FAQ
ATEX

What is ATEX certification?

ATEX certification is a European regulatory framework that ensures the safety of equipment operating in potentially explosive environments. This certification is essential for manufacturers and suppliers who intend to sell their equipment or protective systems within the European Union.

The ATEX directive consists of two EU directives that outline the safety requirements for equipment and work environments:

Directive 2014/34/EU (also known as ATEX 114 or ATEX Equipment Directive) focuses on the equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. It mandates that such equipment must meet specific health and safety requirements before being marketed in the EU.

To comply with ATEX certification, products must undergo testing by a notified body to ensure they meet the essential health and safety requirements. If successful, the equipment is marked with the "Ex" symbol, indicating its suitability for explosive atmospheres, along with additional information such as the category of protection it provides and the type of explosive atmosphere it is designed for (gas or dust).

This certification is crucial for preventing accidents due to explosions in industries such as oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, and any other sectors where flammable gases, vapors, mists, or dusts may be present.

What does ATEX stand for?

The term "ATEX" comes from the French "ATmosphères EXplosibles." This certification applies to equipment sold or distributed within the EU.

What is the USA equivalent of ATEX?

The USA equivalent of the ATEX certification is primarily the Hazardous Location (HazLoc) certification. In the United States, the certification process for equipment used in explosive atmospheres is overseen by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs), such as Nemko or Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

The key standards used for certifying equipment for hazardous locations in the USA are developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), particularly NFPA 70, known as the National Electrical Code (NEC). The NEC uses a different classification system for hazardous areas compared to the ATEX directive, dividing them into Classes, Divisions, and Groups based on the type of hazardous material present and the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere.

Class I locations are those in which flammable gases or vapors are present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.

Class II locations are those that are hazardous because of the presence of combustible dust.

Class III locations are those that are hazardous because of the presence of easily ignitable fibers or flyings, but where the fibers/flyings are not likely to be suspended in the air in quantities sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.

Each Class is further divided into two Divisions:

Division 1 where the explosive or flammable materials are present under normal operating conditions.

Division 2 where the explosive or flammable materials are not likely to exist under normal operating conditions.

To be sold and used in hazardous locations in the United States, electrical equipment must comply with these classifications and be approved by an NRTL. This ensures that the equipment is designed and constructed to operate safely in specific hazardous conditions, akin to the ATEX certification in the European Union.

Why ATEX certification is required?

ATEX certification is required for several critical reasons, primarily within the European Union, where it's a legal requirement for equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Here’s why ATEX certification holds such importance:

• Safety: The foremost reason for ATEX certification is to ensure the safety of workplaces that operate in explosive atmospheres. This includes industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and any environment where flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers may be present. Certification ensures that equipment and systems are designed and manufactured to minimize the risk of ignition and explosion.

• Compliance with EU Legislation: The ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU mandates that equipment and protective systems intended for use in explosive atmospheres within the EU must meet specific health and safety requirements. ATEX certification demonstrates compliance with these regulations, making it a legal necessity for manufacturers and suppliers wishing to enter the European market.

• Market Access: Beyond legal compliance, ATEX certification is often a prerequisite for doing business in the EU for products used in hazardous environments. It's a mark of reliability and safety that can open doors to the market and is recognized by customers and stakeholders as a sign of quality and adherence to high safety standards.

• Risk Management: By ensuring that equipment meets ATEX standards, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of explosive incidents, which can have catastrophic consequences, including loss of life, severe injuries, and substantial financial losses due to damages and legal liabilities.

• International Recognition: Although ATEX certification is specific to the European Union, it is recognized and respected worldwide as a benchmark for safety in explosive atmospheres. This global recognition can enhance a company's reputation and facilitate access to international markets, even outside the EU.

• Product Quality Assurance: The process of obtaining ATEX certification involves rigorous testing and quality assurance procedures. This not only ensures compliance with safety standards but also improves the overall quality and reliability of the certified products.

ATEX certification is essential for ensuring safety, legal compliance, market access, and risk management for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres. It provides a standardized approach to assessing and mitigating the risks associated with operating in such hazardous environments.

Do items like pumps and gauges require ATEX certification?

Pumps and gauges used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and others where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts are present, must meet the safety requirements outlined in the ATEX directives. This involves rigorous testing and evaluation by a notified body to confirm that the equipment can operate safely in designated hazardous zones without igniting explosive materials.

ATEX certification for pumps and gauges not only helps in ensuring safety and compliance with EU regulations but also signifies to users and stakeholders that the equipment meets high-quality and safety standards. It's a crucial step for manufacturers aiming to market their products in explosive atmosphere environments across the European Union and in other regions that recognize ATEX certification.

Is ATEX accepted in India, Canada, or Australia?

ATEX certification is specifically a European Union directive for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. While ATEX is well-recognized internationally for its safety standards, its acceptance as a legal requirement varies outside the EU, including in countries like India, Canada, and Australia. Here's how these countries approach the ATEX directive:

India

India has its own standards and regulations for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, primarily overseen by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO). While ATEX-certified equipment is regarded as high quality and may be accepted in practice, India's regulatory framework requires compliance with its national standards. However, having ATEX certification can be beneficial in the Indian market as it demonstrates adherence to international safety standards.

Canada

Canada follows the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) for electrical equipment in hazardous locations. The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and other bodies, like the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), provide certifications and standards for equipment used in such environments. While ATEX certification is not a legal requirement in Canada, Canadian industries may recognize the value of ATEX-certified equipment for its safety standards. However, for legal compliance, equipment must meet the requirements set by Canadian authorities.

Australia

Australia requires equipment used in explosive atmospheres to comply with standards set by the Australian/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS), particularly the AS/NZS 60079 series for explosive atmospheres. Similar to India and Canada, while ATEX-certified equipment is seen as adhering to high safety standards, the legal requirement in Australia is to comply with AS/NZS standards. Equipment intended for use in hazardous locations in Australia must be certified by a recognized certifying body, such as those accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ).

While ATEX certification is an indication of quality and safety, it does not replace the need for compliance with local standards and certifications in India, Canada, and Australia. For manufacturers and suppliers, it is crucial to understand and meet the specific requirements of each country where they intend to market their products.