What is ATEX

ATEX definition

ATEX is short for ATmosphére ÉXplosive. Atex certified products are used as a precaution in potentially exploding environments to make the work environment safer.

 

An explosive environment

Areas, which are potentially explosive, can be places that contain of a mixture of air and flammable substances under atmospheric conditions, where the combustion after ignition spreads to the entire unburned mixture. The flammable substances can be in the form of gases, vapors, mists or dust.

To sum up, the following elements need to exist: First a combustive agent like air, second a combustible like gas, paint thinner, diesel etc. and third a point of flammability or an ignition source.

 

ATEX classifications

The classification of the dangerous Zones is established according to the following norms: EN 1127-1, EN 60079-10-1 (gas-Ex) and EN 60079-10-2 (Dusts-Ex), with a division of the dangerous areas in three Zones, according to the frequency and the period of presence of the explosive substance.