ATEX Compliance for the European Union

European Union ATEX certification and CE marking are essential for ensuring that equipment and systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres meet rigorous safety standards. This is a critical consideration for businesses operating in high-risk environments, such as oil refineries, chemical processing plants, and similar settings where explosive atmospheres are a concern. Understanding the breadth of what ATEX certification covers and the complexity involved can help manufacturers navigate the process more effectively.

Scope of ATEX Certification

Applies to equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Safety, controlling, and regulating devices intended for use outside potentially explosive atmospheres but essential for the safe operation of equipment regarding explosion risks.
Components designed to be incorporated into the equipment and protective systems mentioned above.
Notably excluded from ATEX are medical devices, equipment meant for domestic use, personal protective equipment, and certain types of transport vehicles and seagoing vessels, among others. This specificity helps clarify the directive’s application and ensures that manufacturers can determine if their products fall under its scope.

Technical Sections and Regulations

Compliance with ATEX involves adherence to both the EU ATEX 2014/34/EU Directive and, for non-EU countries like the UK, equivalent national regulations. The conformity assessment process and ATEX area “Zone” designations, especially for manufacturers new to the sector, can be intricate due to the detailed technical specifications required. These include:Zones: Designations based on the likelihood and duration of explosive atmospheres.
Zone 0, 1, 2 for gases
Zone 20, 21, 22 for dusts
Equipment Categories or Equipment Protection Levels (EPLs): Indicate the safety level of the equipment and the applicable zone.
Groups and Classes: Classification by type of explosive (gas or dust) and the auto-ignition temperature (Temperature Classes).

The technical standards align closely between European Norm (EN) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IECEx), allowing assessments to cover both certifications simultaneously applying the European National differences. The most common protection concepts are outlined in standards like:

IEC/EN 60079 series (covering distinct types of protection such as Flameproof Ex d, Pressurization Ex p, and Intrinsic Safety Ex i)
ISO/EN 80079 series (covering mechanical equipment safety standards)

For detailed guidance on the specific technical sections and to view the full list of applicable standards and requirements, please visit the official IECEx site.

Type Approval with Manufacturer’s QAN Quality System

Manufacturing multiple identical products without the need for re-evaluation is important in driving the costs down or bring products to market and is a key within the ATEX Directive. Type Approval allows for a single product to be tested, evaluated and certified once. They key piece to this Type Approval is the manufacturers quality assurance system and the obtaining ATEX Notified Body acceptance of the Quality Assurance Notification (QAN). Based on ISO 9001 requirements as modified by ISO/EN 80079-34, it insures not only the quality processes, but also ensures the manufacturer has the right personnel competencies in place. A QAN is also tied to the specific Protection Method (IEC 60079 Standard(s) that was utilized in the product certification. A QAN acceptance can be issued by a different ATEX Notified Body than is performing the ATEX Certification of the subject product.

Nemko’s Expertise in Navigating ATEX Certification

Nemko, with its robust presence in Norway and across global locations including the European Union, North America, Asia, and India, stands as your dependable partner in achieving ATEX certification. Our extensive experience and technical expertise simplify the complex certification process, ensuring your products meet all necessary safety standards and are market-ready for use in explosive environments.

By ensuring compliance with ATEX directives, Nemko not only enhances safety but also facilitates smoother market access, supporting manufacturers in navigating these rigorous requirements with ease and confidence. For more information on how Nemko can assist you with ATEX and other certifications, please visit our website or contact our offices globally. Embrace compliance with confidence through Nemko’s expert guidance and comprehensive certification services.