IEC 60079-20-1:2010 provides guidance on classification of gases and vapours. It describes a test method intended for the measurement of the maximum experimental safe gaps (MESG) for gas- or vapour-air mixtures under normal conditions of temperature and pressure so as to permit the selection of an appropriate group of equipment. The tabulated values of chemical and engineering properties of substances are provided to assist engineers in their selection of equipment to be used in hazardous areas. This first edition of IEC 60079-20-1 cancels and replaces the first edition of IEC 60079-1-1(2002), the second edition of IEC 60079-4 (1975), its amendment 1(1995) and its complement: IEC 60079-4A (1970), the first edition of IEC/TR 60079-12 (1978) and the first edition of IEC 60079-20 (1996). It constitutes a technical revision.