ATEX classification applies to areas where there is a risk of explosion.
Warning sign
| Areas where an explosive atmosphere consisting of exhaust gas, steam or aerosol may occur. | |
| Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| Zone 0 | An area where explosive atmospheres occur constantly, long-term or frequently. |
| Zone 1 | Area where explosive atmosphere is expected to occur during normal handling. |
| Zone 2 | |
| Areas where explosive atmospheres of combustible dust may occur. | |
| Klass | Description |
| Zon 20 | An area where explosive atmospheres occur constantly, long-term or frequently. |
| Zon 21 | Area where explosive atmosphere is expected to occur during normal handling. |
| Zon 22 | Areas where explosive atmospheres are not expected to occur during normal handling but, when they do, only have a short duration. |
Equipment for ATEX environments is divided into two different groups and in turn into different categories according to the table below.
| Group | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| I | Includes equipment intended for use in underground mines and in such parts of the above-ground installations of these mines where danger may arise from flammable mining gas and / or combustible dust. | |
| M1 | Products of this equipment category must be capable of operating in an explosive atmosphere for safety reasons and shall be equipped with integrated explosion protection devices which operate in such a way that either at least one other protective device guarantees the required level of security if a protective device is switched off, or the required level of security is guaranteed even if two faults occur independently of one another. | |
| M1 | Products of this equipment category must be capable of operating in an explosive atmosphere for safety reasons and shall be equipped with integrated explosion protection devices which operate in such a way that either at least one other protective device guarantees the required level of security if a protective device is switched off, or the required level of security is guaranteed even if two faults occur independently of one another. | |
| II | Includes equipment intended for use in other locations where danger may arise due to explosive atmospheres. | |
| 1 | Products of this equipment category must be capable of operating in an explosive atmosphere for safety reasons and shall be equipped with integrated explosion protection devices which operate in such a way that either at least one other protective device guarantees the required level of security if a protective device is switched off, or the required level of security is guaranteed even if two faults occur independently of one another. | |
| 2 | Includes products designed so that they can function in accordance with the operating parameters specified by the manufacturer and guarantee a high level of protection. | |
| 3 | Includes products designed to operate in accordance with the operating parameters specified by the manufacturer and to guarantee a normal level of protection. | |