European explosion-proof certification (ATEX certification)

On March 23, 1994, the European Commission adopted the "Equipment and Protection System for Potentially Explosive Environment" (94/9/EC) directive. This directive covers mine and non-mine equipment. Unlike previous directives, it includes mechanical equipment and electrical equipment to extend the potentially explosive atmosphere to airborne dust and flammable gases, flammable vapors and mists. This directive is the "new method" directive commonly known as ATEX 100A, the current ATEX explosion-proof directive. It specifies the technical requirements to be applied for equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres - the basic health and safety requirements and the conformity assessment procedures that must be applied before the equipment is placed on the European market within its scope of use.

Manufacturers of equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres apply the ATEX Directive and attach the CE mark, allowing them to be sold anywhere in Europe without regard to the application of additional requirements. The scope of the equipment covered by the Directive is particularly large, and it generally includes equipment suitable for fixed offshore platforms, petrochemical plants, flour mills and other places where potentially explosive atmospheres may exist. The European market is estimated to purchase 3 billion euros of equipment every year.

This directive does not apply to the following products:
• Medical equipment used in a medical environment;
• Explosive hazards Equipment and protective systems that are completely caused by explosive or unstable chemical substances on site;
• Used only for occasional leakage of flammable gases, either domestic or non-commercial equipment that produces little explosive gas;
• Personal protective equipment included in 89/686/EEC;
• together with the ship's equipment for marine vessels and marine mobile devices, such as containers or devices;
• Vehicles, such as vehicles and their trailers that transport passengers or goods by air, road, rail or water. Vehicles used in potentially explosive atmospheres should not be excluded and this equipment is included in Article 233(1).

ATEX certificate can be obtained according to the following ways
(a) For Group I and II equipment, M1 and Class 1 equipment can be selected: - EC type testing + production quality assurance, or - EC type testing + product verification;
(b) For Group I and II equipment, M2 and Type 2 equipment may be selected (I) for internal combustion engines and electronic equipment in this group and type, − EC type test + conformance type − EC type test + product quality assurance (ii ) For other devices in this group and type, _internal production controls, and send technical documents to the notified body.
(c) Internal control of production of Group II equipment and Category 3 equipment;
(d) Units I and II may perform unit verification except for (a), (b) and (c). The above (a) or (d) can be used for the conformity assessment of an independent protection system.

Device group classification
1. Group I equipment
(a) The category M1 (category M1) is a very high degree of protection. This type of equipment is used in underground mines, and methane and/or flammable dusts in this mine can create hazards; the equipment in this category is characterized by the following protection methods: − If a protection method fails, at least one The second way of independence provides the necessary level of protection; − In the event of two separate failures, the necessary level of protection should be ensured.
(b) M2 equipment is a high level of protection. This type of equipment is used in underground mines, and methane and/or flammable dusts in this mine can be dangerous; if it is in an explosive atmosphere, this equipment can be powered off.
2. Group II equipment
(a) Category 1 is a very high degree of protection. The equipment in this category is used in areas of explosive gas caused by mixtures of air and gases, steam or mist, or air/dust mixtures, and persists for a long time or frequently. Devices in this category are characterized by the following protection methods: − In the event of a failure of one protection mode, at least one independent second mode provides the necessary level of protection; − If two independent failures occur, ensure that necessary Protection level.
(b) Category 2 is a high degree of protection. Equipment in this category may explode in gases, vapors, fog, or explosive gases from air/dust mixtures.
(c) Category 3 is a general level of protection. The equipment in this category is unlikely to explode in gases, vapors, fog, or explosive gases from air/dust mixtures. If it happens, it may be occasional or short-term.
If the device is used in zone 0, 1 or 2, the category number is followed by the letter G (gas, vapor/mist):
Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2
1G equipment 2G equipment 3G equipment

If the device is used in zone 20, 21 or 22, the category number is followed by the letter D (dust):
20 District 21 District 22 District
1D equipment 2D equipment 3D equipment

Select the equipment that meets the requirements of the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC according to the hazardous area to be used. ATEX 1999/92/EC stipulates that: Zone 0 sites can only use Type 1 equipment; Zone 1 sites can only use Type 1 and Type 2 equipment; Zone 2 sites can only use Type 1, 2 and 3 equipment.