Please find below an overview of the frequently asked questions about ATEX and ATEX products.

ATEX is applicable in atmospheres where explosions can occur because of dust, vapors or gases that are likely to ignite or detonate. So, it applies to most workplaces that use or store flammable or explosive materials — for example, factories that use flammable products or generate combustible clouds of dust. Other examples of workplace operations where ATEX is likely to apply include chemical processing, wood industry, pharmaceutical companies and milk drying.

Employers must classify areas where hazardous explosive atmospheres may occur into zones. The classification given to a particular zone, and its size and location, depends on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring and its persistence if it does. There are 6 different ATEX Zones:

There are 6 different types of ATEX zones and in this article we will explain what the differences are between each zone. ATEX Zone 0: In this zone there are explosive gasses or vapours present all the time and for a long amount of time ATEX Zone 1: in this zone during normal operation it is expected that there will be explosive gasses or vapours present. ATEX Zone 2: in this zone during normal operation it is not expected that there will be explosive gasses or vapours present, but if they are present it is only for a short period of time. ATEX ZONE 20: In this zone there are combustible dusts or fibres present all the time and for a long amount of time ATEX Zone 21: in this zone during normal operation it is expected that there will be combustible dusts or fibres. ATEX Zone 22: in this zone during normal operation it is not expected that there will be combustible dusts or fibres present, but if they are present it is only for a short period of time.

The IECEx System is the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres. IECEx certification, unlike ATEX certification, is for promoting international business. It certifies equipment and services for their suitability on global markets, focusing on safety in explosive environments. ATEX is derived from the IECEx, but with jurisdictional deviations to match the needs of the EU