atexindustries
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CE-mark ATEX

What is ATEX?

ATEX is the name of two EU directives describing the minimum safety measures to be taken for workplaces and equipment used in explosive atmospheres.

Explosive atmospheres can be flammable gases, mists,  vapours, dust or powder clouds mixed with the oxygen in the air. Energy added, like an ignition can  cause an explosion. In order to prevent such an event, the European Union has laid out a set of directives to enhance safety working condition in such hazardous areas.

ATEX stands for..

The word ATEX itself is derived from an older European directive, the French title of the 94/9/EC directive: Appareils destinés à être utilisés en ATmosphères EXplosibles (material suited for usage in explosion hazardous areas).

The ATEX directives

ATEX is currently used as a synonym for two directives who describe which equipment is allowed in an hazardous environment  and how to classify those hazardous areas with an explosive atmosphere. You can download the complete directives for detailed information:

The ATEX 114 equipment directive 2014/34/EU

The ATEX 153 workplace directive (1999/92/EG)

What do we at Atexindustries mean by ATEX?

We see many ways to express a similar solution to work safely in a hazardous area. Atexproof or -protected, explosion protected or -proof, ATEX certified, intrinsically or enhanced safety, in French sécurité augmentée, Ex rated. Many different words, also depending in which country you are. What we at Atexindustries mean is equipment that has been designed to work safely in an area which can be dangerous because of the occurrence of dust, gases, fluids that can cause explosions.

Being quite wide as a definition, we narrow done to:

1. Equipment that has been certified by a third party, a so called Notified Body, to be safe under defined circumstances, all according to the ATEX directive 2014/34/EU

Symbol for ATEX equipment

 

2. An area that has a defined danger according to the ATEX directive 1999/92/EG

The warning symbol for a ATEX area.

Note:

When operating in an hazardous environment, within an explosive atmosphere it is important that the right equipment is being used. All our products are fully certified with regard to the European Atex guidelines and directives. We provide all certified products with a certificate.

ATEX guidelines explained

Atex 137

The guideline 1999/92/EG or ATEX137, applies to workplaces in potentially explosive environments. Therefore, an employer must take certain measures in order to adapt to the atex directives.
For example, taking zoning into account. Zoning is the classification of a potentially explosive environment in danger gradations: the ATEX zones. In the Netherlands, home of Atexindustries headquarters, this guideline is incorporated into the Working Conditions legislation.

ATEX 95 & ATEX 114 (2014/34/EU)

The 94/9 / EG directive, also referred to as ATEX95 guideline, contains regulations for devices in potentially explosive atmospheres and is subject to CE legislation. In the Netherlands, the directive is included in the Explosion Proof Material Decree, the (technical) requirements are laid down in standards, such as EN-IEC60079-0. A list of standards that may apply to our products can be found below. The directive was replaced on April 20, 2016 by Directive 2014/34 / EU (ATEX 114).

Some theory first

1. Zones

It is important to know how dangerous the environment is where one will work. An ATEX consultant can establish the zones on behalf of the employer. We distinguish the following six zones:

Gas zones: 0, 1, 2
Dust areas: 20, 21, 22

Permanent risk (Zone 0/Zone 20) in which an atmosphere containing hazardous gas, vapor or mist or a cloud of combustible dust is present permanently, or for long periods or even frequently.

Frequent risk (Zone 1/Zone 21) in which it is probable that an atmosphere containing hazardous gas, vapor or mist or a cloud of combustible dust will appear occasionally during normal operation.

Rare risk (Zone 2/Zone 22): in which an atmosphere containing hazardous gas, vapor or mist or a cloud of combustible dust is not likely to occur during normal operation but which, if it does, may persist only for a short time.

Let’s get practical

1. Zones

The Ultra floodlights, Ultra1, Ultra2 and Ultra3 are all certified for use in zone 1 and zone 21.
By principle they can also be used in a downwards classified zone: The Ultra family can therefore also be used in zone 2 and zone 22 or of course also in a not ATEX, a safe, zone.

We write: the Ultra’s are suitable for use in zone 1,2, 21 and 22.

How do we know and how can you know?

The marking of the Ultra2 and 3 will be discussed asap.
Sorry to keep you waiting.

2. Gasgroups

Different gasses have different characteristics and can be much more dangerous than other in identical circumstances. To make this complex chemical reasoning more clear and structured, the gasses have been classified in different groups:

IIA, IIB, IIC whereas IIC is considered more critical, dangerous under similar conditions, than IIB and IIB more than IIA.

2. Gasgroups

The Ultras have been certified for gasgroup IIC.

Downwards, they can indeed be used where gasgroups IIA, IIB occur.
Of course assuming similar conditions.

3. Temperature

Common sense tells us, that a higher temperature leads to more danger. An important characteristic is the flashpoint of a liquid. As defined in EN 60079-10-1  flashpoint means the lowest liquid temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapours to be capable of forming an ignitable air mixture”. Obviously it is important to keep the temperature of the  used equipment, the lamp below the flashpoint of the present liquid. Also the autoignition temperature a.o. for the present fluids must be observed. Again to structure these properties, ATEX equipment is classified in a Temperature Class, from cold to hot: T6 to T1:

T6 max temperature is   85°C
T5 max temperature is 100°C
T4 max temperature is 135°C
T3 max temperature is 200°C
T2 max temperature is 300°C
T1 max temperature is 450°C

Some examples: a high powered sodium floodlight is often certified with a temperatureclass T2, plugs and socket who has no energy conversation are often T6.

 

 

 

 

3. Temperature

The Ultra family is certified with a temperatureclass of T4 meeting most requirements fom oil and gas industries.

How do we know and how can you know?

The marking of the Ultra2 and 3 will be discussed asap.
Sorry to keep you waiting.

Is this the full story? No, more is coming up soon.

DISCLAIMER

The information stated above is just general information. Furthermore, there is specific information on your industry and application needed in order to make the right choices for security reasons. We are not responsible for actions made based on the content of this website. Curious about more detailed and up to date information for your industry specific needs? Feel free to contact us or other authorities on this matter.

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