IEC standards are international standards that govern electrical, electronic, and related technologies. They are established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The IEC was founded in 1906 by representatives from 13 nations, including Japan. As of 2021, it has 89 member nations.
One organization from each country is approved as a national committee. In the case of Japan, this is the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC).
Member nations are required to ensure that their own national standards are consistent with IEC standards. In Japan, progress has been made in recent years to ensure that standards governing gas detectors are harmonized with to IEC standards.

In addition to establishing IEC standards, the IEC provides conformity assessment systems to assure the quality and safety of products required to comply with IEC standards.
One of these is IECEx (IEC System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres).
IECEx is intended to promote the international distribution of products by streamlining and standardizing the testing previously handled country by country while maintaining required safety for electrical devices used in explosive environments.
Few countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, currently accept IECEx compliant products without any additional requirements for compliance. Other countries are making progress, including Japan, to achieve harmonization of domestic standards with IEC standards.

• IEC 60079-0 Explosive atmospheres - Part 0: Equipment - General - requirements
  This stipulates general requirements for the construction, testing, and marking of explosion-proof devices and explosion-proof components intended for use in explosive atmospheres. This standard is required by IECEx.
• IEC 60079-1 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres - Part 1: Flameproof enclosures 'd'
  This stipulates the construction and testing of flameproof construction devices intended for use in explosive atmospheres. This standard is required by IECEx.
• IEC 60079-11 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres - Part 11: Intrinsic safety 'i’
  This stipulates the construction and testing of intrinsically safe explosion-proof construction devices intended for use in explosive atmospheres. This standard is required by IECEx.
• IEC 61508 Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems
  This stipulates the functional safety of electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic (E/E/PE) systems in the process industry. It is divided into Parts 1 to 7.
  Functional safety refers to maintaining safety at acceptable levels by adopting functions that ensure safety. IEC 61508 stipulates requirements from the safety-related concept phases to design, development, maintenance, and disposal. It requires risk analysis and reduction.
  Safety levels are expressed using a safety integrity level (SIL) scale, which indicates the safety performance of systems. The SIL scale spans four levels from 1 to 4, with SIL4 being the highest standard.
  
  - Part 1: General requirements
  This stipulates the approach required when using electrical, electronic, and programmable electronic (E/E/PE) systems as safety functions.
  
  - Part 2: Part 2: Requirements for electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems
  This stipulates methods for improving E/E/PE system safety requirement specifications developed in accordance with IEC 61508-1 to meet design requirement specifications for E/E/PE systems.
  
  - Part 3: Software requirements
  This applies to software that functions as a part of safety-related systems and to software used to develop safety-related systems.
  
  - Part 4: Definitions and abbreviations
  This defines terms related to functional safety.
  
  - Part 5: Examples of methods for the determination of safety integrity levels
  This presents an example of analyzing and determining the reliability, or safety integrity levels (SIL), of a safety-related system.
  
  - Part 6: Guidelines on the application of IEC 61508-2 and IEC 61508-3
  This presents an example of calculating the reliability of a programmable electronic system based on its architectural calibration.
  
  - Part 7: Overview of techniques and measures
  This explains and introduces the safety techniques and measures related to PART 2 and PART 3.
  
  

ISO standards are international standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The standards cover industrial fields ranging from mining to agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, excluding only electrical, electronic, and related technologies. They stipulate requirements not just for products, but for broad topics such as how organizations operate. Founded in 1947, the ISO has 165 member nations as of 2021. As with the IEC, only one organization from each country is approved as an ISO member. For Japan, this is the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC). Member nations are also required to ensure that their own national standards are consistent with ISO standards.

• ISO 9001 Quality management system - Requirements
  This stipulates requirements for organizational management, with the aim of providing products and services meeting specified standards and improving customer satisfaction.
• ISO 14001 Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance for use
  This stipulates requirements for organizational management with the aim of protecting the environment.

