---
title: Levels of Protection
description: "| Level of protection | **EPL** | **ATEX Category** | **Zones of use **** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Ia** | **Ga** | **1G** | **Zones 0,1 & 2** | | **Ib** | **Gb**…"
url: "https://www.eicstech.com/kb/intrinsic-safety-ex-i/basics-on-level-of-protection-intrinsic-safety/"
updated: "2022-06-01"
category: Explosion Proof Basics / Intrinsic Safety (Ex i)
---

# Levels of Protection

| Level of protection | **EPL** | **ATEX Category** | **Zones of use **** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Ia** | **Ga** | **1G** | **Zones 0,1 & 2** |
| **Ib** | **Gb** | **2G** | **Zones 1 and 2** |
| **Ic** | **Gc** | **3G** | **Zone 2 only** |

** Unless a **risk assessment**, taking into account the **possible consequences of an explosion**, has called for the use of a higher or lower level of protection.

**Level of protection ‘ia’**

**‘ia’** has the **highest integrity**, and must remain incapable of causing ignition in normal operation with maximum rated voltage applied, even with **two ‘countable’ faults**, as defined in the standards.

**‘ia’** may be used in locations requiring **EPL Ga, Gb & Gc (Cat’s 1G, 2G, & 3G).**

**Level of protection ‘ib’**

**‘ib’** must remain incapable of causing ignition in normal operation with maximum rated voltage applied, even with **one ‘countable’ faults**, as defined in the standards.

**‘ib’** equipment may be used in locations requiring **EPL’s Gb & Gc (Cat’s 2G, & 3G).**

**Level of protection ‘ic’**

**‘ic’**must remain incapable of causing ignition in normal operation with maximum rated voltage applied

‘ic’ equipment may **only** be used in locations requiring **EPL “Gc” / Category 3.**