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HAZARDOUS AREAS · BASICS

What Is ATEX?

ATEX is the European framework for equipment and workplaces where an explosive atmosphere of gas, vapour or dust can occur. Its name comes from the French "ATmosphères EXplosibles". One directive sets the safety rules for equipment sold into these areas; the other requires employers to classify their hazardous areas into zones and use suitably certified equipment.

01

The Short Answer

An ATEX marking tells you where a product can be used. For example, II 3G means equipment group II (surface industries), category 3 (suitable for Zone 2) and G for gas. The marking continues with the protection method, gas group and temperature class, such as Ex ic IIC T4 Gc.

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    Classify the area The site owner assesses how often an explosive atmosphere is present and marks out the zones.
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    Match the category Category 1 equipment suits Zone 0 or 20, category 2 Zone 1 or 21, category 3 Zone 2 or 22.
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    Check gas group and temperature The gas group and T class must suit the substances on site.
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    Keep certification intact Modifying certified equipment can invalidate its marking.
02

Why It Matters

North America uses a different system of classes and divisions; our Class 1 Division 2 FAQ explains it, and our ATEX zones FAQ covers each zone. See our hazardous area panel PCs and the wastewater HMI case study.