prBAS EN 50176:2026

1.1 This document specifies the electrical requirements for the design of automatic electrostatic application systems for liquid coating materials which can be ignited in an atomised state, used within a temperature range from 5 °C to 40 °C. This document considers automatic electrostatic application systems for processing ignitable liquid coating materials, where the conductivity of the complete system is limited up to 50 nS/cm. Together with additional measures like e.g. potential separation systems, these requirements can also be applied to ignitable liquid coating materials, where the conductivity of the complete system is limited up to 2 000 μS/cm. Ignition hazards related to the generated explosive atmosphere and the protection of persons against electric shock are considered. 1.2 This document specifies - requirements for an interface to machinery according to EN 16985:2018, - additional requirements for machinery covered by EN 1953:2025 and EN 12621:2025. 1.3 This document also specifies requirements for a safe operation of electrostatic application systems, including the electrical installation. The requirements consider both the processing of coating materials and the cleaning and purge processes. 1.4 This document applies to three types of spraying systems; see 5.1.1. Spraying systems are classified as equipment of group II, category 2G (for intended use in zone 1 or zone 2) or category 3G (for intended use in zone 2). Only electrostatic spraying systems operating with a d.c. sinusoidal ripple of not more than 10 % of the r.m.s. value are considered. 1.5 For electrostatic application systems used in food and pharmaceutical industry, additional requirements may apply. 1.6 This document does not apply to - potential separation systems; - selection, installation and application of other electrical and non-electrical equipment in areas with explosion hazard, see EN 60079-14:2014 and EN 16985:2018; - quality assurance systems for electrostatic spraying equipment (see EN ISO/IEC 80079-34:2020, ZB.11).