ATEX FAQs

Q: What does ATEX mean?
A: ATEX is French for ATmosphere EXplosible.


Q: Where is the ATEX Directive applicable?

For equipment intended for entry or use in the European Union.

Q: Where can I find the text of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC?A: http://europa.eu.int/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexapi!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=en&numdoc=31994L0009&model=guichett


Q: How does one determine if the ATEX Directive applies to a product?A: The Manufacturer is responsible for determining whether the product will be used in a potentially explosive atmosphere. This may be driven by a requirement from the end-user or an engineering decision based on the target market(s).

For instance, a manufacturer would like to design a pressure sensor that will be used in a gas turbine. It is very likely that ATEX approval will be required.

Similarly, an end-user would like to have a pump system that will be located in a process chamber that uses Hydrogen gas. ATEX approval would definitely apply.

Q: What are the various ATEX classifications?

A: Products are divided into Groups and further into Categories.

GROUP I is reserved for products intended for use in underground mines

GROUP II covers the rest of the products with the exception of certain excluded products.

GROUP II is broken into Categories as follows:

Category 1 is for products ensuring a very high level of protection intended for use where explosive environments are very likely to occur and for long periods of time.

Category 2 is for products ensuring a high level of protection intended for use where explosive environments are likely to occur and may be sustained for short durations.

Category 3 is for products capable of maintaining normal operation intended for use where explosive environments are less likely to occur and are for short durations only.


Q: What are Zones and how do they relate to the Classification system?
A: Zones represent the intended areas of use for the equipment and define the intended environment and/or level of severity. Products approved for Category 1 can be used in any Zone, however products approved for Category 3 can only be used in Zone 2. =







Zone 0 is a direct hazard or continuous environment.
Zone 1 is a highly potential environment.
Zone 2 is a likely environment.


Q: Is ATEX compatible with North American Hazardous Locations?

A: Haz-Loc in the US are evaluated according to the NEC 500 or NEC 505. There are correlations between the classification systems, but no direct conversion.

Q: What is involved in an ATEX project?

A: The scope of an ATEX project is determined by the classification being pursued by the client. This is listed by Category for clarity:

Category 1 – EC type examination + Production QA (or) Product Verification + Notified Body Certification(s). Notified Body involvement is mandatory.

Category 2 – For electrical equipment, same process as Category 1. For mechanical equipment, Internal Production Control system + Communication of TCF to Notified Body is required.

Category 3 – Self Declaration is possible if Internal Production Control system is in place.


Audit or type examination.


Q: What type of documentation is involved in an ATEX project?

A: Much of the same type of documentation is required for ATEX as for any other CE type project. The manufacturer is required to issue a Declaration of Conformity, compile a TCF or CDF, and furnish documentation related to their Quality System (if necessary). The TCF should include Certificates for components that are ATEX approved and used in an assembly. The engineer will assist the client in compiling the appropriate documentation.


Q: Is IEC Ex the same as EU EEx approval?

A: No. IEC Ex is notation for the IEC CB scheme for electrical equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres.

Q: How is the product marked and what are all those symbols?

A: The ATEX Directive calls for marking of products beyond the typical CE Mark. The most recognizable symbol is the Ex within the hexagon, which indicates the equipment is intended for use within an ATEX environment.



The remaining symbols typically communicate the Group, Category, Temperature Class, and other specifics. This allows for a visual inspection at the point of use to ensure the equipment meets minimum requirements for the application. The marking is the responsibility of the manufacturer; however we typically provide assistance in deciphering the required symbols.


Q: Where can I get help with ATEX?

The text of the Directive, along with other resources, can be found at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/atex/infor.htm

In particular, the guide is a useful tool to help understand the nuances of the Directive:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/atex/guide/guide_en.pdf


PETER S. MERGUERIAN
peter@goglobalcompliance.com
GO GLOBAL COMPLIANCE, INC.
Tel: (408) 416-3772
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