What ATEX covers
Directive 2014/34/EU applies to equipment, protective systems and components intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, both electrical and non-electrical. Equipment is divided into:
- group I, for mines;
- group II, for other places, with categories 1, 2 and 3 in decreasing order of protection level.
The assessment route depends on the category and the type of equipment: the higher levels need a notified body. The marking includes the Ex symbol, the group and the category.
Machines and zones: who decides what
The Machinery Regulation requires a machine intended for a potentially explosive atmosphere to be marked accordingly. The specific requirements against explosion risk come from ATEX, which applies together with the Regulation.
Zone classification is the user's job, under Directive 1999/92/EC as transposed in their country: zones 0, 1 and 2 for gases, zones 20, 21 and 22 for dusts. The manufacturer designs the machine for the category that suits the intended zone. That is why the destination zone must be clear in the order.
What to do in practice
- Record for every serial number the zone and category the machine was built for.
- Put the required ATEX information and the limits of use in the instructions, for example temperatures and maintenance.
- Keep the certificates of the ATEX components installed: replacements must be parts of the same category.
With TARGA every serial number has its configuration, the right version of the instructions and the attached documents, available from the QR code on the nameplate.
Frequently asked questions
Who decides which zone the machine works in?
The user, who classifies the areas of their plant under Directive 1999/92/EC as transposed in their country. The manufacturer builds the machine for the category that suits the zone indicated.
Is a notified body always needed for ATEX?
No. It depends on the category and the type of equipment: the highest protection levels need a notified body, for others the manufacturer's internal control is enough. Check the route with your consultant.