What is ATEX
The ATEX directives refer to two European Directives describing the minimum safety requirements for equipment and workspaces in an explosive atmosphere. The directives are law in Europe since July 2003 and concerns both the Manufacturer and the Employer.
1) The ATEX “workplace” Directive 1999/92/EC concerns the classification of the explosive atmospheres into area classes based on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring and its persistence. The Directive details the minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres.
2) The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU concerns equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It creates a harmonized set of standards that unify the legislation of the EU member states.
The word ATEX derives from the French title of the 94/9/EC directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles.
Classification of Hazardous Areas
Hazardous areas are evaluated and classified into zones (ATEX and IECEx) depending on the likelihood of a potentially explosive atmosphere being present.
ATEX marking anatomy
ATEX certified products are marked based on its type of protection and suitability for different hazardous areas. Here below you’ll find a table containing an explanation of the main fields of the marking. For specific information regarding a certain product, see the attached product manual.
* Note: all available protection types are not listed here, only the ones used by N.E.T.
ATEX performance certification
Besides the Essential Safety Requirements (ESR) covered by means of the product’s protection type, our products are suitable and widely tested for performance certifications according to the EN /IEC 60079-29-1:2016. Please, feel free to contact us for more details.