant Changes (Annex F)
Therefore, flame arresters tested and certified according to EN ISO 16852:2016 generally continue to meet the basic safety requirements of EN ISO/IEC 80079‑49:2024.
In normal cases, no new testing is required solely because the standard has changed.
MESG and Explosion Group Alignment
As part of international harmonization, the new standard aligns MESG limits with ISO/IEC 80079‑20‑1:
- Previously:
- MESG = 0.9 mm → explosion Explosion Abrupt oxidation or decomposition reaction producing an increase in temperature, pressure, or in both simultaneously. group IIB1
- MESG = 0.5 mm → explosion Explosion Abrupt oxidation or decomposition reaction producing an increase in temperature, pressure, or in both simultaneously. group IIB
- Now:
- MESG = 0.9 mm → explosion Explosion Abrupt oxidation or decomposition reaction producing an increase in temperature, pressure, or in both simultaneously. group IIA
- MESG = 0.5 mm → explosion Explosion Abrupt oxidation or decomposition reaction producing an increase in temperature, pressure, or in both simultaneously. group IIC
This affects only mixtures with exactly these MESG values. We are currently not aware of any gas or liquid with MESG exactly 0.5 mm.
The safety level of tested flame arresters remains the same.
What This Means for Operators?
- Existing flame arresters tested to EN ISO 16852:2016 can continue to be used; they remain safe and compliant with the essential safety requirements of EN ISO/IEC 80079‑49:2024.
- Once EN ISO/IEC 80079‑49:2024 becomes harmonized under ATEX, future documentation and certificates will increasingly reference the new standard, but this is primarily a formal update, not a change in safety.
PROTEGO® – Application‑Specific Engineering
If you need support with explosion Explosion Abrupt oxidation or decomposition reaction producing an increase in temperature, pressure, or in both simultaneously. group selection (IIA, IIB, IIC) or the impact of ISO/IEC 80079‑49:2024 on a specific application, we can assist you with application‑specific advice.
We stay up to date with the latest standards so that our customers can stay focused on what matters most: operating their plants safely and reliably.
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