A Guide to CompEx: CompEx FAQs
5th April 2022
CompEx is a globally recognised qualification awarded to electrical engineers who have worked their way through the curriculum in order to be able to provide electrical installation and testing services for those operating in potentially explosive atmospheres.
If you operate within a potentially explosive environment, it is vital that hazardous area inspections are completed on a regular basis in order to ensure the safety of your team and support your business in complying with all current legislation, including those outlined by ATEX, IEC, and NEC.
Explosive atmospheres can occur in the presence of dust, gases, mists and vapours. As such, CompEx and hazardous area inspections may be required by customers operating in a range of industries, including the chemical, steel, petro-chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, food and beverage, health, offshore, and heavy engineering industries. Our fully qualified and highly experienced team of CompEx engineers has been successfully conducting Ex inspection of electrical and mechanical equipment for over 25 years, and is relied upon by clients across the UK.
A CompEx inspection involves visual, close, and/or detailed inspection of installed electrical equipment and systems. The IEC 60079 standards indicate that initial inspections should be carried out on all newly installed electrical equipment prior to making the equipment live.
The grade of inspection required will differ between projects depending on the location and type of equipment being assessed.
There are three grades of CompEx inspection – visual, close, or detailed. The grade of inspection required can be determined by various elements, such as the manufacturer’s guidance, deterioration factors of the equipment, zone of use, and the result from any previous inspections.
What is a visual inspection?
Visual inspections enable engineers to take note of all defects which are clear to see either from the ground or from permanent access platforms. A visual inspection is the least intrusive grade as the equipment remains live and no hand tools are used.
What is a close inspection?
Close inspections enable engineers to determine where any defects, including visual, may be detected without having to switch off the power to the equipment. This may involve the use of some tools, ladders, and other access equipment.
At Citi Group, we advise our customers to begin their asset management journey with a mixture of close and detailed inspections in order to gain a greater insight into the condition of the equipment.
What is a detailed inspection?
Detailed inspections are carried out on completion of the installation, once it has been handed over by the installation contractor and prior to the equipment being commissioned.
Detailed inspections encompass aspects of a close inspection but go further by identifying defects such as loose terminations, which are only able to be detected with the use of specialist tools and test equipment once the machinery has been opened up. This type of inspection therefore requires that the power supply be switched off.
Detailed inspections are also compulsory following any modifications made to a plant and its wiring.
The team here at Citi Group provide a range of services to help you stay compliant, including:
CompEx is a qualification awarded to those who have developed the specialist skills required to carry out inspection, testing, and installation services for electrical and mechanical equipment installed in hazardous and potentially explosive environments.
At Citi Group, we are pleased to offer a comprehensive CompEx service, and can provide assistance with everything from developing and implementing a bespoke hazardous area inspection strategy in the earliest stages, comprising visual, close, and detailed inspections of electrical instrumentation and mechanical equipment, through to conducting periodic inspections and providing complete rectification solutions.
A CompEx electrician is a highly skilled professional certified to work in hazardous environments where there is a risk of explosion due to the presence of flammable gases, dust, or vapours. We are trained to conduct thorough inspections, installations, and maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment in these potentially explosive atmospheres. Our expertise ensures that all systems comply with stringent safety standards and regulations, such as those outlined by ATEX and IEC.
Using a CompEx electrician is crucial for businesses operating in industries like petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and offshore, where safety is paramount. They help prevent dangerous incidents by identifying potential hazards early, ensuring that all equipment is installed correctly, and maintaining it to the highest safety standards. This not only protects your team but also supports compliance with legal requirements and safeguards your operations from costly disruptions.