ATEX (ATmosphères EXplosibles) is a safety certification standard for explosion-proof equipment within the European Union. It is designed to ensure that equipment operates safely in explosive environments and prevent explosion accidents. Below is a detailed interpretation of the ATEX explosion-proof certification standard provided by Shenzhen Zhongnuo Testing Technology Co., Ltd. (STS):

I. Basic Concepts of ATEX Certification

ATEX certification is a directive adopted by the European Commission, namely the "Directive on Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres" (94/9/EC, updated to the new directive 2014/34/EU). It specifies the technical requirements applicable to equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, i.e., the essential health and safety requirements, as well as the conformity assessment procedures that must be followed before equipment is placed on the European market within its scope of application. This directive covers both mining and non-mining equipment, extending the scope of potentially explosive hazardous environments to include dust, flammable gases, flammable vapors, and mists in the air.

II. Main Directives of ATEX Certification

ATEX certification consists of two core directives:

ATEX 114 (2014/34/EU): Directive on equipment and protective systems for use in explosive gas atmospheres. This directive stipulates the requirements that manufacturers must comply with to ensure the safe operation of equipment in environments where explosions may occur.

ATEX 153 (99/92/EC): Directive on workplace safety, which requires providing explosion-proof protection for workers and ensuring safety when operating in hazardous areas.

III. Core Requirements of ATEX Certification

Equipment Classification

ATEX categorizes equipment into different classes and groups based on the potential explosive environment. The equipment class determines the hazardous area it is suitable for—for example, Class 1 is for extremely high-risk environments, Class 2 for medium-risk environments, and Class 3 for low-risk environments. In addition, equipment is further classified according to the type of gas (e.g., explosive gases, vapors) or dust (e.g., combustible dust) in its operating environment.

Temperature Classification

ATEX also mandates that equipment must control its surface temperature during operation to prevent excessive temperatures from generating sparks or igniting flammable gases. Equipment is usually marked with a temperature class (T1–T6) to inform users of its temperature range.

Explosion-Proof Rating

The explosion-proof rating is one of the key requirements of ATEX certification. Equipment must undergo rigorous testing to ensure that its enclosure or internal protective devices can prevent sparks, heat, electric arcs, and other ignition sources from triggering explosions. Common explosion-proof types include Ex d (flameproof type for explosive gases), Ex e (increased safety type), and Ex i (intrinsically safe type).

IV. Application Fields of ATEX Certification

ATEX certification is widely applied in industrial environments where explosive gases, vapors, or dust are present, such as the oil and gas industry, chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, food and beverage industry, mining and metallurgy industry, etc. In these industries, using equipment that complies with ATEX standards is a critical measure to ensure factory safety.

V. Certification Process and Advantages of ATEX

The ATEX certification process typically includes document preparation, factory audit, testing and evaluation, and certificate issuance. Obtaining ATEX certification enables enterprises to legally sell and use their products in the European market, while also enhancing product safety and competitiveness. Meanwhile, ATEX certification helps enterprises access international markets, especially those with stringent safety requirements for explosion-proof products.

In summary, the ATEX explosion-proof certification standard is an important safety certification standard for explosion-proof equipment in Europe. Through strict certification procedures and core requirements, ATEX certification ensures the safe operation of equipment in explosive environments, providing strong support for industrial safety.