Europe’s CE marking system promotes the free flow of products within the European region.
In addition to European Union (EU) member nations, the system also covers member nations of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Turkey. Any products sold in these countries must comply with the European directives established by the European Commission (EC), which function as common laws applying across Europe. Products covered by European directives must carry the CE mark to indicate that they have met and continue to meet the relevant requirements. European directives have been enacted to cover products across a wide range of fields. In particular, they focus on products for which safety is a requirement—for example, the EMC directive for electrical devices (e.g., gas detectors) and the ATEX directive for explosion-proof devices. Depending on the product, more than one directive may apply. For example, explosion-proof gas detectors must comply with ATEX, EMC, and RoHS directives.
However, since the CE mark is identical for all products, it is impossible to determine with what directive a product complies based on the CE mark alone. Details of the specific directives for which compliance has been achieved can be confirmed in the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) issued by the corresponding manufacturer.

• Explosion-proof construction directive (2014/34/EU) - Equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX)
  This applies to devices used in environments where the risk of explosion is present. Devices used in such environments must have an explosion-proof construction that will not induce explosions.
• EMC directive (2014/30/EU) - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
  This applies to devices that generate electromagnetic radiation or that may be affected by external electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requires not only that devices do not affect other equipment, but that they are unaffected by other equipment.
• RoHS directive (2011/65/EU) - Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances (RoHS)
  This applies to electrical and electronic devices and requires that devices do not contain levels of hazardous substances, such as lead and mercury, exceeding the standards. The RoHS directive has been revised twice. It currently covers ten substances.
• Low voltage directive (2014/35/EU) - Low voltage (LVD)
  This applies to devices that operate on voltages between 50 V and 1,000 V AC or 75 V to 1,500 V DC. It regulates hazards such as electric shock and fire associated with the use of electrical devices.
• Radio equipment directive (2014/53/EU) - Radio equipment
  This applies to devices with wireless functions. It requires compliance with the requirements of the EMC and LVD directives. It also requires the effective use of the radio spectrum.
• MED (2014/90/EU) - Marine equipment directive
  This applies to marine equipment. In the case of gas detectors, this stipulates the performance of combustible gas and oxygen sensors and requires compliance with environmental testing specific to marine vessels.

The European (EN) standards are unified European standards established to facilitate trade between member nations and to ensure that products distributed within Europe meet specified standards. The standards governing electrical areas are established by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC). The standards governing non-electrical areas are established by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). On their own, the standards are voluntary and unenforceable. However, compliance with the standards is required in cases in which directives specifically dictate. Note that EU member nations are obligated to adopt European standards as national standards.

EMC related EN standards

• EN 50270: Electromagnetic compatibility. Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of combustible gases, toxic gases, or oxygen
  This stipulates EMC related requirements for gas detectors.
• EN 61326-1: Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use -- EMC requirements - Part 1: General requirements
  This stipulates EMC requirements for electrical devices operated using a power supply or batteries not exceeding 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC and for electrical devices operated from a power supply from a circuit being measured.

Software related EN standards

• EN 50271: Electrical apparatus for the detection and measurement of combustible gases, toxic gases or oxygen. Requirements and tests for apparatus using software and/or digital technologies
  This stipulates requirements for gas detector software.

Wireless function related EN standards

• EN 300 328: Wideband transmission systems; Data transmission equipment operating in the 2,4 GHz band; Harmonised Standard for access to radio spectrum
  This stipulates requirements for the radio-frequency radiation characteristics of wideband communication devices in the 2.4 GHz band.
• EN 301 489-1: ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 1: Common technical requirements; Harmonised Standard for ElectroMagnetic Compatibility
  This stipulates common technical requirements for EMC for devices with wireless functions.
• EN 301 489-17: ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 17: Specific conditions for Broadband Data Transmission Systems; Harmonised Standard for ElectroMagnetic Compatibility
  This stipulates specific conditions for broadband data transmission systems relating to EMC for devices with wireless functions.

