---
title: Powder filling (Ex q / EEx q)
description: "The explosion protection concept powder filling is used in applications such as capacitors and ballast units in Increased Safety Ex ‘deq’ lighting fittings, and in telecommunicators equipment. ## **Standards** | Current constructional standards |   | | --- | ---…"
url: "https://www.eicstech.com/kb/powder-filling-ex-q-eex-q/basics-on-powder-filling/"
updated: "2022-06-02"
category: Explosion Proof Basics / Powder Filling (Ex q / EEx q)
---

# Powder filling (Ex q / EEx q)

The explosion protection concept powder filling is used in applications such as capacitors and ballast units in Increased Safety Ex ‘deq’ lighting fittings, and in telecommunicators equipment.

## **Standards**

| Current constructional standards |   |
| --- | --- |
| IEC 60079-5: 2007 BS EN 60079-5: 2007 | Explosive Atmospheres – Part 5: Equipment Protection by Powder filling ‘q’ |
| Older standards |   |
| BS EN 50017: 1998 | Powder filling ‘q’ |
| BS 5501-2: 1977 | Powder filling ‘q’ |
| Codes of Practice |   |
| BS 5354: Part 9: 1979 (Withdrawn) | Installation and maintenance requirements for electrical equipment with type of protection ‘q’ sand filled equipment |

**Note:** Since BS EN60079-14 and BS EN60079-17 do not provide selection, installation, inspection and maintenance requirements for powder filled equipment, in the UK BS 5345: Part 9 remains the only reference for guidance in these areas for the present

## **Definition**

‘A type protection in which the parts capable of igniting an explosive gas atmosphere are fixed in position and completely surrounded by a filling material to prevent the ignition of an external explosive atmosphere.’

**Zone of Use: 1 & 2**

![powder filling ex q /  exx q](https://www.eicstech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/powder-filliing.png)