Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX) Certification

ATEX is the conformity regime applied to placing equipment for use in potentially explosive atmospheres on the EU market (2014/34/EU). Under the heading of product certification, the focus is on certifying the equipment by its type of protection, gas group and temperature class, and correctly constructing the Ex mark. Notified-body involvement is mandatory for Category 1 and electrical Category 2 equipment.

• Manufacturers of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres
• Manufacturers of Ex-proof motors, panels, lighting and sensors
• Suppliers of equipment to the petrochemical, paint, flour and sugar industries
• Firms supplying equipment to facilities with a dust-explosion risk

Mandatory for equipment within scope for the EU market. Whether a notified body is involved depends on the equipment category: EU type examination is mandatory for Category 1 and electrical Category 2, while the manufacturer can self-declare for Category 3.

• Determining the equipment group (I/II) and category (1/2/3)
• Protection requirements by gas (G) or dust (D) atmosphere
• Selecting the type of protection and verifying the design accordingly
• Determining the gas group (IIA/IIB/IIC) and temperature class (T1-T6)
• The ignition-hazard assessment
• Type testing (the EN IEC 60079 series; the EN ISO 80079 series for non-electrical equipment)
• The quality-assurance notification (the production phase for Category 1 and electrical Category 2)
• Showing the Ex mark and identification details on the equipment

1. 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
2. 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
3. 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
4. 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
5. 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
6. 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.

The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.

• The list of product models and variants
• Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
• Certificates for critical components
• The instructions for use and a sample label
• Existing test reports, if any
• Production-site details

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 models and variants in the product family
• The test scope the applicable standard requires
• Whether a factory audit is required
• The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
• Whether existing test reports can be accepted

Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.

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.

• CB SchemeIECEE CB Scheme
• IECExExplosive Atmosphere
• E-MarkVehicle Homologation
• WheelmarkMarine Equipment
• CEEU Product Conformity
• UKCAUnited Kingdom Conformity
• ENECElectrical Product Safety
• GSGermany Product Safety