Explosion-proof related EN standards

• EN 50303: Group I, Category M1 equipment intended to remain functional in atmospheres endangered by firedamp and/or coal dust
  This stipulates requirements for the design and testing of devices to be used in mines or aboveground facilities where they are exposed to sparks and coal dust.
• EN IEC 60079-0: Explosive atmospheres. Equipment. General requirements
  This stipulates general requirements for explosion-proof devices.
• EN 60079-1: Explosive atmospheres. Equipment protection by flameproof enclosures “d”
  This stipulates requirements for flame-proof construction devices.
• EN 60079-11: Explosive atmospheres. Equipment protection by intrinsic safety “i”
  This stipulates the requirements relating to intrinsically safe explosion-proof construction devices.

RoHS related EN standards

• EN IEC 63000: Technical documentation for the assessment of electrical and electronic products with respect to the restriction of hazardous substances
  This stipulates procedures for demonstrating that products are free of the specified harmful chemical substances and the technical documentation required to prove compliance with the RoHS directive.

Performance related standards

• EN 45544-1: Workplace atmospheres. Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapor. General requirements and test methods
  This stipulates general requirements and test methods for gas detectors for use with toxic gases.
• EN 45544-2: Workplace atmospheres. Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapor. Performance requirements for apparatus used for exposure measurement
  This stipulates performance requirements for gas detectors for use with toxic gases.
• EN 45544-3: Workplace atmospheres. Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapor. Performance requirements for apparatus used for general gas detection
  This stipulates performance requirements for gas detectors for use with toxic gases.
• EN 45544-4: Workplace atmospheres. Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapor. Guide for selection, installation, use and maintenance
  This provides guidance relating to the selection, installation, use, and maintenance of gas detectors for use with toxic gases.
• EN 50104: Electrical equipment for the detection and measurement of oxygen. Performance requirements and test methods
  This stipulates performance requirements for gas detectors for use with oxygen.
• EN 60079-29-1: Explosive atmospheres. Gas detectors. Performance requirements of detectors for flammable gases
  This stipulates performance requirements for gas detectors for use with combustible gases.

3-1-1. JIS standards

The JIS are Japanese national standards established in accordance with the Industrial Standardization Act. The JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) regulate a wide range of aspects, including product standards, measurement methods, and services. The standards on their own are voluntary and unenforceable, but they can be compulsory in cases such as where they are quoted in laws. Suppliers of products issue a Declaration of Conformity in conjunction with JIS compliance to indicate which standards the products comply with. Riken Keiki also provides this Declaration of Conformity documentation for JIS compliant products in PDF format on the corresponding product pages of its website.
Previously, the JIS standards were mainly enacted by a competent minister after drafts compiled by the draft proposal committee made up of relevant organizations have been discussed by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC). However, since July 1, 2019, to accelerate the enactment process, proposals can now be made to the competent minister from specified private sector certifying bodies (certified industrial standards creation bodies), bypassing the JISC. These certifying bodies include the Japanese Standards Association (JSA) and the Japan Iron and Steel Federation (JISF). Individual standards can be viewed on the JISC website.
JIS codes consist of a letter of the alphabet indicating the division after “JIS”, followed by four or five digits and the year of issue.
Example: JIS T 8201:2010 → Oxygen deficiency indicator (2010 issue)

List of division letters
A (Civil engineering and architecture)
B (Mechanical engineering)
C (Electronics and electrical engineering)
D (Automotive engineering)
E (Railway engineering)
F (Ship building)
G (Ferrous materials and metallurgy)
H (Nonferrous materials and metallurgy)
K (Chemical engineering)
L (Textile engineering)
M (Mining)
P (Pulp and paper)
Q (Management systems)
R (Ceramics)
S (Domestic wares)
T (Medical equipment and safety appliances)
W (Aircraft and aviation)
X (Information processing)
Z (Miscellaneous)

