ATEX (CE) Certification

The ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) governs equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Its distinguishing feature is that it also covers non-electrical equipment. Equipment is grouped by the area it will be used in: Group I for mines, Group II for other surface installations; categories (1, 2, 3) and the gas (G) / dust (D) distinction determine the protection level.

• Manufacturers of motors, fans, pumps and gearboxes for use in explosive atmospheres
• Manufacturers of Ex-proof lighting, junction boxes and panels
• Manufacturers of measurement, control and sensor equipment
• Manufacturers of protective systems (flame arrestors, explosion vent panels)
• Manufacturers of paint booths, silos and dust-conveying systems

Mandatory for equipment within scope. Notified-body involvement depends on the category: EU type examination is mandatory for Category 1 and electrical Category 2 equipment; for Category 3 equipment the manufacturer can self-declare through internal production control. For non-electrical Category 2 equipment, the technical file must be lodged with a notified body.

• Scope, equipment groups (I, II) and categories (M1, M2, 1, 2, 3)
• Gas (G) and dust (D) atmospheres; the relationship between zone and category
• Essential health and safety requirements (Annex II)
• Identification and prevention of ignition sources
• Types of protection: flameproof enclosure (d), increased safety (e), intrinsic safety (i), pressurisation (p), encapsulation (m), dust protection (t)
• Determining the temperature class (T1-T6) and the gas group (IIA, IIB, IIC)
• Requirements for protective systems and safety devices
• Marking: the Ex mark, group, category, type of protection, gas group, temperature class
• Conformity-assessment modules and their selection by category

1. 1Determining the LegislationIt is determined which EU legislation applies to the product. A product can fall within scope of more than one piece of legislation at the same time; all of them must be met.
2. 2Selecting the Conformity Assessment ModuleThe legislation determines the module to follow according to the product's risk class. The manufacturer self-declares under some modules, while a notified body is involved under others.
3. 3Testing Against Harmonised StandardsConformity with harmonised standards published in the EU Official Journal is demonstrated through testing; this provides a presumption of conformity with the legislation.
4. 4Risk Analysis and the Technical FileThe risk assessment, design calculations, test reports, instructions for use and sample labels are compiled in the technical file.
5. 5The EU Declaration of ConformityThe manufacturer or its EU-based authorised representative signs the declaration of conformity. Responsibility rests with the signatory of the declaration.
6. 6Affixing the CE MarkThe mark is affixed to the product in the form and size the legislation prescribes; the notified body's identification number is added if one is involved.
7. 7Retaining the Technical FileThe technical file is retained for the period the legislation sets from the product's placing on the market (10 years under most legislation) and presented to the competent authority on request.

The CE mark is not a certificate but the manufacturer's declaration of conformity, and it has no expiry. However, the declaration remains valid as long as the product and the legislation do not change: the technical file must be updated if the legislation or the harmonised standard is updated. Notified-body certificates (e.g. an EU Type-Examination Certificate) are subject to a validity period.

• The product description, model list and technical drawings
• Risk assessment
• The list of harmonised standards applied
• Test reports
• Instructions for use and warning labels (in the target market's language)
• A draft EU Declaration of Conformity
• The ignition-hazard assessment
• Manufacturing drawings, material and surface-temperature calculations
• Design calculations and gap/distance values by type of protection
• Temperature-rise and type-test reports (the EN IEC 60079 series, the EN ISO 80079 series)
• A sample Ex rating plate and an explanation of the marking
• Instructions for use and installation

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of pieces of legislation applicable to the product
• The conformity-assessment module — whether a notified body is involved
• The required test scope and number of samples
• The current state of the technical file
• Translation and documentation needs

A Notified Body under CE is registered in the European Commission's NANDO database for the relevant EU regulation and carries a four-digit identification number. Notified body authority is based on legislation and product scope; The authority granted for one regulation does not extend to another. Testing is within the scope of ISO/IEC 17025, product certification is within the scope of ISO/IEC 17065.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• CEPED
• CESPVD
• CEGas Appliances
• CEMachinery Safety
• CELVD
• CEEMC
• CERED
• CEMDR