Why Safety is Non-Negotiable in Gas Detection
In industries where flammable gases like methane and hydrogen are present, safety is everything. A false alarm can lead to unnecessary shutdowns, while a missed detection could have catastrophic consequences. That’s why stringent safety standards like EN 50271 exist—to ensure that gas detection sensors operate reliably when lives and assets are on the line.
But here’s the catch: EN 50271 only tells part of the story. While EN 50271 ensures the functional safety of software and verifies that gas detection devices perform as specified by the manufacturer, it does not set requirements for accuracy, responsiveness, or stability in real-world conditions. That’s where IEC 60079-29-1 Ed. 2.1 Annex A comes in.
Together, these two standards provide a comprehensive safety framework for OEMs designing gas detection devices.
What is EN 50271 and Why Does It Matter?
EN 50271 is a European standard that focuses on functional safety and software reliability in gas detection systems. It applies to any device designed to detect and measure flammable, toxic gases, or oxygen in industrial settings.
Why is EN 50271 important?
- Prevents software failures that could lead to missed detections or false alarms.
- Ensures system reliability, even in harsh industrial environments.
- Aligns with broader functional safety standards like IEC 61508.
- Mandatory for compliance in many European and international markets.
For OEMs, using an EN 50271-certified sensor means faster regulatory approval, reduced liability, and increased trust from end users.
What About Gas Sensor Performance? Enter IEC 60079-29-1 Ed. 2.1 Annex A
While EN 50271 governs software safety, IEC 60079-29-1 Ed. 2.1 Annex A ensures that a gas sensor actually performs accurately and reliably in the field.
This standard outlines:
- Response time requirements – How quickly the sensor detects gas leaks.
- Accuracy and stability – Ensuring readings remain precise over time.
- Environmental conditions – Performance under real-world temperature, humidity, and pressure changes.
For gas detection in hazardous locations, both functional safety (EN 50271) and sensor performance (IEC 60079-29-1) are critical. If a sensor’s software is reliable but its detection performance is poor, the system isn’t truly safe.
MPS™ 5.0 Flammable Sensor: Meeting Both EN 50271 & IEC 60079-29-1
The MPS™ 5.0 Flammable Sensor is one of the few gas sensors that checks both boxes:
- Certified to EN 50271 – Ensuring software safety and reliability.
- Compliant with IEC 60079-29-1 Ed. 2.1 Annex A – Meeting rigorous gas detection performance standards.
Key Benefits for OEMs:
- No field calibration required – Reduces maintenance and long-term costs.
- Immune to poisoning and saturation – Works where traditional sensors fail.
- 15+ year sensor life – Lower total cost of ownership.
- Accurate multi-gas detection – Detects hydrogen, methane, and other flammable gases with a single sensor.
By integrating MPS™ 5.0, OEMs can fast-track compliance, reduce development risks, and deliver the safest, most advanced gas detection devices on the market.
Conclusion: Certification is More Than a Checkbox—It’s a Competitive Advantage
For OEMs, compliance with EN 50271 and IEC 60079-29-1 isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about building better, safer, and more reliable gas detection devices.
If you’re looking for an EN 50271-certified sensor that also meets IEC 60079-29-1 standards, let’s talk. Your customers demand safety, accuracy, and reliability—and MPS™ 5.0 delivers.