Entering the EU Market: Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX)

The ATEX Directive governs equipment and protective systems for use in potentially explosive atmospheres; its distinguishing feature is that it also covers non-electrical equipment.

The obligation lies with the manufacturer. For Category 1 and electrical Category 2 equipment, EU type examination is mandatory; in Category 3 the manufacturer can make its own declaration.

• The ignition-hazard assessment
• Manufacturing drawings and surface temperature calculations
• Design calculations according to the type of protection
• Type test reports
• A sample Ex rating plate and an explanation of the marking
• Instructions for use and installation

1. 01Scope DeterminationIt is determined which legislation and marking scope the product falls under in the target market. This step defines the entire process; getting it wrong wastes all subsequent work.
2. 02Determining Applicable StandardsThe standards accepted by the market and any national deviations are identified. The same IEC standard may apply with different deviations in different markets.
3. 03Establishing the Test PlanIt is assessed which part of existing test reports will be accepted; missing tests are planned. A CB Scheme report, if available, reduces retesting.
4. 04Local Party and RegistrationIf the market requires an established representative, importer or applicant, this party is designated and the necessary registrations are made.
5. 05Tests and Technical FileTests are conducted and the technical file is prepared. Some markets require testing to be performed within their own country.
6. 06Certification or DeclarationDepending on the market's regime, a manufacturer's declaration is drawn up or a certificate is obtained from the authorised body; a factory audit is carried out if required.
7. 07Marking and LabellingThe mark and label are applied according to the market's format and language rules. The language requirement is checked at customs in most markets.
8. 08Shipment and CustomsIf a pre-shipment document is required, it is obtained; the document set to be presented at customs is completed.

• An IECEx certificate does not take the place of ATEX but shortens the process
• The Ex marking carries the group, category, type of protection, gas group and temperature class
• The workplace-side obligation (1999/92/EC) is a separate regime and binds the employer

1. 01The equipment arrangement and the workplace arrangementThere are two separate pieces of legislation: one places obligations on the party manufacturing the equipment, the other on the workplace hosting the explosive atmosphere. Using suitable equipment does not remove the workplace obligations.
2. 02ATEX and IECExIECEx is an international and voluntary certification arrangement; its technical basis is largely the same standards. An IECEx certificate does not take the place of an EU declaration but forms a strong input to the assessment.
3. 03ATEX and functional safetyThe IEC 61508 arrangement addresses the reliability of a safety function; ATEX addresses ignition risk. A safety device can be subject to both.
4. 04The difference between types of protectionFlameproof enclosure, increased safety, intrinsically safe circuits and pressurisation rest on different physical principles; one cannot be chosen in place of another, and the environment and application determine which applies.

This page describes entry into the European Union market. The scheme itself — its scope, process, validity period and required documents — is covered in detail on the certification page.

This section's content is being prepared. The roadmap specific to your product and target market at the quote stage in writing.