We list below the main areas associated with the Classification of Equipment under the ATEX Directives to assist you in identifying your requirements
Equipment designed, and, where necessary, equipped with additional special means of protection affording a very high level of protection.
For use in underground parts of mines as well as those parts of surface installations endangered by fire damp and/or combustible dust
Must remain functional, even in the event of rare incidents relating to equipment even with an explosive atmosphere present and is characterized by means of protection such that either, in the event of failure of one means of protection, at least an independent second means provides the requisite level of protection; or the requisite level of protection is assured in the event of two faults occurring independently of each other
Equipment designed Affording a high level of protection
For use in underground parts of mines as well as those parts of surface installations endangered by fire damp and/or combustible dust
Equipment in this category is intended to be de-energized in the event of an explosive atmosphere being present
Characterized by means of protection such that equipment in this category
Assure the requisite level of protection during normal operation and Where more severe operating conditions occur, in particular those arising from rough handling and changing environmental conditions
Equipment designed must be capable of functioning with a very high level of protection
Equipment in this category is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by mixtures of air and gases, vapours or mists or by air/dust mixtures are present continuously, for long periods or frequently
Must ensure the requisite level of protection, even in the event of rare incidents relating to equipment.
Characterized by means of protection such that:
Either, in the event of failure of one means of protection, at least an independent second means provides the requisite level of protection; or
The requisite level of protection is assured in the event of two faults occurring independently of each other
Equipment designed must be capable of functioning with a high level of protection.
Equipment in this category is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapours, mists or air/dust mixtures are likely to occur
Characterized by means of protection such that:
Ensures the requisite level of protection, Even in the event of frequently occurring disturbances or Equipment faults which normally have to be taken into account
Equipment designed must be capable of functioning ensuring a normal level of protection
Equipment in this category is intended for use in areas in which explosive atmospheres caused by gases, vapour, mists, or air/dust mixtures are unlikely to occur or, if they do occur, are likely to do so only infrequently and for a short period only
Equipment in this category ensures the requisite level of protection during normal operation
All equipment certified under the ATEX Directive 94/9/EC, must be appropriately marked, and the main identification symbol which must be placed on the equipment is shown opposite.
This must be followed by the appropriate code for the type on environment where the equipment can be used.
Such as
II 2 G/D
The first letters (II) represent the group of the Equipment. in this example for above ground use.
The second numeral (2) relates to the Category of equipment, either 1, 2 or 3 depending on the severity of the environment.
Equipment Categories
The ATEX Directive, in Annex I, defines five categories of equipment:
M1 and M2 (mining use)
CAT 1, CAT 2, and CAT 3 (non-mining use)
Finally, the remaining letters indicate either (G) a Gaseous environment or (D) a Dust environment or as in our case both
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UK DSEAR experts.
UK DSEAR experts provide the consultancy, expert advice and information with regards ATEX 94/9/EC - The equipment directive. As expert UK consultants in the field of Explosive Atmospheres Regulations we understand and provide the work you need to ensure you comply with the European directive for equipment and protective systems.