What is ATEX?
ATEX is European legislation governing equipment and working environments in potentially explosive atmospheres. The name comes from the French ATmosphères EXplosibles.
ATEX consists of two directives:
- Directive 2014/34/EU – equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (for manufacturers)
- Directive 1999/92/EC – minimum requirements to improve the safety and health of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres (for users/operators)
Zones
- Gas: Zone 0 (continuous), Zone 1 (likely in normal operation), Zone 2 (unlikely, short duration)
- Dust: Zone 20, 21, 22 with the same logic
Equipment marking
ATEX equipment carries the Ex hexagon, equipment group (I mining, II surface industries), category (1, 2, 3), atmosphere (G gas, D dust), protection concept (e.g. Ex d, Ex e, Ex ia), gas group (IIA, IIB, IIC) and temperature class (T1–T6).
VTL supplies ATEX/IECEx-certified Eaton Crouse-Hinds, Eaton MTL and Weidmüller equipment and supports area classification and equipment selection.
