Release time：2024-04-11
International explosion-proof standard
Explosion-proof products must pass a series of rigorous tests carried out by experts in the safety field.
There are many different authorized testing bodies that certify explosion-proof equipment. The European certification is called ATEX, the most common organization in the United States is called UL, the most famous organization in Canada is called CSA, and the global certification provider is called IECEx. Any equipment used in hazardous areas must be certified to these well-known standards.
In addition to the following standards, each country requires additional local certificates. You can find an overview of the most important country-specific certificates. Click here
1. European ATEX Directive
ATEX is the French acronym for ATmosphère EXplosibles, which means "potentially explosive atmosphere". These are aimed at manufacturers and users of equipment or protective systems used in potentially explosive atmospheres.
The ATEX Directive is divided into ATEX Product Directive 2014/34/EU for manufacturers and ATEX Operational Directive 1999/92/EG for plant operators.
a) ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU for manufacturers
This specifies basic safety and health requirements and specifies the characteristics of equipment for use in potentially explosive areas. It targets manufacturers and regulates the market placement of explosion protection, electrical and mechanical equipment, components and protective systems. Equipment and protective systems complying with Directive 2014/34/EU may only be placed on the market if they bear the CE marking and are accompanied by an EU certificate of conformity, which indicates that the essential safety and health requirements have been met and that the applicable compliance has followed an assessment procedure .
b) Directive 1999/92/EG for plant operators
This provides minimum provisions for safety requirements to protect employees and avoid explosion accidents. They relate to the operation of potentially explosive systems and are primarily aimed at employers and system operators. According to the guidelines, operators must assess the explosion risk of the system and classify it as a hazardous area.
2. Global IECEX System
IECEx is an international certification program for equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. IECEx stands for International Electrical Commission System and is used to certify standards related to equipment used in explosive atmospheres. National and international Ex standards will be standardized using the IECEx scheme. IECEx certified equipment is recognized worldwide due to internationally harmonized standards, tests and test marks.
IECEx is currently only approved in Australia and New Zealand and has not been rewritten as a national certificate. Currently only IECEx approved equipment is not permitted for use in Europe.
3. North American NEC standard
In North America, the National Electrical Code (NEC) applies to equipment used in hazardous areas. In North America, potentially explosive atmospheres fall under the term "hazardous location" and are explained in NEC Section 500. Here, potentially explosive areas are divided into "classes" and "zones". Class I indicates areas where flammable gases, vapors or mists are present. Class II refers to areas with dust, and Class III refers to areas with fibers or fluff. Part 1 or Part 2 describes the frequency and duration of presence of these substances in potentially explosive atmospheres.
