What is ATEX?
It is a term commonly used to describe potentially explosive atmospheres
(ATmosphères EXplosibles in French) and standards for protection systems
and equipment.
Two European directives, ATEX 99/92/CE and ATEX 94/9/CE, and
international standards IEC 60079 and IEC 61241, harmonized with
EN European standards, apply to this field.
How is an potentially explosive atmosphere defined
according to ATEX?
An potentially explosive atmosphere is defined as a mix of flammable
substances in the form of gas, vapour, dust (cloud or deposit) which, in air
and under normal atmospheric conditions, can completely or partially catch
fire in the form of an explosion when exposed to a source of ignition.
Equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres
Degree of protection In hazardous areas, equipment is required to
offer a minimum degree of protection of IP54, but it can be tested or
certified with a higher degree of protection.The final solution must be certified by a notified body
Since 1st July 2003, European directive ATEX 94/9/CE has made it compulsory to use certified electric or
non-electric equipment when it must be installed in zones with explosive atmospheres (gas or dust).
Certification must be provided by a body which is notified according to the same directive.
The body notifies its assessment of the quality of the production and certifies that the product complies
with the health and safety demands defined in the directive and the international standards.
The certificate shows the category of the product by marking, and thus the zone and atmosphere in
which it can be used.
The standards define the following types of protection for electric equipment:
Enclosures are certified as components. They will be assembled with other ATEX electrical, pneumatic
and hydraulic components, among others to form a final solution which, in turn, must be ATEX-certified
and subject to a declaration of conformity
More info.
http://www.schneiderelectric.pt/documents/product-services/involucros-universais/ATEX.pdf
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