The design, selection, and installation of electrical devices are essential stages for the application of explosion-proof electrical equipment. Only through correct design, selection, and installation can the intended explosion-proof functions be achieved. In 2000 and 2006, China respectively adopted GB 3836.15-2000 for explosive gas environments and GB 12476.2-2006 (later revised as GB 12476.2-2010) for combustible dust environments based on IEC 60079-14:1996 and IEC 61241-1-2:1999. In 2017, China revised GB 3836.15-2000 using IEC standards, incorporating the content of GB 12476.2-2010, resulting in the current GB/T 3836.15-2017 "Explosive atmospheres—Part 15: Electrical installations design, selection and erection".

Due to recent technological developments in explosion-proof electrical equipment and updates to major explosion-proof type standards, new requirements have been proposed for the design, selection, and installation of electrical devices. Therefore, China will update GB/T 3836.15-2017 and convert it into a mandatory standard to provide a basis for the design, selection, and installation activities of electrical devices in explosive hazardous locations.

The new standard will apply to fixed, portable, mobile, and individual electrical devices, whether permanently or temporarily installed, with the following exceptions: electrical devices in coal mine gas (methane) environments, environments with inherently explosive substances and dust formed by explosives or self-igniting substances (e.g., explosives manufacturing and processing), medical rooms, and electrical devices in hazardous locations formed by flammable mists.