I. What ATEX Stands For
ATEX is the abbreviation of the French term Atmosphères EXplosibles, which means explosive atmospheres. The ATEX Directive consists of two EU directives relating to equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
ATEX Manufacturer’s Directive 2014/34/EU: It mainly applies to manufacturers of electrical and mechanical equipment.
II. When Was the ATEX Directive Adopted?
The ATEX Directive was incorporated into the national laws of EU member states in March 1996 and became mandatory on July 1, 2003. All products placed on the market and put into service for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must comply with the ATEX Manufacturer’s Directive (excluding products specified as exceptions in the directive).
III. What Is an "Explosive Atmosphere" as Defined by ATEX?
An explosive atmosphere as defined by Directive 2014/34/EU refers to a mixture of flammable substances that meets the following criteria:
The flammable substances exist in the form of gas, vapor, mist, or dust;
They are mixed with air;
The mixture is under atmospheric conditions;
Once ignited, the combustion spreads to the entire unburnt mixture.
IV. What Does ATEX Cover?
ATEX covers both electrical ignition hazards and mechanical ignition hazards. Potential hazardous ignition sources include: sparks, arc temperature, acoustic energy, optical radiation, electromagnetic waves, static electricity, stray current, overheating caused by friction or impact, vibration, contamination, external influences, etc.
Equipment is classified into Category I (mining equipment: M1 and M2) and Category II (non-mining equipment: Category 1, 2, and 3).
Category I Equipment: Equipment used in underground parts of mines and some equipment used in surface facilities of these mines, where explosion hazards may be caused by methane or flammable dust.
Category II Equipment: Equipment used in other places where explosion hazards may occur due to explosive atmospheres. It is further divided into:
IIA (Propane), IIB (Ethylene), IIC (Hydrogen), II (all gases)
V. Marking Requirements for ATEX Equipment
The markings on ATEX-compliant equipment must include the following information:
Manufacturer’s name and address
CE marking and the identification number of the Notified Body (i.e., certification body) responsible for the product
Special ATEX explosion-proof marking
Equipment category and classification
Type of explosive atmosphere (G for gas or D for dust)
Series and type designation
Year of manufacture and serial number
Gas group
Temperature class and type of protection
Ambient temperature range
Certificate number
Other relevant information
VI. Which Products Are Not Covered by the ATEX Directive?
The ATEX Directive does not apply to the following products:
Household products
Medical devices
Equipment and protective systems where explosion hazards are solely caused by explosive substances or unstable chemical substances
Sea-going vessels and mobiles offshore units
Personal protective equipment (PPE) covered by Directive 89/686/EEC
Military equipment
Means of transport via air, road, rail, and waterway networks
VII. Where to Apply for ATEX Certification in China?
Shenzhen Zhongnuo Testing Technology Co., Ltd. (STS) has established stable cooperative relationships with many renowned domestic and foreign explosion-proof certification bodies. We have a professional technical engineering team and provide high-quality services. Domestic manufacturers of explosion-proof electrical equipment that need to apply for ATEX certification can handle relevant certification and testing procedures through STS. Compared with directly applying to foreign institutions, this approach can save a significant amount of time and costs.
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