ATEX 2014/34/EU

Equipment in Explosive Atmospheres

The ATEX directive (2014/34/EU) regulates equipment and protective systems used in explosive atmospheres. The purpose is to prevent electrical or mechanical equipment from causing ignition of gas, vapor, or dust. This applies to machine manufacturers, integrators, operators, as well as component suppliers.

What does the ATEX directive mean?

1. When does ATEX apply?

   The directive applies to all equipment that can be used in environments where an explosive atmosphere may arise.
   - Gas, vapor, or mist (e.g., chemical industry, refineries)
   - Dust and powders (e.g., food, sawmills, agriculture)

   Examples:
   - A motor in a silo
   - A fan in a paint warehouse
   - A sensor in a gas pipeline

   All of these must be ATEX certified according to the correct zone and category.

   
   

2. Classification - zones and categories

   ATEX is divided into two areas and several categories:

   Area	Zone	Atmosphere	Equipment Category
   Gas	Zone 0	Continuous explosive atmosphere	Category 1G
   Gas	Zone 1	Intermittent explosive atmosphere	Category 2G
   Gas	Zone 2	Rare and short-lived	Category 3G
   Dust	Zone 20	Continuous explosive atmosphere	Category 1D
   Dust	Zone 21	Intermittent explosive atmosphere	Category 2D
   Dust	Zone 22	Rare and short-lived	Category 3D

   Tip: Always start by determining which zone the equipment is to be used in - this governs all subsequent design and documentation.

   
   

3. Marking - what CE + EX mean

All products covered by ATEX must be CE marked and marked with the EX symbol. Example of marking: II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb

Here it means:
II - Equipment for surfaces (not mines)
2G - Zone 1, gas
Ex db - Type of protection (pressure enclosure)
IIB - Gas group
T4 - Max ambient temperature
Gb - Level of protection

Noex tips: The marking must be found both on the product and in the technical file - otherwise, the CE marking is invalid.

4. CE marking and documentation

To CE mark an ATEX product, the following is required:

1. Risk analysis for explosion risks

2. Classification of zones and category

3. Assessment of ignition sources (static electricity, friction, sparks, heat)

4. Testing and verification of the equipment

5. Technical documentation according to Annex III

6. Declaration of conformity and CE/EX marking

According to Article 13, equipment in category 1 (high risk) must be reviewed by a notified body.

5. Requirements for user manual

The user manual must contain:

• Zone affiliation and category

• Temperature limits

• Type of protection

• Special conditions for use ("X marking")

• Maintenance and inspection intervals

  Common mistake: Copying standard texts - each environment requires a unique risk assessment.

Technical review - ATEX for industry professionals

Article 1-3: Scope and definitions

ATEX applies to:

• Machines, components, and protective systems that can become an ignition source.

• Mechanical equipment (bearings, fans, switches, pumps).

• Electrical equipment (motors, sensors, control cabinets)

• Protective systems (fire dampers, shut-off valves).

Exceptions: medical equipment, personal protective equipment, certain vehicles.

Annex II - Basic health and safety requirements

Requirements for:

• Temperature control

• Mechanical strength

• Material selection and ignition risk

• Static electricity

• Grounding and potential equalization

• Construction of seals and enclosures

Noex tips: Link your risk analysis directly to Annex II requirements - this makes CE review easier and the traceability clearer.

Practical example - fan motor in Zone 1

Scenario: An electric motor drives a fan in a ventilating system for solvents.

Requirements according to ATEX:

• Category 2G (Zone 1, gas)

• EX marking: II 2G Ex eb IIB T3 Gb

• Type of protection: increased safety ("eb")

• Max ambient temperature: 200°C

• The motor must have grounding, spark-proof brushes, and a documented heat test.

Good practice: Document test results, drawings, and certificates in a shared EX folder in Noex docs - this is required during inspections.

Examples of ignition sources (according to EN1127-1)

• Hot surfaces

• Mechanical sparks

• Electricity / static charge

• Flames / hot gases

• Compression

• Electromagnetic waves

• Chemical reactions

Think like this: A spark of 0.3 mm in a mixture of air and gas is enough for ignition - that’s why ATEX is so strict.

Technical documentation requirements (Annex III)

Must include:

• Drawings and diagrams

• Risk analysis (including zone classification)

• Material specification

• Test protocol

• Declaration of conformity

• Notified Body certificate (if applicable)

The documentation must be kept for at least 10 years after the product has been released on the market.

Consequences of non-compliance with ATEX

• Sales stop or recall

• Revoked CE/EX certificate

• Liability for accidents

• Liability for damages due to explosions

Example: In 2022, a dust explosion in a sawmill in Poland caused significant damage - the equipment lacked correct ATEX classification.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Incorrect zone assessment (e.g., Zone 2 classified as Zone 1)

• Only assessing electrical components - mechanical components can also cause sparks

• Lack of documented ignition analysis

• Missing EX marking in the user manual

• Use of components without a certificate from a Notified Body

FAQ ATEX 2014/34/EU

1. What does ATEX mean?
   Answer: ATEX comes from French "ATmosphères EXplosibles" and refers to equipment for explosive environments.

   
   

2. Do all products in an industrial environment need to be ATEX certified?
   Answer: No, only those used where an explosive atmosphere may occur.

   
   

3. Does ATEX apply to dust as well?
   Answer: Yes, dust (flour, wood, sugar, metal) can create an explosive atmosphere and is covered by the directive.

   
   

4. How long is an ATEX certification valid?
   Answer: As long as the product is not significantly changed or updated with new components.