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What is ATEX
ATEX derives it's name from the French ATmosphères EXplosibles and consists of two EU directives (2014/34 / EU & 99/92 / EC) that describe what equipment and working environment is allowed in an environment with an explosive atmosphere.An explosive atmosphere is created when an oxidizer and fuel mixture are in sufficient ammounts to explode on contact with an ignition source.
In almost all cases of a potentially explosive atmospheres (99%), the oxygen acts as the oxidant.
Flammable substances acting as fuel can either be a gas (methane, butane, hydrogen ...), vapors (gasoline, acetone, ...) or even dust (cereals, sugar, coal, ...). Depending on the different fuels and oxidizers, ignition source may also be an important source of energy (fire, short circuit, electrostatic discharge , ...) than a temperature high enough to auto ignite the mixture.
Understanding the ATEX marking
When the total elimination of components capable of generating an explosive atmosphere is not possible, it is necessary to use equipment designed for use in the areas. Marking is visible on each device that meets the European Directive on equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Click on the symbols and find out who is behind this mark.
New ATEX Directive 2014/34/ EU
The Directive 2014/34 / EU concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres,came into force on the 20th April 2016 and is a revision / replaces the directive 94/9 / EC.The main changes are:
- The EC declaration of conformity will become an EU declaration of conformity
- The EC type examination certificate will become an EU type examination certificate
- Importers need to place their names and address on the equipment
- Those responsible for placing the equipment on the market (Manufacturer, importer and distributor) are more precisely defined and reinforced.
- Requirements relating to the notified bodies are reinforced.