3-1-2. JIS standards relevant to Riken Keiki products

・ JIS T 8201 - Oxygen deficiency indicator This applies to oxygen meters used for oxygen concentration measurement, monitoring, or alarm purposes in environments posing any risk of oxygen deficiency. It stipulates oxygen meter performance, construction, and test methods.
・ JIS T8205 -
Hydrogen sulfide indicator/alarm This applies to hydrogen sulfide meters used for hydrogen sulfide concentration measurement, monitoring, or alarm purposes in environments posing any risk of hydrogen sulfide generation. It stipulates hydrogen sulfide meter performance, construction, and test methods.
・JIS T 8206 - Flammable gas detectors
This applies to portable, transportable, and fixed gas detectors used to detect or measure the concentration of combustible gas or vapor in the air. It stipulates combustible gas detector performance, construction, and test methods. This standard was created by modifying and removing certain parts of IEC 60079-29-1 (second edition, issued 2016) to reflect the actual state of affairs within Japan.
・JIS Q 1000 - Conformity assessment - Guidelines for suppliers’ declarations of conformity with product standards This stipulates general requirements for Declaration of Conformity documentation by product suppliers to demonstrate compliance with JIS standards.

3-1-3. Explosion-proof electrical equipment type examination

Explosion-proof electrical equipment type examination is a Japanese explosion-proof type examination that must be obtained from a registered type certification body in accordance with Article 44-2 Paragraph 1 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act (Law No. 57 of 1972) for explosion-proof equipment installed or used in hazardous locations within Japan. Once the type examination has been passed, the manufacturer may manufacture and sell any number of products with the same construction and specifications within the validity period without undergoing testing. The validity period is three years, and must be renewed once every three years. However, purchasers may continue to use products as explosive-proof products regardless of the validity period once they have been delivered after passing the type examination. Type examination pass labels are affixed to products that have passed the examination indicating the examination pass date, pass number, and name of the person granted the pass certificate.

3-1-4. JG type approval

JG type approval is a system under which the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism confirms that legal marine-use products used on Japanese-registered marine vessels meet the specified performance. “JG” is an abbreviation for “Japanese Government”. Products covered undergo type testing by the JG when an application is made for approval testing, and once approved, products undergo individual examination by Nippon Hakuyohin Kentei Kyokai (HK) when they are shipped. After obtaining JG type approval and HK individual examination, portable gas detectors can be used on Japanese-registered marine vessels with a gross tonnage of 500 tons or more operating on international shipping routes to which the use of portable gas detectors applies, in accordance with MSC. 1 Circ. 1477 and SOLAS XI-1 Regulation 7.

CCC (China Compulsory Certification) mark certification is a Chinese compulsory certification system.
The CCC mark system applies to electrical and electronic products specified by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ) (present-day State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR)) and Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA). The certification and display of the CCC mark is mandatory to sell applicable products within China.
The technical standards within this certification system are the Chinese national standards (GB standards). Work is progressing toward harmonizing these with IEC, ISO, and other international standards.

KCs mark certification is a compulsory certification system overseen by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA). This system covers products such as hazardous industrial machinery, explosion-proof devices, and protective gear, which must undergo certification and carry the KCs mark to be exported, sold, distributed, installed, or operated within the Republic of Korea.

INMETRO certification is a certification system overseen by the Brazilian National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (INMETRO). The INMETRO system is divided into voluntary certification in which certification may be obtained voluntarily by manufacturers, and mandatory certification which is required to manufacture and sell products. Riken Keiki explosion-proof products correspond to the latter type for which mandatory certification must be obtained, and a wide range of other products, such as medical equipment and automotive components are also covered. Products subject to mandatory certification must obtain certification, product registration, and must carry a label indicating compliance to be manufactured or sold within Brazil.

3-5-1. FM standards

The FM standards are product safety standards established by Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM) that apply mainly to factory plant devices. FM is a fire insurance company founded in 1835. It performs tests based on its own FM standards. FM is a private business. The FM certification system is a voluntary certification system, not a compulsory national standard.

3-5-2. UL standards

UL standards are product safety standards for regulating fire and electric shock hazards with electrical products, and were established by the Underwriters Laboratories Limited Liability Company (UL LLC). The company was originally a non-profit testing organization set up by the US fire insurance guild known as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. The UL certification system is a voluntary certification system, not a compulsory national standard. However, UL certification is widely used and is mandatory in some US states.