Intrinsically safe and flameproof represent distinct categories of explosion protection technologies.
The intrinsically safe category is further subdivided into three protection levels: ia, ib, and ic, each aligning with varying Equipment Protection Level (EPL) ratings. For example, the ic level of intrinsically safe protection is rated lower than flameproof d, while the ia level of intrinsically safe protection surpasses flameproof d.
Consequently, intrinsically safe and flameproof technologies each offer unique features and benefits, rendering them appropriate for various products and applications.