NW101-EN

2 Overall dimensions and technical information are provided solely for informative purposes and may be modified without notice ATEX Overview Directive ATEX 2014/34/EU (previously ATEX 94/9/EC) provides for harmonised requirements and conformity assessment procedures for electrical and non-electrical equipment, intended for use in environments which are potentially explosive due to dust or gas hazards, and protective systems. Safety devices intended for use ATEX Directive 2014/34 /UE Atmosphere Explosive An explosive atmosphere is a mixture of flammable gases, vapours, mists or dusts with air, under specific atmospheric conditions in which, after ignition has occurred, combustion propagates to the flammable mixture. The conformity assessment procedures depend on the categories (level of protection) of the intended use of the equipment. outside explosive atmospheres, which are required for or contribute to the safe functioning of equipment or protective systems with respect to risks of explosion are also included. ATEX Directive divides equipment into groups and categories as shown into table below. ATEX directive divides equipment in grups and categories as shown in the following table: ATEX Directive 2014/34 /UE GROUPS CATEGORIES CONDITION OF OPERATIONS I Underground Mines M1 Very high level of protection Equipment remains energised and functioning when explosive atmosphere present M2 High level of protection Equipment de-energised when explosive atmosphere is recognised II Surface industries 1 Very high level of protection Equipment remains energised and functioning in Zones 0,1,2 (G) and/or 20, 21, 22 (D) 2 High level of protection Equipment remains energised and functioning in Zones 1, 2 (G) and/or 21, 22 (D) 3 Normal protection Equipment remains energised and functioning in Zone 2 (G) and/or 22 (D) GAS: IIA , IIB, IIC Gas and vapours are divided into 3 sub-groups IIA, IIB and IIC depending of the characteristics of the substance. The group IIC is the most dangerous and the group IIA is the less one. Based on the substance, it is possible to identify the group to which the equipment must belong. Each equipment is suitable and approved for a gas group: equipment of IIC group can be installed also in location that require equipment of the groups IIA and IIB and IIC. Example of substances: - IIA : acetone, ethyl alcohol, ammonia, petrol, butane, hexane, ethane, natural gas, naphtha, propane, toluene, solvents, etc... - IIB : acetaldehyde, cyclopropane, ethyl ether, ethylene, etc… - IIC : acetylene, hydrogen, gases containing more than 25% hydrogen, carbon disulphide, etc… DUST: IIIA, IIIB, IIIC Dusts are into 3 sub-groups IIIA, IIIB and IIIC : - IIIA : fiber - IIIB : non conductive dust - IIIC : conductive dust