ATEX 2014/34/EU CE Certification
ATEX is an acronym derived from the French words ATmosphéres EXplosives, meaning explosive atmospheres. ATEX: Explosive Atmosphere: “A mixture of flammable substances in gaseous, vaporous, mist, or dust form with air under atmospheric conditions that is capable of burning rapidly when exposed to an ignition source.” The ATEX certificate or ATEX mark is an international certification provided for products used in explosive, flammable, and easily combustible environments, as well as the locations where such products are manufactured.
It is a directive that includes new approaches such as technical requirements for explosion-proof equipment and has been mandatory since July 1, 2003. ATEX is an abbreviation of the French term “ATmosphere EXplosible,” which refers to an explosive atmosphere.
ATEX-compliant manufacturers with the CE mark can sell their explosion-proof products throughout Europe without any additional obligations. This effectively grants access to the world’s largest common market, encompassing a population of 450 million people.
ATEX SYMBOL While ATEX regulations have been applied as a voluntary standard since March 1, 1996, as of July 1, 2003, all products sold for use in explosive atmospheres must be ATEX-approved and bear the ATEX symbol. Until 1996, each European country had its own laws, standards, and regulations, which were binding. As of July 1, 2003, all European countries have adopted a single law and standard. ATEX 2014/34/EU In this regard, the new European Parliament directives (directives) known as ATEX 100a and ATEX 137 have come into effect, and now everyone refers to ATEX. Until 1996, each European country had its own laws, standards, and regulations, which were binding. As of July 1, 2003, all European countries have adopted a single law and standard. In this regard, the new European Parliament directives (directives) referred to as ATEX 100a and ATEX 137 have come into effect, and everyone is now informed about ATEX.
ATEX inspection mark
This mark must be present on all equipment used in hazardous areas in Europe.
II 2 G: Area classification.
“II” indicates equipment approved for use in all areas except mines.
The number “2” indicates the equipment category, and in this example, the equipment has the nominal value applicable to the most hazardous areas.
The letter “G” indicates the atmosphere, which in this example refers to gas, vapor, and mist.
EEx: Explosion protection according to European regulations
Ia: Type of explosion protection, indicating that the energy in a device or connector has been reduced to a safe level.
IIC: Gas group. The “IIC” designation indicates compatibility with the most hazardous gas group.
T4: Temperature class provides the user with the maximum temperature that may be present on a surface in contact with the atmosphere under fault conditions.
The nominal value of T4 is 135°C.
What is the definition of “Intrinsic Safety”?
Intrinsic Safety standards apply to all equipment and machinery that may constitute one or more of the defined potential explosion sources:
Electrical sparks
Electrical arcs
Flames
Hot surfaces
Static electricity
Electromagnetic radiation,
Chemical reactions
Mechanical effects,
Mechanical friction
Ignition due to compression
Acoustic energy
Ionizing radiation
For which industries are Intrinsically Safe devices designed?
Petrochemical industry
Oil platforms and refineries
Pharmaceutical
Bulk materials (granular materials)
Mining
Pipelines and equipment
Environments where explosive gases may be present
What are the main 2014/34/EU ATEX harmonized standards?
EN 60079-10; Electrical equipment for use in explosive gas atmospheres – Part 10: Classification of hazardous areas
EN 1127-1; Explosive atmospheres – Explosion prevention and protection – Part 1: Basic concepts and methodology
EN 1127-2; Explosive atmospheres – Explosion prevention and protection – Part 2: Basic concepts and methodology for mining
EN 13012; Fuel filling stations – Construction and performance requirements for automatic fuel dispensers on fuel distribution units
EN 13463-1; Non-electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres – Part 1:
EN 13463-3; Non-electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres – Part 3: Protection by flameproof enclosure “d”
EN 13463-5; Non-electrical equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres – Part 5: Structural safety with protection “c”
EN 13463-6; “Non-electrical equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres – Part 5: Construction safety with protection ”b”
EN 13463-8; Non-electrical equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres – Part 8: Protection by immersion in liquid “k”
EN 13617-1; Fuel stations – Part 1: Pumped and non-pumped dispensing units and remote pumping units – Safety requirements for construction and performance
EN 13617-2; Fuel stations – Part 2: Safety separation devices used in pumped and non-pumped dispensing units – Safety requirements for construction and performance
EN 13617-3; Fuel stations – Part 3: Shut-off valves – Safety requirements for construction and performance
EN 13617-4; Fuel stations – Part 4: Rotary couplings used in pumped and non-pumped distribution units – Safety requirements for construction and performance
EN 13760; LPG refueling systems for light and heavy-duty road vehicles – Filling nozzle – Test conditions and dimensions
EN 13980; Potentially explosive atmospheres – Application of quality systems
EN 14678-1; LPG equipment and accessories – Used in LPG refueling stations –
Construction and performance – Part 1: Distribution units (pumps/dispensers)
