ATEX Zone & Zoning

Questions we often get are:

  • What is an ATEX zone?
  • How do ATEX zones work?
  • What is the difference between ATEX Zone 1 and ATEX zone 21?

Below will give a brief introduction to ATEX zones.

What is an ATEX Zone?

The ATEX directive covers explosions from flammable gas/vapors and combustible dust/fibers (which, contrary to common perception, can lead to hazardous explosions). More information about explosive atmospheres can be read at our page dedicated to this subject.

Hazard – Gas/vapor/mist

Zone 0 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is present continuously or for long periods or frequently.
Zone 1 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Zone 2 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapor or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.

Hazard – dust/fibers

Zone 20 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is present continuously, or for long periods or frequently.
Zone 21 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.
Zone 22 – A place in which an explosive atmosphere in the form of a cloud of combustible dust in air is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.

Various sources have tried to place time limits on to these zones, but none have been officially adopted (source hse.gov.uk) . The most common values used are:

Zone 0: Explosive atmosphere for more than 1000h/yr
Zone 1: Explosive atmosphere for more than 10, but less than 1000 h/yr
Zone 2: Explosive atmosphere for less than 10h/yr, but still sufficiently likely as to require controls over ignition sources.

Summary ATEX Zones

The above explanation of ATEX zones and subdivision into gas and dust can be schematically represented as follows:

What are ATEX zones

ATEX Certificates

ATEX approval and/or certification is a requirement to ensure that equipment and protective systems are suitable for their intended use within designated areas containing potentially explosive atmospheres.

Depending on the equipment category, which depends on the applicable hazardous zone for the intended use, the approval or certification process typically involves a Notified Body who can assess the conformity of the product and a third-party organization with a certified testing facility to test the product. For all our ATEX phones and explosion proof tablets we have official ATEX certificates available.

ATEX phones for ATEX zones

ATEXphones.com has a wide range of explosion proof telephones and ex mobile means of communication. You can choose an ATEX telephone based on the ATEX requirements that apply at your location. When in doubt, always contact your security expert. We cannot be held responsible for the incorrect application of our products by you.

If in doubt and you’d like to discuss your ATEX and IECEx requirements in more details, contact us today. Our engaged ATEX experts are ready to assist and inform you about the best solution.