What is ATEX Directive 94/9/EC?

According to the Guideline 94/ 9/EC, an explosive atmosphere is defined as a mixture:
- of flammable substances in the form of gases, vapours, mists or dusts,
- with air,
- under atmospheric conditions,
- in which, after ignition, the combustion spreads to the entire unburned mixture.

The Directives are known as ATEX (from the French – ATmospheres EXplosibles).

From the 1st July 2003, all new equipment intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must comply with ATEX Directive 94/9/EC. The Directive applies to any equipment that will or may be used in an explosive atmosphere. Manufacturers must design and test components to prevent or minimise the risk of explosion due to the production or release of explosive atmospheres.


Essentially, manufacturers must consider every possible electrical or non-electrical source of ignition. And, at the same time, consider all potentially hazardous environments a product could operate in; the different ways it could be applied and the technical ability of the person using the product.


download the EX guide (pdf)

As of this date, all equipment within the scope of the Directive must comply with the requirements of the Directive and bear the Ex Mark and CE Marking in order to be placed on the market or put into service within the EU.

From July 2003, all equipment and protective systems for use in higher risk areas must be marked legibly and indelibly with the name and address of the manufacturer, CE mark and number of Notified Body, designation of series or type of equipment, specific explosive protection 'Ex' hexagon logo, year of manufacture and serial number. It may also need to carry the EC Type Examination Certificate details. For CE marking, as well as compliance with ATEX, all hazardous area equipment must comply with any other applicable directives.

For further information about the ATEX Directive, please visit the links below:
Directive 94/9/EC: Guidelines on the application, published by the European Union

Practical guide for the EX marking:

CE
This means CE mark permitted by the European Commission to show compliance with all EU directives applicable to a product.

Ex
Distinctive community mark to show suitability for explosive atmospheres

II
Group II - surface industries
Group I - for use in mines

1
Equipment category

GD
G = tested for gases
D = tested for dusts

EEx
EEx means equipment tested under the latest European Harmonised Standard for use in Explosive atmospheres

d
Certification Production concept
e.g. d(flameproof) to EN50018

IIC
Apparatus Group

T4
Temperature classification
T1 = 450 Deg.C
T2 = 300 Deg.C
T3 = 200 Deg.C
T4 = 135 Deg.C
T5 = 100 Deg.C
T6 = 85 Deg.C.

T amb
Ambient temperature range in service