Technical Note Number 07-11

Temperature Classes and Ambient Temperature

The normal ambient temperature range applicable to certified hazardous area equipment is -20C
to +40C. The Temperature classification marking (eg T4, T6 etc.) relates to this permissible
ambient temperature range unless otherwise stated by, for example, a temperature marked after
the T-number. Eg: T4 (Tamb 60C) indicates that the equipment will meet the requirements of T4 in
ambient temperatures of up to 60C. (1)
It is possible to certify equipment with multiple temperature classifications. This may be appropriate
where the heating effect (power dissipation) of the equipment and the temperature considerations
of materials and components within the equipment are such that there is some latitude available. In
such cases multiple T-Numbers will be stated in the certification documents and on the equipment
marking. For example T6, T5 (Tamb 50C), T4 (T amb 60C).
In the absence of equipment which is certified for a different ambient temperature range, the
question of what should I do? is often asked. The following comments particularly apply to
situations where a higher than normal ambient temperature is required. (2) (3)
The crucial point to understand is that it is not an option for the equipment specifier,
purchaser or installer (or indeed anyone other than the Notified Body) to make
adjustments to any aspect of certified equipment. This includes making decisions such as
If the equipment is certified and marked T6 it may be used in a higher ambient if the
temperature classification is regarded as only being T4. Such a practice could be
extremely dangerous and certainly would render the certification of the equipment invalid
as it is being used outside its certification conditions.
It may be helpful to understand why making arbitrary changes to the T-Number is so dangerous.
When reading the following notes, remember that the T-Number relates to the maximum
temperature of an ignition-capable surface. (4) So, for example, with flameproof equipment this
would normally refer solely to external surfaces of the equipment, but for intrinsic safety it would
refer to both internal and external surfaces. Thus equipment marked T6 will not exhibit an ignitioncapable surface in excess of 85C, equipment marked T4 will not exhibit an ignition-capable
surface in excess of 135C, and so on.

Firstly, within the equipment there may well be electronic components which have been rated on
the basis of their temperature-to-power specification. This is quite common for components such
as diodes used to protect against back emf of inductive elements or zener diodes used to control
maximum voltages. Commonly, the diode manufacturer will specify a maximum junction
temperature, and working back through consideration of the temperature gradient through the
device, the maximum power dissipation, heat-sinking arrangements, etc. determine the maximum
permissible ambient temperature to which the device may be subjected. This information will not
be known to the equipment user. By deciding to increase the permitted ambient temperature,
components within the equipment may be being placed in a failure mode. They could be safety
components.
Secondly, it should be appreciated that the certification procedure for hazardous area equipment is
only concerned with ensuring compliance with the applicable technical standards for the type(s) of
protection concerned. There is no interest (from a certification view point) as to whether or not the
equipment will actually function. (5) Increasing the ambient temperature to which equipment is

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Technical Note Number 07-11

subjected may cause it to fail in its intended operation. The failure may occur either in the short
term or perhaps in the longer term after several thermal cycles.

Additionally, if equipment contains batteries (for example, emergency lighting, or instrumentation

with electronic memory elements), subjecting the battery to higher ambient temperatures could
cause the battery itself to explode.

In summary, anyone making a decision that it will be acceptable to use or operate equipment
outside the certified temperature range (normally -20C to +40C) is doing so without the
appropriate information, authorisation or expertise. You might as well buy uncertified equipment in
the first place if you are going to ignore the certification conditions since your actions certainly
render the certification invalid. Do not expect any sympathy if it all goes horribly wrong.

Footnotes from the main text

1

The symbol Ta may be used instead of Tamb. On some earlier designs the T may be omitted giving, for example, T4
(60C Amb). Alternatively, in some cases, variations to permitted ambient temperature are indicated in an X
condition. (ie the suffix X on the certificate number and a Special Condition of Safe Installation or Use detailed in the
certification documents.)

Ambient temperatures in excess of 40C are more normally associated with conditions in countries such as Saudi,
Oman etc. but can occur in the UK. Remember that weather forecast temperatures refer to shade temperature, not
direct sunlight. Also remember that some indoor locations (typically locations such as roof spaces) may be subjected
to temperatures above 40C on a hot day with the roof in sunshine. Careful consideration of the positioning of
equipment should be part of the installation designers remit.

Ambient temperatures below -20C are outside the consideration of this Technical Note but it should not be assumed
that equipment will safely operate or maintain its protection integrity at temperatures below the stated ambient range.
Materials can change their characteristics at low temperatures; plastics get brittle and loose their mechanical
strength, etc. If equipment is required for use in ambient temperatures below -20C, it should be certified for that use.

The additional considerations of, and possible relaxations to, the surface temperature of small components are
outside the scope of this Technical Paper. However, such aspects may also have a significant bearing on permitted
ambient temperature range.

The author has the dubious honour of having designed and obtained a certificate for a shunt diode zener safety
barrier which had an error in the design and in fact did not work. It was, however, extremely safe as it would not allow
any output whatsoever!

This technical note is provided by Robin Garside for clarification and guidance purposes. The appropriate
technical standards should always be followed when designing, installing, maintaining and using
hazardous area equipment. Legal requirements imposed by the ATEX Directives and DSEAR will also
need consideration.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this Technical Note,
the author does not accept any responsibility for any matter resulting from or caused by the use of the
information contained herein. It is the readers responsibility to ensure compliance with appropriate
Standards, Directives and Regulations.

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