ATEX

The ATEX directive 2014/34/EU is dedicated to the protection against accidents and damage caused by the unintentional ignition of explosive atmospheres. To ensure safe operation, the ATEX directive stipulates that the design of components operated in potentially explosive areas must incorporate protection measures that reduce the potential of the respective component to act as an ignition source.

To determine the required safety measures which must be incorporated into the design of a component covered by the ATEX guidelines, a classification is done into so‑called equipment groups and equipment categories. Components intended for operation in mining as classified as equipment group 1. Equipment group 2 includes components which are operated in all other areas where explosive atmospheres occur. Components of equipment group 1 are further divided into equipment category M1 and equipment category M2, which differ from each other in terms of the safety requirements and the mode of operation. Within equipment group 2 a further classification is done into three equipment categories based on the frequency and duration with which explosive atmospheres occur in the area where the component is operated.

In addition to the classification into equipment groups and equipment categories, a temperature class is assigned, which defines the maximum allowed surface temperature for the respective component.