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ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU Testing

CE, Certification, Compliance, EU, Uncategorized

ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, formerly 94/9/EC

ATEX 2014/34/EU concerns equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially Explosive Atmospheres.

Before a manufacturer places equipment that could be used in an explosive atmosphere on the market, they must have their product tested to the appropriate standards under the ATEX 2014/34/EU directive. The product must be CE marked.

Our knowledgeable staff can assist manufacturers in determining the appropriate CE and ATEX standards for electrical and non-electrical equipment. Get your product to market with our expertise in ATEX testing and certification.

We can perform the testing, Intrinsic Safety (IS) certification evaluations you need in order to reach your intended market.

ATEX Directive Testing – We can assist you in meeting the requirements of the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU for products intended to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

ATEX Classifications:
Ex Zone Definitions
Gas, Mists, or Vapors Dusts
**Note: Zones are classified by the frequency and likeliness of substances being present during the normal operation of the product.
  • Zone 0 – An atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor, or mist is present frequently, continuously, or for long periods.
  • Zone 1 – An atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor, or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
  • Zone 2 – An atmosphere where a mixture of air and flammable substances in the form of gas, vapor, or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for only a short period.
  • Zone 20 – An atmosphere where a cloud of combustible dust in the air is present frequently, continuously, or for long periods.
  • Zone 21 – An atmosphere where a cloud of combustible dust in the air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
  • Zone 22 – An atmosphere where a cloud of combustible dust in the air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for only a short period.
The ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive identifies two groups of equipment:
  • Group 1 – ‘equipment-group I’ means equipment intended for use in underground parts of mines, and in those parts of surface installations of such mines, liable to be endangered by firedamp and/or combustible dust, comprising equipment categories M 1 and M 2 as set out in Annex I
  • Group 2 – ‘equipment-group II’ means equipment intended for use in other places liable to be endangered by explosive atmospheres, comprising equipment categories 1, 2, and 3 as set out in Annex I

ATEX Standards:

Explosive atmospheres – Part 0: Equipment – General requirements
Explosive atmospheres – Part 11:  Equipment by intrinsic safety “I”
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